Savvy homeowners take good care of their septic system. They know that a properly functioning system is vital to a happy and healthy household. You are probably careful about what you put down your drains. But sometimes owners are putting things down the drain that can be harmful. They are often completely unaware of this. Did you know that some soaps can be more harmful to your system than others? Don’t worry. Sometimes simply switching types or brands can be the answer.
First and foremost, you should be using soaps that are biodegradable. Remember, your tank is its own ecosystem. It contains bacteria that break down harmful materials before reintroducing liquid to the groundwater. So biodegradable soaps will be easier on the organisms that exist solely to make sure your tank is functioning properly. It is good for your system AND the environment!
Something else you might not have thought about is liquid detergent versus powdered detergent for your washing machine. If you have a gravity powered conventional septic system, powdered detergent may not be the best choice. The liquid will flow more smoothly through the system. However, if you have an aerated system, you may want to go with the powdered type of detergent. This is less likely to cause excessive foaming in the aeration chamber.
No matter which type of detergent you choose, you should research septic safe brands and types. Make sure to keep an eye on the level of phosphates in the soaps. Algal growth is encouraged by high levels of phosphates. If algae growth occurs too quickly, the dissolved oxygen in your tank will become depleted. As mentioned before, your tank is its own ecosystem. Without oxygen, your tank will essentially “die”. This should be avoided at all costs.
If you’ve never thought of this issue before, don’t worry! There’s always time to correct a bad habit. If you would like to start over with a fresh, clean tank, give us a call. Express Septic & Drain Cleaning is available 24/7 for all of your pumping needs. We will also provide you with a free inspection report. So this way, you can have peace of mind about your system’s health. Call us for a free estimate!
