How to dispose of bleach with a septic system
The use of household bleach extends broadly in various domestic fields. Hence, it has a large scale use. This can include; laundry (stain removal and clothe whitening), getting your glasses, windows, and crystalline to sparkle, and inhibiting weeds’ growth. Disinfection of garden tools and plant pots, sterilization of drinking water, cleansing the garbage can, sanitization of toilet bowls, disinfectant agent for cleaning in hospitals, and lots more. Household bleach usage is extensive. There is a need for caution, on how to dispose of bleach with a septic system properly and its safety
Get to know more about “bleach”!
Nearly every American home has possession of household bleach. These bleaches are of two main classes; chlorine bleaches and non-chlorine bleaches. They all belong to a class of chemicals known as “oxidative agents” due to the reactive effect called “oxidation,” which only occurs when they come into close contact with smudge, germs, or other organisms.
When it comes to disposal after use, it is crucial to note and understand the safest way to get rid of them in which there would be avoidance of any problem that may want to occur due to improper disposal.
How does a septic tank work?
The septic tank system is one of the most popular means of wastewater removal. However, the kind of chemicals and cleaners you put into the system needs to be carefully determined before disposal. These septic systems are usually buried in a subterranean location out of usual human activities or outside the main building, where wastewater from numerous sources like; laundry, bathtub, kitchen sink, and the loo is being flushed down a drain.
This water is received through a naturally occurring process and is later broken down for subsequent dispersion into the earth. Later on, separation into three different components of these organic materials occurs inside the tank. Oil and solids, also known as sludge, will start to settle at the bottom; liquid called “affluent” is left floating in the middle between these two!
As time goes on, naturally occurring bacteria that are already in the tank will begin to break down the biodegradable material and make it ready for even dispersal. Thus, professionals eventually get to drain the excess build-up of scum oils and sludge solids.
The soil is left to absorb the departing fluid, which is being funneled into perforated plastic pipes or underground gravel trenches, then natural treatment would be carried out by the soil.
Is bleach bad for septic systems (safe disposal of bleach)?
You can dispose of bleach with a septic tank system. However, it should be in small, diluted quantities!
Moreover, as long as you clean with bleach in your household, it is expected that some will end up in the septic tank while on the go to reach the waste disposal system. For example, when you do laundry, you would use the water to flush your toilet.
How much bleach is too much for a septic tank?
Aside from bleach, other household and cleaning products you might want to consider using on a septic tank should as well be “in small, diluted quantities.”Research carried out by Mark Gross shows that 1.85 gallons of bleach are enough to cause a complete bacteria “die-off.”
You need to be aware that if you use full-strength bleach or if too much gets into the system, then expect a disruption in the proper functioning of your septic tank, which can lead to drastic consequences that would cost you an expensive repair. This is because too much bleach kills the Bacteria needed in the septic tank, which is ultimately needed for the system to operate properly. Hence, it is an abuse of the system.
This rapidly results in various problems, and the first one that is usually observed is the stench of a bad smell.
However, it does not stop there but persists in making solids build up inside the tank and in pipes due to lack of total removal of bacteria. Others are; blockages and breakages resulting from the inability of the septic tank system to break down the household wastes. The best thing you can do is to have it examined by a professional.
To prevent all these messes, kindly follow these instructions on how to dispose of bleach with a septic system, they are;
- Make sure you properly dilute your bleach before use.
- Constantly use your bleach moderately.
- Make sure you do not clean your septic tank system every day
- Lastly, avoid the use of extra strong bleach.
Is Clorox bleach safe for septic systems?
The answer is “yes”!
Clorox ® disinfecting bleach has been tested and trusted for generations with the ability to disinfect, whiten, clean, and kill viruses and bacteria when used as directed.
It kills 99.9 % of bacteria and viruses. The concentrated formula enhances a super cleaning and whitening effect per load. It is used in HE and standard washing machines.
But note that bacteria in your septic tank is needed to thrive for your septic system to function at its best. The use of bleach can hamper their function. The use of bleach should be in moderation. When used moderately it won’t upset the balance of your septic tank.
However, you might doubt in your mind if you can still use bleach because you have a septic system.
When using Clorox bleach, make sure to dilute it in a large amount of water, as this will make it safe for your septic system and make it less potent.
Note: Direct contact with bleach with any household materials will weaken your septic tank system when it gets there.
Toilet cleaning? A gross chore!
That moment you know, it’s the weekend, and it’s toilet cleaning time!
This is gross but a must-do in every home because allowing the continuous growth of bacteria and nasty brownish colorations makes your toilet give off that foul smell. As much as it is a gross chore, you are left with no choice but to do something about it. Thus, going for an environmentally friendly toilet cleaner is the best option!
What cleaning products can I use with a septic tank?
What cleaners are safe for septic tanks
Are you looking for an alternative? Trying to be careful so as not to harm your Septic tank? Or would rather go for any natural products if available.
When searching for the best product that is safe for your septic tank system, you should be on the lookout for the ones with more organic material because these would reduce the impact on your septic system.
What are these surprisingly alternate products we speak of? Undoubtedly, these products are something you are familiar with, and they include;
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Tea tree oil
- Vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
Septic tank and its sensitive nature.
Questions like this might keep on running in your mind.
Is bleach safe for use? What about Borax?
If you’re considering trying out many other cleaning products, avoid using too many chemicals because it will drastically affect the bacteria balance needed for a healthy septic tank, and any disruption would lead to the rise of many problems. This is why your septic tank is very sensitive. Therefore, it can only handle a small amount of some chemical-based cleaning products.
Bowl sparkle?
It is the ultimate toilet cleaner product that breaks down stubborn stains, leaving your toilet bowl sparkling and white just like when you first got it.
Clean your toilet with every flush
It goes as far as three months in keeping your toilet bowl with every flush, hence environment friendly.
Instalment is just so easy and is done in minutes
Superb and active for cleaning your sinks, floors, drains, washing machine, tiles, all kinds of pipes, etc.
Constituent ingredients of Bowl sparkle
Active ingredient:
Methyl Dodecyl Benzyl trimethyl ammonium……0.20%
Methyl Dodecyl Xylylene bid (trimethyl ammonium chloride) …..0.50%
Tributyltin chloride complex of ethylene oxide condensate of abietylamine …..0.10% [ provides ….0.0015% Tin].
Hydrogen chloride….23.40 %
Inert ingredients: ….75.84%
Direction for use
- Please turn off the water by forcing its trap with Sean.
- Control bottle over bowl or urinal to avoid spillage on the floor, let out 1 ounce of sparkle bowl cleaner directly into the soiled area of the bowl.
- Using a swab, clean the entire surface of the bowl or urinal, especially under rim and water outlets
- Use the swab to flush bowel or urinary.
Is vinegar safe for septic systems
Yes, Vinegar is safe and totally harmless for septic systems. It is effective and safe in cleaning household drains. Vinegar is gentle on the septic systems and is a lot better than most commercially produced cleaners that are composed of highly corrosive chemicals. Vinegar is a healthy option as is a great tool when cleaning the home.
Read Also:
Drip Septic System Pros And Cons
Can you mix bleach and baking soda
Is bowl sparkle safe for septic tanks?
Are you careful? And want to confirm now? Since you are already aware that certain cleaning products aren’t safe for your septic tank system, then a thorough investigation is needed before use or while in use to know if you are to continue using or not.
As a user made a review of this product by saying, “This is a great product! I used this on a nasty scum inside our downstairs toilet, and it cleaned them better than anything I have ever used, but I am afraid it is not safe for my septic system.”
How do I know?
First thing first, check for the active ingredient. This is what makes you know if it is biodegradable or not, that it is environmentally friendly. Those plant-based formulas and organic constituents are usually biodegradable.
This particular toilet bowl in question is biodegradable, which means that it will easily break down in your septic tank upon the action of the bacteria present there. This makes it safely undergo decomposition inside the septic tank system without causing any negative effect like; getting rid of the bacteria in the Septic tank system.
