If your home switches from using the city sewer to a septic tank installation, you may need to change the way you clean and address clogs in your plumbing. Some common household products will upset the septic system’s bacterial balance. Replace the following three products to keep your septic tank healthy.

3 Household Products That Will Harm Your Septic Tank

1. Ammonia

People often use ammonia to remove grease from kitchen items, clean glass, and mitigate coffee or wine stains. While small amounts of this product shouldn’t be an issue, never pour ammonia down a drain. If you need to get rid of this liquid, toss the container into the trash. You don’t want it to leach into your septic drain field, killing off the grass and impacting the environment.

2. Non-septic Drain Cleaners

Many drain cleaners today contain bleach, a harsh chemical that can harm the natural bacteria in a septic tank. If you need to unclog a drain after septic tank installation, use organic or biodegradable drain cleaners. You can also use ½ cup of baking soda combined with ½ cup of salt and six cups of boiling water. Pour this mixture down the drain, let it sit overnight, then run some hot water and use the drain again regularly.

3. Detergent

Regular laundry and dish detergent products typically contain ingredients like surfactants and phosphates. When used, they may make it through the septic tank and into the leach field, where they could enter the local watershed and contaminate sources of drinking water. Switch your laundry and dishwashing detergents to all-natural options after septic tank installation to avoid these issues.

If you recently completed septic tank installation or are considering it for your property, turn to Sewer Solutions in Hilo, HI, for service. Their knowledgeable plumbing team is available 24/7 to handle emergencies, repairs, maintenance, and installations. Call (808) 430-2323 to request an estimate and visit the website for more information on their septic services as well as cesspool, drain cleaning, grease trap, and plumbing offerings. Check out their Yelp page to learn why residential and commercial customers keep coming back.