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Using a septic system requires extra vigilance and preventative septic maintenance when it comes to what you flush or drain. Chemicals, in particular, have a major impact on septic performance, since they can easily disturb the bacterial colonies septic tanks rely on. Since many chemicals are used in bathrooms and laundry rooms, here are some major do’s and don’ts for these key areas of the home:

Do:

Use biodegradable detergents and cleaning products.septic maintenance

When shopping for laundry detergents or cleaning products, opt for the ones incurring the least amount of environmental impact, as these are less likely to harm your septic system. For example, use baking-soda based toilet cleaners (rather than bleach), ammonia for floors, and citrus fruit-based cleaners for metals like brass and stainless steel. Ensure that detergents don’t contain chlorine or phosphates.

Unclog drains and toilets without chemicals.

To avoid extra septic maintenance, aim to unblock plumbing clogs without chemical drain cleaners. Instead, use snakes, plungers, or wires to remove blockages. Drain chemicals disturb your system, so avoid them as much as possible.

Don’t:

Drain excess water into your septic system.

Never connect other water sources to your septic system. This includes rain gutters, pools/hot tubs, washing machines, or anything else that’s not already hooked up to your system. Filling it with additional water may result in drainfield flooding, backups, and other septic tank problems.

Dump RV waste into your septic tank.

Only dump RV waste at an appropriate facility. Doing so into your household septic system will overload it, causing overproduction of solid waste, system clogs/backups, and may result in a need for professional repair. RV waste may also contain chemicals that could harm the bacterial colony at work in your septic system.
 

Need professional septic maintenance? For services near the Willamette Valley, OR, look to the experts at American On Site. Based in Molalla, OR, the local professionals have been in business for over 15 years, specializing in septic tank repair, pumping, and installation. Call (503) 829-7600 to request a consultation, or visit their website for details about the company.

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