Maintaining a clean home is essential for you and your family’s health and safety. Unfortunately, not all household cleaners are created equal. Some can wreak havoc on your plumbing and septic system, causing issues such as corrosion and backups. Here’s what you need to know. 

What to Know About Household Cleaners & Your Septic System 

Why Are Drain Cleaners Harmful?

Standard cleaning chemicals can create significant trouble in your plumbing system because they are highly corrosive. For instance, if you have a clogged drain, chemicals will likely remove the blockage, but they can corrode the pipes in the process. These chemicals can also kill the helpful septic tank bacteria that break down waste before it moves to the drain field. When this happens, sludge will accumulate more quickly, causing the tank to stop functioning correctly. This necessitates more frequent pumping and may create backups.

Which Cleaners Should You Avoid?

The primary components to avoid in over-the-counter drain cleaners are lye and sodium hydroxide. Other harmful chemicals include chlorine and ammonia — common in bathroom cleaners — and surfactants and phosphates, which are typically found in laundry detergents. If you need to use ammonia, chlorine, lye, and sodium hydroxide cleaners, use only small amounts and dilute them with water. 

What Products Are Safe?

Look for enzymatic or natural products for laundry, and use biodegradable products without petroleum, lye, antifreeze, or acids for all of your other cleaning needs, when possible. Natural cleaners are free of chemicals and are an environmentally friendly option. They might not break down clogs as rapidly, but they won’t harm your septic system or plumbing. One easy option is to sprinkle a few teaspoons of baking soda in the drain, then pour half a cup of vinegar over it. Wait a few minutes before following it with two cups of boiling water. This natural remedy is helpful at clearing up blockages, as well as neutralizing odors.

Regular pumping and inspections are also crucial to adequate septic system maintenance. If you’re a Marshall County, MS, resident, turn to A & J Nichols Septic Tank Co. For more than 50 years, they’ve been the community’s go-to, earning a reputation for excellent customer service and reliable repairs. Located in Byhalia, they provide a range of septic tank maintenance services, including 24/7 emergency repairs for those issues that can’t wait. They’ll also provide recommendations on cleaning products that are septic tank-friendly. Visit their website to review more of their offerings or call (662) 838-2945 to speak with a friendly team member of the team today.