If your property features a septic system, what you allow down the household drains becomes extra important. In addition to foreign objects and floatable matter that clog the tank, such as paper towels and grease, various chemicals can have a detrimental effect. Your dishwasher may be a culprit as well. Here’s a closer look at how chemical dishwasher detergents may affect the septic tank.

How Phosphate-Based Detergents Work

Phosphate is a chemical commonly found in dishwasher detergents. Salt and phosphorous ingredients work together to create a powerful acid that helps eliminate grease and grime from dishes and silverware. This allows the modern convenience of clearing the dinner table and immediately loading everything into the appliance.

Why Detergents May Be Harmful

Unfortunately, this chemical often ends up in waterways where it promotes algae growth that competes with fish and plants for oxygen, often killing both as a result. In addition to harming the environment, phosphate detergents disrupt septic system operations by killing necessary bacteria and enzymes. Even non-phosphate brands can throw off this delicate balance if they contain antibacterial ingredients.

Good bacteria and enzymes occur naturally in septic tanks and help break down solid waste to prevent premature clogging that can cause household plumbing backups and raw sewage exposure. An overloaded septic tank can also send solid waste into the adjoining drain field, which creates soil contamination and wastewater filtering problems. For this reason, phosphate and antibacterial dishwasher detergents can prevent solid waste from breaking down efficiently.

Help your septic system function efficiently by using phosphate-free and non-antibacterial detergents. Those labeled “eco-friendly” and “biodegradable” also work because they contain natural instead of harsh chemical ingredients. Additionally, avoid running the dishwasher at the same time as other water-using appliances to avoid overwhelming the septic tank with liquid and possibly sending solids into the drain field. 

Keep your septic system in excellent condition with maintenance services from Baldwin Septic Tanks. Offering tank cleaning, repair, and maintenance as well as drain field and grease trap services, residents throughout Baldwin, Escambia, and Santa Rosa counties in Alabama have relied on the company since 1995. Call (251) 946-3250 today to make an appointment or visit the business online for more information about septic tank pumping.