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Chemical drums found during a home inspectionChemicals That Should NOT Be Flushed into a Septic Tank

  • POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about septic system chemicals and about using septic systems to dispose of certain chemicals and substances that may harm the drainfield or contaminate the environment

What items and chemicals are NOT safe to flush down the toilet and into a private septic system besides normal household cleaners and household chemicals?

This document explains how to extend the life of the septic system by being careful about what goes into it.

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Effects of Other Chemicals Flushed Into a Septic Systems

Used motor oil stored for recycling - Canyon Auto Tucson (C) Daniel Friedman

List of other chemicals & substances that we have seen dumped into septic systems and in one case, into a well - don't do this!Do not use septic tanks, wells, even abandoned wells and septic tanks to dispose of chemicals.

Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity

 

These Substances can Harm the Septic System Depending on Quantity / Frequency of Use

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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

Is Odo Ban harmful to a septic tank.?

Is Odo Ban harmful to a septic tank.? On 2021-11-04 by Kay

Answer by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Kay,

OdoBan is a biodegradable product designed to break down fats, oils, grease. "Biodegradable" should also mean harmless to the septic tank, BUT

For details about product safety, take a look at the ODOBAN SDS SAFETY DATA SHEET [PDF]

where you'll see important safety warnings.

by Kay

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, Thank you for your reply. I have looked over the PDF document you recommended, and it appears that using Odo Ban should be no problem with our septic.

We use approx. 2 tablespoons per week. We have a 1500 gallon septic. As far as being ultra careful when handling it (or any chemical), something we always do, Thanks again!

Answer by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Kay,

Thank you.

I certainly agree that in that quantity there can't be a concern for damage to the septic system.

It would help us to understand why you were using this product at all. Can you say more?

Why doesn't American Standard warn that EverClean® that kills bacteria is harmful to septic systems?

Rachelle said:

I have an American Standard with EverClean surface.

According to the website "The smooth toilet surface is finished with an EverClean glaze which includes an antimicrobial additive that inhibits the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface."

I am worried that this antimicrobial glaze is damaging my septic system bacteria. It sounds like it uses silver to do this. Do I have reason to be concerned? I have emailed the company and am waiting to hear back. Why wouldn't they put "not safe for septic" on the box if it kills bacteria? On 2020-12-11 by Rachelle

Explanation by (mod) -

Rachelle:

OPINION:

1. the company wants to sell their product - described as resisting surface staining and odors in toilets.

2. a toilet surface that kills some bacteria will not kill enough bacteria to harm a septic tank.

There is not a shred of possibility of the surface killing all, nor even most, nor even much of bacteria found in human feces. Simply consider the volume of a normal bowel movement and compare that with the surface area of contact in a toilet of those feces during excretion.

The surface area and thickness of any deposits will be trivial compared with the mass and volume of the feces themselves.

The company's product specification sheet for their Edgemere Dual Flush Right Height Elongated 12-inch Rough Complete Toilet includes this statement:

Stays cleaner, longer with EverClean®.

EverClean® surface inhibits the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface

On 2020-12-11 by Anonymous

Thanks for your reply. That makes me feel a bit better, although I am still not happy they market it that way.

Have you been able to find out what they use in the glaze? If it were you, would you replace it?

by (mod) - does the EverClean surface in some American Standard Toilets harm the septic system?

Bottom line: No. A review of the company's description of the product and some basic reasoning argues that there is no effect on a septic system.

American Standard says:

EverClean® Surface

American Standard whirlpools with EverClean®, a permanent glaze additive right into the circulation piping to protect the pipes from mold, mildew, algae and fungus that could cause deterioration or staining of the pipes. On toilets the super smooth mirror like EverClean® surface is easier to keep clean, even after years of use. - www.americanstandard-us.com/everclean-surface

I searched for safety data sheets or SDS or MSDS information and did not yet find one for American Standard's product with certainty, though these two sheets may be of interest:

Ever-Clean Condensate Pan Tabs [PDF] - from Hydro-Balance Corp. - this appears to be a completely different product with similar intentions.

and

EverCoat, EverGlaze, from ITW Evercoat, Glazing Spot Putty [PDF] from ITW Evercoat, div of Illinois Tool Works, Inc.,

I am guessing from its literature that the American Standard glaze additive is a proprietary product for which more searching for an SDS will be needed.

In any event IMO there is not an iota of reason, from what we have read to date, to consider replacing your toilet that uses this glaze product.

Another except from American Standard on their EverClean coating for toilet:

American Standard offers a wide range of toilets with our unique EverClean® Surface.

It is an ultra-smooth glaze with antimicrobial properties which is applied on top of the conventional glaze and fired into all glazed surfaces of the toilet.

It gives the toilet a super smooth, mirror-like finish - which stays cleaner because the soil has a harder time clinging to it.

The EverClean® surface also inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew on the surface.- retrieved 2020/12/11, original source: https://www.americanstandard-us.com/parts-support/how-to/choosing-a-toilet

American Standard part of LIXIL ActiClean Toilet Cleaning Cartridge SDS [PDF] - this is a toilet cleaning cartridge, not a ceramic coating

Is Re-Bath's Silver Shield coating harmful to a septic system?

Re: Bath Wraps that have a silver anti-mold and mildew Silver Shield. Will this affect or harm a 3 -bedroom septic system? On 2020-02-28 by Barb

- by (mod) - Here's the Re-Bath Silver Shield toxicity MSDS

Thanks for an interesting question about Re-Bath product safety, Barb.

Re-Bath's Silver Shield is a "100% virgin acrylic" bath or tub surround that is described as a "non-porous technology that prevents bacteria from growing and reproducing"

- which is interesting since bacteria is a completely different organism from "mold".

Similarly a claim to be "mildew resistant" is, to any mycologist, nonsense. "Mildew" is a very specific and very narrow group of two mold families, both of which grow ONLY on Living Plants. So you're never going to find mildew in your bathroom unless you're keeping living plants in there.

In defense of the "mildew prevention" crowd I acknowledge that many people like the word and use it more-widely than is correct.

But if you were a lawyer writing a guarantee, citing mildew prevention is a pretty safe claim to make, right?

My OPINION is that any non-porous bathroom tub surround will do a great job at mold resistance - including similar materials such as fiberglass; in general it's the avoidance of seams and also avoidance of reliance on grout or sealants that might be a bit more mold friendly than was the ceramic surface of traditional bath tile.

SilverShield 5000X is a two part epoxy coating that includes zinc flakes, typically for corrosion resistance.

SilverShield 7421 liquid coating is produced by Garland Co., who provide this Silver Shield SAFETY DATA SHEET [PDF] (2015) The Garland Company, Inc. 3800 East 91st Street Cleveland, Ohio 44105-2197 T-800-762-8225 T-800-762-8225 www.garlandco.com

Ingredients cited includ petroleum asphalt, naptha, Stoddard solvent, aluminum, naptha, and trimethylebenzene. I recommend taking a look at the SDS directly.

Watch out: other tub surrounds rely on an infused pesticide, Triclosan, that *might* raise health concerns. That product is not part of the Re Bath product - a point which its vendors will perhaps enjoy pointing-out.

Residue from a bottle of Maximus cattle wormer got into our septic

Accidentally let go of a little bit of residue of a bottle of cattle wormer ( Maximus ) into the drain and I have apparently killed the bacteria in the septic and caused a bad smell coming out of the drains, the husband says it is Hydrogen Sulphide. ZHe also says this can be poisonous. What do I do? On 2019-10-08 by Jenny Leslie

by (mod) -

It seems unlikely that Maximus cattle wormer would in small quantity harm septic tank bacteria; after all a home septic tank is going to contain 1000 gallons or more of sewage and effluent.

Here is the product MSDS http://www.ancare.net.au/assets/maximus_pour-on_for_cattle-sds_expires_20210428.pdf

Product name: MAXIMUS Pour-On for Cattle
APVMA Code: 67606
Recommended Use: Treatment & control of Moxidectin sensitive internal and external parasites of cattle.

Supplier name: Merial Australia Pty Ltd
Address: Talavera Corporate Centre Building D
12-24 Talavera Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113 AUSTRALIA

Moxidectin 113507-06-5 5g/L not set not set
Solvent naphtha (petroleum), light arom. 64742-95-6 150g/L not set not set

Other non hazardous ingredients secret to 1L not set not set
This is a commercial product whose exact ratio of components may vary slightly.


I'm unsure what you consider a "small bit of residue" but you are diluting 5 g/L Moxidectin. Solvent: 150 g/L Hydrocarbon Liquid into roughly 4000 litres of wastewater. If you poured an ENTIRE 5L bottle of Maximus into the septic tank that's 25 grams of Moxidectin in 4000 litres of waste or a dilution of the original product by a factor of 800.

Now to that let's add your daily wastewater usage - typically in 3-5 days you've pushed another 4000 litres of water into the septic tank.

I agree that Hydrogen sulfide or H2S is potentially dangerous and smelly as might be bacteria and methane and other sewer gas components; But if odors are coming out of your drains it is not at all likely to be from Maximus residue;

If flushing your drains doesn't fix the trouble I suspect that there is either a sewer line blockage or a plumbing vent system leak or blockage. In that case it's time to ask a plumber to snake, or use a sewer cam to inspect your drain waste venting system.

 

What are th Effects of Miracle Method® bathtub refinisher on the septic system

2017/06/09 JWS

Hello - I'm considering hiring "Miracle Method" to refinish our tub. Do know if their chemicals would cause irreparable harm to our septic system? What's the best way to manage this process? Thank you.

Reply:

JW

You ask an interesting and clever question:

1. does tub cleaning to prep for miraclemethod tub refinishing contaminate the environemnt
and also you imply

2 is there a leach-out of chemicals from a tub re-finishing coating that will contaminate the environment as we then run bathwater through the tub and into a septic system?

Miraclemethod dot com, the company's site describes their process:

First, the tub is thoroughly cleaned using specially formulated two-step cleaners to remove soap scum, mineral deposits, and body oils. Next, all cracks and chips are repaired. Miracle Method's proprietary bonding agent, MM-4, is applied to ensure a solid bond between the old surface and the new finish. Finally, a trained professional uses a fine-finish spray process to apply a hi-tech, durable acrylic coating. - Miracle Method cited below.

Here is the MIRACLE METHOD TUB REFINISH PDS (product information sheet) for the resin used by Miracle Method to refinish your tub.

The product data sheet for the coating itself ( an acrylic ) notes that the resin is not particularly water-soluble, so I'm doubtful that there would be a measurable impact on the septic system from the finish tub coating once that coating has cured in place.

Noting that the "miracle" in any tub restoration is largely in the surface reparation we looked for a description of just what cleaners are used in tub preparation - without finding a clear answer, though the company does market separately cleaners and strippers for which they provide both product data sheets and MSDS.

Mira Clean #1 is a proprietary cleaner sold by Miracle Sealants.

Here is a MIRACLEAN® PRODUCT DATA SHEET PDS - product data sheet for this cleaner

Here is the actual MIRACLEAN® / PrarieChlor® MSDS where we see a bleach product - a mix of sodium hypochlorite (main ingredient by percent or volume) , sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride (salt)

Mira Strip is a floor coating and wax stripper also produced by the company; I could not determine if this is also used in bath tub prep for the company's tub refinishing acrylic coating or not.

But here's that product MIRA-STRIP® PRODUCT DATA SHEET PDS - it contains a "petroleum distillate". (Naptha)

And here's an actual MIRA-STRI®P MSDS

OPINION: I am doubtful that trace levels of naphtha would harm a septic system thanks to the dilution in the larger volume of wastewater.

I am also doubtful that at normal usage levels a bleaching product used to clean a bathtub would harm a septic system.

Perhaps the company can provide more information on your question if you ask - do let me know.


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Citations & Reviewers

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

  • New York State Department of Health, APPENDIX 75-A WASTEWATER TREATMENT STANDARDS - INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD SYSTEMS , [PDF] New York State Department of Health, 3 February 2010, retrieved 3/1/2010, original source: https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/nycrr/title_10/part_75/appendix_75-a.htm
  • "Chemicals and Our Health", Nicholas D. Kristof, New York Times, 16 July 2009, p. 27. This outstanding editorial calls for improvements in public health policy to address phthalates and other environmental contaminants from common chemicals and products in everyday use. - DJ Friedman
  • Our Stolen Future, Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, and John Peterson Myers, Plume-Penguin Publishing, 1997, ISBN 0-452-27414-1. This book is a seminal work on endocrine disruptors (chemical contaminants having impact at extremely low levels in the environment).

    Review: By O T (Ontario, BC) - 'Our Stolen Future' is a great introduction to one of the most important scientific discoveries in our time. Having recently completed a thesis project at university on Endocrine Disruptors, I have reviewed hundreds of papers on the subject.

    This book is a good clear overview of the scientific literature on EDs. The authors are experts - Theo Colborn is largely responsible for creating the field by bringing together diverse researchers so they could see the big picture of their work. Many of the principle investigators are interviewed and quoted at length on the way chemicals participate in and interfere with delicate hormonal systems in animals (including humans).

    The major accomplishment of the book is to make an easy-to-follow story out of complex research. Many resources are available to help you assess the reliability of this story, and the best thing to do if you have any doubts is read review articles in scientific journals (which are easier to understand than technical papers).

    The Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) have a guidebook for health-care professionals on Endocrine Disruptors, and the US EPA has many reports on the matter.

    Beware of people or websites who try to 'debunk' this book (or the science behind it) by simply declaring it false, flawed or disproven. There is far too much supporting research for so simple a refutation.
  • Silent Spring, Rachael Carson, Mariner Books; Anv edition (October 22, 2002), ISBN-13: 978-061824906.

    Carson argued that those chemicals were more dangerous than radiation and that for the first time in history, humans were exposed to chemicals that stayed in their systems from birth to death.
  • SEPTIC TANK/SOIL-ABSORPTION SYSTEMS: HOW TO OPERATE & MAINTAIN [PDF] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
  • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-161, Septic System Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-162, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test
  • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-l64, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment
  • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
  • Document Sources used for this web page include but are not limited to: Agricultural Fact Sheet #SW-161 "Septic Tank Pumping," by Paul D. Robillard and Kelli S. Martin. Penn State College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension, edited and annotated by Dan Friedman (Thanks: to Bob Mackey for proofreading the original source material.)
  • In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested

    CONTINUE READING or RECOMMENDED ARTICLES.


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