Chemicals That Should NOT Be Flushed into a Septic Tank
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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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.
Lye or NaOH is the principal ingredient in many drain cleaners and other cleaning products.
From the Cornell Cooperative Extension we have this recommended limit on the use of bleach or caustics or drain cleaners in septic systems:
Sources:
Gross, Mark A. "Assessment of the effects of household chemicals upon individual septic tank performances." (1987).
Abstract:
A laboratory study and a field study were performed to determine the amounts of specific household chemicals required to destroy bacteria populations in individual domestic septic tanks. The particular chemicals evaluated include liquid chlorine bleach, High Test Hypochlorite (HTH), Lysol disinfectant and Drano crystal.
The laboratory study was performed to determine the approximate chemical concentrations to destroy the bacteria in the septic tank, and the field study showed the actual effect of the chemicals upon the bacteria in terms of reduction of the number of bacteria in the septic tank as well as the time required for the bacterial population to recover.
A liquid bleach concentration of 1.85 ml/l destroyed the bacteria in the septic tanks.
This corresponds to 7 liters (1.85 gallons) of liquid bleach in a 3780 liter (1000 gallon) septic tank. After addition of chlorine bleach, and within approximately 30 hours of normal septic system usage, the bacterial population had recovered to its original concentration.
A Lysol concentration of 5.0 ml/l destroyed the bacteria in the domestic tanks. This corresponds to 19 liters (5.0 gallons) of Lysol in a 3780 (1000 gallon) septic tank. Following the addition of Lysol, the bacteria population recovered to its original concentration within approximately 60 hours (2.5 days).
A Drano concentration of 3.0 mg/l destroys the bacteria in a septic tank.
This corresponds to 11.3 grams (0.4 ounces) in a 3780 liter (1000 gallon) septic tank. The bacterial population recovers to its original concentration within 48 hours following the addition of the Drano.
Schwartz, John HJ., Ann t. Lemley, Kalpana Pratrap, HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS and YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM [PDF] (2004), Water Treatment Notes, Cornell Cooperative Extension, produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, retrieved 2018/05/17, original source: waterquality.cce.cornell.edu/publications/CCEWQ-16-HouseholdChemicalsSeptic.pdf
in turn derived from
Gross (1987) cited above.
CRYSTAL DRAIN OPENER, Roebic, at Lowes [PDF] product information, retrieved 2018/05/17, original source: https://www.lowes.com/pd /Roebic-Laboratories-Inc-32-oz -Drain-Cleaner-Crystals/ 4751600?cm_ mmc=SCE_PLA-_- Paint-_-DrainCleaning-_-4751600: Roebic_Laboratories,_Inc. &CAWELAID=&kpid=4751600&CAGPSPN =pla&store_code=2326&k_ clickID= fba39466-b15b-4d0c- a6bd-a382b48b16 e2&gclid =Cj0KCQ jw0PTXBRCGARIs AKNYfG2jk3 puXQIw3vAj2 MRtyt87Xe6 Euv33Sj6ald EpaUWD wVhfe4e wU-UaAp84EAL w_wcB
DRANO KITCHEN GRANULES PRODUCT INFORMATSION [PDF] retrieved 2018/05/17, original source: https://www.drano.com/en-us/products/drano-kitchen-granules-clog-remover
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Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
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?
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 surfaceOn 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
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.
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.
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 imply2 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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