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I just had my tank pumped, and asked the guy about this.
Technically, the anwer to your question is no, bleach does not harm the tank. It can, however, cause you trouble. Bleach kills bacteria. Bacteria are needed in your septic tank to help break down the solid waste. So, if you get too much bleach in your tank, the tank itself will be fine, but all the bacteria will be dead, so it won't work like you want it to, and things will start backing up.
However, "too much bleach" is a lot of bleach. As long as you're not pouring bleach down your drain by the gallon, you should be okay. Normal washing patterns most likely will not put enough bleach in your tank to cause problems. If you bleach every load of clothes you wash, and you wash more than 20 loads a week, you could have an issue. But even that could be resolved with Rid-X, or some other bacteria-based septic tank product. But you have to use that stuff regularly. If your septic tank is already backed up, it's too late.
Drain cleaners can also be a problem, but again, it takes a lot more than the normal level of household use to cause trouble. You could run drain cleaner down your pipes monthly, and it shouldn't be a problem.
The guy that pumped my tank said the two biggest problemshe has seen that lead to septic tanks overflowing are baby wipes and kitchen grease. Never flush baby wipes down your toilet. Not even the ones that SAY they're biodegradable. They might be, but they do not break down quickly enough to avoid backing up your septic tank. And try to avoid letting grease go down your kitchen sink. But it's going to happen sometimes, so when it does, follow it with hot water to help break it up.
But I wouldn't worry about bleach from your washing machine. If you do worry, just get some Rid-X. But remember, you have to use it regularly.
It had been five years (the maximum time permitted by my Home Owners Association) since the last time my septic tank was pumped. We use bleach in the washing machine about twice a week and drain cleaner about once every two months. We use about 5 rolls of toilet paper a week, and occasionally even let a little grease go down the kitchen drain. And even with all of that, the guy said my tank had no problems at all, after 5 years, and that, if it weren't for the HOA requirements, I would have been good for probably another five years.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoBleach should not be intentionally put into a septic tank because it will kill the bacteria that breaks down the sludge. It won't damage the septic tank at first, but it will mean you'll have to get it pumped sooner than you would have if you didn't get bleach in it.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoTry to keep harsh chemicals to a minimum because it can destroy bacteria needed to make septic system working.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoNo
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Is bleach a safe laundry aide to use?
I use bleach often. They have a color safe bleach, so you can use it on any color of clothing. There is also a bleach alternative which is usually cheaper.
What is the advantage of using a safe bleach when you do the laundry?
Are garment labels required by law
How do you get pink out of your laundry if something red has run?
bleach, color safe it isn't completely white.
Muratic acid safe for septic systems?
NO. Muriatic acid is NOT safe for septic systems. This will ultimately kill much of the bacteria that processes your waste. Your septic system may become dormant and have to be pumped out totally.
What is safe to plant close to septic system?
Anything but trees should be ok.
Is it safe to use bleach to clean the toilet or will it deteriorate the wax seal?
Bleach has no effect on a wax ring.Ans 2 - Bleach will not affect wax rings, but if you're on septic it WILL kill the bacteria . So only use it if on city sewer.
How do you clean the Air Jordan 11?
clean the shoes with liquid laundry detergent; it is safe to use and won't bleach the color.
How do you get mildew smell out out of washing machine?
Run a load of laundry. It might help to use a detergent with "color safe bleach" or run a load of whites with real chlorine bleach.
Is the Insinkerator 'Septic Assist' garbage disposal really safe for a septic system?
Yes, Insinkerator uses a Bio-charge system to inject microorganisms into the disposal when it is in use. Waste is broken down by these microorganisms in your septic system which helps keep you septic system functioning properly. I recently purchased a septic disposal from www.overstock.com. Overstock had the cheapest price I could find on the internet and shipping was only $2.95.
Is Washer Magic washing machine cleaner safe for septic systems?
Yes it is safe for septic. If you go to the website for the product and look under their FAQS they state that it is safe for ALL plumbing and septic systems.
How do you do laundry?
A good rule of thumb if you know nothing about laundry is to wash everything in cold water with color-safe detergent (No bleach!) and hang dry all the clothes -- you can't shrink anything or mess up the colors that way.
What cleaning products can be used with a septic system?
Most products will be labeled "Septic Safe." And a good rule-of-thumb is to limit products that have a disinfecting quality... bleach, antibacterial products. These type of products will reduce your system's capability to break-down waste. Sure you will have to use some cleaning products but do as needed. Depending upon the size of your system... having your septic tank drained when you first move in then in three years after and at that point ask your service provider for an estimate of when it should be drained again. Ours averages about 1 per 6 yrs. but we have a small family.
