What Kind of Laundry Detergent Is Best for Your Septic System?
Septic systems and standard sewer systems differ in many ways. One of the ways is in what you can safely put into your drains and what can cause major problems. This includes certain types of laundry detergent.
Lakeland Septic Company of Lakeland, FL, would like to share a little about how laundry detergents can affect a modern septic system.
An overview of how septic systems work
A septic system is designed to receive and then process waste from a home’s drains and toilets. It does this processing with the help of specific bacteria that exist within the septic tank. A system that’s devoid of bacteria or has very low levels of it won’t be able to process the incoming liquids and solids from the home.
Buying the best laundry detergents
Most quality brands of laundry detergent that are safe for septic systems will say so on their labels. Septic-safe detergents are generally milder than “standard” detergents and don’t contain certain ingredients that are known to interfere with the bacterial composition or flow of effluent within a septic tank.
Here are a few common laundry detergent ingredients you want to avoid if you use a septic system.
- Dyes and perfumes: The chemicals in these compounds can be too harsh for the natural bacteria a septic system must maintain.
- Phosphates: Phosphates cause the growth of algae, which isn’t good for your septic system.
- Chlorine and bleach: While great for getting clothes super clean, chlorine and bleach disrupt the microbial balance in a septic tank and cause the system to operate inefficiently.
- Surfactants: Suds are made by surfactants in laundry detergents and don’t break down efficiently in a septic tank. They can cause problems with the bacterial balance.
Other detergent concerns
Foam can be an issue in a septic tank. Low-foam laundry detergents send less foam to the tank and break down more easily than detergents that produce a large amount of foam.
What about liquid vs. powder laundry detergents? It’s generally accepted that liquid detergents are better for septic systems. One reason is they have lower levels of powdered plastics, clay and other fillers, which can cause septic clogs and buildups.
Laundry detergent pods can be safe for a septic system. Look for pod brands with biodegradable ingredients, low levels of surfactants and no phosphates.
Taking care of your septic system
Along with choosing septic-friendly laundry detergents, taking care of your septic system means keeping a close eye on what goes into it. Here are some items that should never go into sinks or toilets:
- Paper towels
- Feminine products
- Dental floss
- Food
- Fats, oils and grease
- Coffee grounds
- Cigarette butts
- Disposable diapers
- Cat litter
- Household cleaners (unless they’re septic-safe)
A septic system works best when only liquids and normal household waste enter into it. This allows the bacteria to break down solids and keeps the system free of clogs and backups.
Septic cleaning and inspections
Lakeland Septic has provided professional septic system pumping, inspections and repair work throughout the Lakeland, Florida, region for more than 15 years. We’re here to help keep your system running safely, smoothly and efficiently.
When it’s time for septic service, call the experts at Lakeland Septic. Reach us at (863) 738-0504, or get in touch with our handy contact form.
