How To Dispose Chemicals Septic Tank?

Don’t dump chemicals into your septic OR into the sewers. Contact the local municipality to find out where/when to take hazardous waste and let them deal with it properly.

• In some cases, these disposal options might not be feasible. In that case, manufacturers suggest that small amounts of chemicals can be diluted with water and flushed down the drain. Although you should never put used chemicals into a septic tank as this may cause damage and compromise its effectiveness.

What chemical kills septic tank?

Caustic soda or lye at high levels in a septic tank risks killing the bacteria needed to break down sewage pathogens both in the tank itself and also in the soil into which the septic tank effluent is discharged.

What do you do with chemicals that are not safe to pour down the drain?

Out of all of the substances that you could pour down your drain that are harmful, car fluid may arguably be the worst. Instead of being poured down the drain these substances should be disposed of at a designated hazardous waste site.

What Cannot be flushed down a septic tank?

Don’t Put Anything Non-Biodegradable in Your Septic System Disposable diapers. Paper towels. Plastics. Sanitary napkins or tampons.

Can you put bleach down the drain with a septic tank?

Chlorine bleach in moderate amounts isn ‘t as bad for a septic system as you may have heard. But even a little drain cleaner may be terrible. One study found that it took nearly two gallons of liquid bleach but only about a teaspoon of chemical drain cleaner to kill the beneficial bacteria in a septic tank.

Should you put chemicals in a septic tank?

In general, septic system chemicals are not needed and are not recommended: Chemicals and other additives promoted to keep a septic system “healthy” or “free-flowing” or “nourished” are generally not required nor recommended by expert sources.

Do I need to add chemicals to my septic tank?

Chemicals and other additives promoted to keep a septic system “healthy” or “free-flowing” or “nourished” are generally not required nor recommended by any known expert sources.

How do you throw out chemicals?

When these products are discarded, they become “household hazardous waste.” In California, it is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment. Household hazardous waste needs to be disposed of through a Household Hazardous Waste Program.

Can you put chemicals down the drain?

According to the USDA, chemicals on the safe list can be poured down your drains, but only if that drain flows into the sanitary sewer system. Wastewater treatment plants are often able to handle these “safe list” chemicals and waste.

Is it ever acceptable to pour chemicals down the drain?

Disposing of chemicals down drains can damage your plumbing which can be expensive to repair and also allow those chemicals a direct path into the groundwater. Improperly disposing of chemicals at your site can lead to environmental contamination of your site which can be time consuming and expensive to clean up.

Do septic tank additives really work?

There is little scientific data to suggest that you should add bacteria or enzymes to your septic system. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reported that biological additives do not appear to improve the performance of healthy septic tanks.

Does hair break down in a septic tank?

Why Hair is a Such a Problem It’s composed of tough strands of proteins similar to those in your fingernails, and it’s not easily broken down by bacteria. Even if it doesn’t for years in your septic tank, it’ll almost certainly last for longer than the 24-48 hours that it sits in your septic tank.

What will ruin a septic system?

Any paper products like tissues, paper towels, tampons, or sanitary products, even some heavier toilet paper, will clog your system if you flush enough of it. Wet wipes are another product that you should never flush into a septic system.

Is vinegar harmful to septic tanks?

Will baking soda hurt a septic system? Baking soda and other common household solutions such as vinegar are not harmful to your septic system. Harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can disrupt the good bacteria in your septic tank and should not be used as part of a septic treatment.

Is Gain detergent safe for septic systems?

Is Gain Laundry Detergent Safe for Septic Systems? What Laundry Detergent Is Safe for Septic Systems? Is ALL Laundry Detergent Safe for Septic Systems? Yes, ALL laundry detergent is safe for septic systems.

Is it OK to put yeast in your septic tank?

Yeast helps actively breaks down waste solids when added to your septic system. Flush ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet, the first time. Add ¼ cup of instant yeast every 4 months, after the initial addition.

Chemical Disposal When On A Septic Tank

1. Because the new house has a septic tank, I’m curious as to what you do with the chemicals
2. I’m not sure I understand the distinction. Anything you don’t want in your septic tank should probably not be flushed down the toilet or into a public sewage system. EDIT: After more research, it appears that some darkroom chemicals can be removed by public wastewater treatment facilities, but that septic systems are unable to remove them adequately. The spent fixer and toners (selenium, etc.) must be kept out of the waste stream, according to what I know (which isn’t much) based on material supplied by a photography class at a local university. However, the ordinary commercial developers we used were fine for down the drain connections to the municipal sewer system, as long as the drain was not blocked (D-76, Rodinal, Dektol, Polymax, etc.). A lot of the concoctions created by the DIY developer community are beyond my comprehension. Find out what happens to old fixer and toners at a neighboring institution if there is one – and if they have one, ask them what they do with them. If not, your city may or may not have a hazardous waste disposal facility
3. A septic system is dependent on bacteria to function properly. Anything that has a major impact on bacterial activity has the potential to reduce the efficacy of this system. The majority of the time, if you only process one or two rolls every week, you will be OK. Keep in mind that the waste stream is eventually filtered out through a gravel bed and into the soil, so keep that in mind as well. Many home cleansers are more harmful than photo chemicals, yet they have little effect on a septic system when applied in the modest quantities that are required. Xtol or anything similar would be my first choice if the water table in your area of Florida is high. Is it a septic tank or some other type of biocycle, or would you prefer to take things to a recycler? Septic tanks are an outdated system that only accepts toilet water
4. Thus, you should avoid putting anything else into it since it will cause it to fail. Besides that, all other waste is disposed of separately in the transpiration trenches. Using a bio tank, where all waste is collected in a single tank (the current approach) before being discharged into a transpiration trench, you will need to segregate out any dangerous compounds and utilize water wisely. It’s critical to determine what sort of system you have since some can manage more water than others, and others cannot. Alternatives to this include collecting and dispersing spent water across the garden or grass. Perhaps you could connect your sink to a hose or collect the water in a holding tank. If it’s a somewhat contemporary building, there should be some sort of drainage system in place. You might get expert guidance from a local plumber
5. This is based on my own personal experience. For several years, I was employed as a darkroom technician on a septic system. Back then, I conducted a lot of study into things like what to dispose of (and how much) in the septic system, as well as other related topics. I’m not sure what I was talking about, but seek for an older edition of Kodak magazine J-300 if you can find it. Information on septic systems may be found in this document. The oxygen load on your septic system is something to consider, and it is determined by the size of your system and the quantity of chemicals you are dumping. Small quantities of alcohol are typically OK. My final decision was to discard both the film and print developers, as well as the stop baths, from my collection (after mixing both together). It was decided to collect the fixer and transport it to a nearby photo lab for silver recovery (this is by far the best approach to deal with fixer
6. Hazardous waste disposal places actually labeled it as dangerous and then burnt it at high temperatures). It is not uncommon for me to refill and reuse my selenium toner
7. I do not dispose of mine in the trash. All of the ferricyanide bleach I used ended up in the septic system with the rest of the garbage. As far as I’m aware, the septic system is still in perfect working order years later. Best, Doremus
8. You should generally pay greater attention to authoritative sources, such as the following: Regarding the University of Florida’s darkroom restrictions and Duke University’s photographic waste management Both sites confirm what I was informed by the photography department at my local university – that fixers, intensifiers, and toners should not be flushed down the toilet if they are still usable. This is true whether or not you have a septic system in your home. EDIT: I just discovered this document from the Maryland Department of the Environment, which goes into much information about the issue. Übrigens, in response to your inquiry, I’m living on a septic tank and have been flushing my B W film developers down the toilet (D-76 first, but now moving to Xtol). For me, it’s less than a liter every month). The fixer I use gets saved up until it can be recycled at a nearby university photography department, which has consented to take it in their fixer recycling tank. In a year, I create fewer than a dozen rolls of paper. I don’t print in the darkroom, so I don’t have to deal with toners or inensifiers
9. I believe a septic system in the United States is more like what you would call a biocycle. In a tank where solids are broken down, waste products and grey water are both disposed of. There might be one or two tanks. Aerators are frequently seen in newer systems. From the tank, liquids (which are still biologically harmful) are discharged into a drainfield, where aerobic microorganisms consume the waste and neutralize it. In order for this to be effective, the soil must have sufficient porosity (for example, hard pack clay will not work). There are two problems with chemicals being dumped into the septic system. As a result of this, they ultimately seep into the soil through the drainfield. Two, the silver (or other chemicals) in the tank harms the anaerobic bacteria that are important for the breakdown of sediments in the tank. Of course, in both situations, volume is crucial (unless you have a strong aversion to introducing things into the soil)
10. That’s understandable. A septic tank was installed first, followed by a transpiration trench for toilets and a holding tank with a pump out, or a transpiration trench for everything else, depending on the situation (grey water). Grease from kitchen sinks would be deposited into a grease trap beforehand. Nowadays, single-tank systems are used, similar to what you describe using an aerator-type system. The most recent methods include the use of worms to break down wastewater, as well as composting and other variants. As you point out, it is extremely reliant on the system being utilized as well as the manner in which it will be used. Typically, they are created around the number of residents and the land type
11. Nevertheless, if you are using large amounts of water for fiber print cleaning, this may throw the balance off. Low-volume water consumption, as long as no extra harmful chemical or undiluted chemistry is flushed down the drain, should have little impact on the system
12. Everything should be done in moderation. Even washing clothing in a washing machine should be restricted to one load every day in order to maintain a high quantity of germs in the environment. Home bleach, as well as a variety of other potent household cleaners, should never be used in a septic tank. However, a few of rolls of film every few days is sufficient for flushing chemicals down the toilet. For years, I’ve been disposing of darkroom chemicals into a septic tank with no negative consequences. However, I make an effort to dilute with plenty of water. You make an excellent point. The volume of water used in extended print washing can have an impact that is equal to or greater than that of the chemicals
13. Hello Wayne – I use my fixer until it is completely expended (2x the initial clear time), and then I plate out the silver with a silver magnet to finish it. Then I take that partially de-silvered fixer (it still has about 50 parts per million silver in it) and the water that I used to wash my film and prints and put it all through a trickle tank to remove the silver. My other container for rubbish collection is a 15-gallon roadside drum. A couple times a year, we have a domestic hazardous trash drop-off (at the “central dump”) that is regionally/locally accessible, but I have never taken use of this service before. In a camera store some years ago, I suggested that customers should be allowed to return their picture trash to them (such as returning dead CF lights to the store where they were purchased), but the salesperson simply kind of chuckled. Wishing you the best of luck! john
14. So the new home is being built in Georgia, and the soil there is predominantly clay. My understanding of the fixer issue is that I will be printing as well, and in fact quite a bunch. I’ll call the appropriate authorities, and it’s possible that I’ll end up with a 50-gallon drum. Planning on getting out into the mountains and doing some photography. I’ll be traveling all around Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee
15. Wayne, it appears that we’re in the same boat as each other. A new house in the SW NC Mountains is almost ready, and as part of the construction of the new home, a new, dedicated darkroom has been erected (finally, one done properly). In addition, I’ll be on septic. In addition, I intend to do film development and printing. I’m fortunate to have a PhotoThem Sidekick with a built-in silver recovery function for film printing, but I also have a silver recovery magnet for use with trays or when utilizing a CP-32 processor with an automated replenishment unit for printing on a computer. In reading this post, it appears that we can dispose of BW developer and stop perfectly fine (although we may need to double check the Ph levels), and conduct silver recovery, but that we cannot dispose of toner or reduction or intensification – these must all go to HazMat disposal. Mike
16. To dispose of spent fixer and residual toner (gold and platinum), I collect them and take them to the nearest hazardous waste disposal facility (I agree with Doremus that it is a waste, but there are no longer any photo labs in the area that recycle fixer). I don’t use selenium toner too often, but when I do, I make sure to refresh it. When dealing with silver nitrate-containing trash, I first precipitate the silver with salt, then with sulfide, and finally filter out the silver while decanting the solution. I haven’t been particularly regular with my purchases of old film developers, but I feel better knowing that they are going to an aerating treatment facility. In addition, I use freshly supplied print developer. Developers who are fully stocked make a significant impact in the overall amount of waste liquid produced. The hazardous waste facility receives 15 gal of trash around twice or three times a year from me. Ned: I’m curious which one you’re talking about
17. I only post this one a few times a year, but it’s still pertinent. I had the good fortune to have a successful career in scientific research and analytical chemistry before deciding to devote my entire time to photography. I faced a number of hurdles, including instructing chemists at the local water supply and sewerage department about photographic chemicals present in the wastewater they were responsible for treating. Approximately one hundred times every year, and has done so for at least half a century, people experience concern over “no fixer down the drain.” There are several exceptions, such as industrial-scale photo materials manufacture or a large-scale processing facility
18. Nonetheless, only single-family residences that are linked to a sewage line or a suitable septic system are included: Devlopers act as moderate reducing agents that decompose quickly into harmless by-products. In comparison to a dishwasher, an in-sink garbage disposal machine, or a toilet, the BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) difficulty posed by a home darkroom is much (significantly!) lower. Unlike other acids, stop bath is extremely mild and has no discernible effect on strongly buffered systems such as septic tanks or wastewater treatment facilities. Silver tetrathionate and related chemicals, which characterize the fixer in use, are not harmful to sewage treatment systems or septic systems when used in moderate quantities (ounces, not tons). In the presence of the free sulfide ion, the silver undergoes a rapid conversion to silver sulfide, which has a foul odor and smells like rotten eggs. Silver sulfide is a chemical compound that is both geologically stable and biologically inert, and it has one of the lowest solubility products known in all of chemistry, according to the American Chemical Society. In order for sepia toned photographs to retain their remarkable archival properties, silver sulfide must be stable and inert in the environment. Make your own calculations. Simply calculate your yearly silver usage based on the amount of photographic materials you utilize. Allow for one milligram of silver per square inch of surface area, and multiply this figure by the amount of water you use each year according to your water meter. No possible biological consequence can be reasonably envisioned at a concentration in the parts per billion level, I’m sure of it. If you are discharging into a sewer system, your used fixer contribution will be dilute by the thousands of households that do not process photographs
19. And this includes almost everyone. When it comes to the treatment plant, your speck of silver will be undetectable by any analytical technique currently available. People who wash silverware in their dishwashers will send down far more silver than you would ever be able to produce in your lifetime. In the course of my professional experience, I have examined septic systems that have been “ruined” by persons who have been involved in photography processing. It has always been the fault of overzealous archival washing at the end of the processing sequence in every instance. Sending maybe two or three hundred extra litres of water per day into a system that was not built to handle it dilutes the activated sludge and reduces the biological processes that process and neutralize the normal septic stream, which is harmful. Additional water can also overwhelm the soakage pit or trench at the end of the septic system, creating a squelchy, smelly mess beneath the feet of those on the ground below. Because of the way the world works, many local effluent standards are written by lawyers and/or accountants who don’t know a thing about chemistry but are well-versed in alarmism, blame, culpability, and legal action. Indeed, even the Kodak paper J-300, which is considered to be the de facto final word on “fixer down the drain,” is more concerned with avoiding potential industrial and environmental litigation than it is with the finer points of ultra-small scale chemical engineering. Here’s an example of an usual calculation: Suppose a home darkroom processes 2000 sheets of 8×10 black and white photographic paper every year, and half of the silver is flushed down the toilet. That’s approximately three ounces of silver. At today’s current silver pricing, the amount of silver is worth around $50. However, retrieving that silver entails a number of expenses, including collection, precipitation, transportation, refining, and remelting. In some cases, the net return may be tiny or even negative, depending on the refiner that you choose. Many individuals would argue that it is not worth the hassle. Despite the fact that everything you said is undeniably true, if someone gets in trouble for whatever reason, locally, and quotes your post and says “but this guy worked as a scientifc researcher and posted this information,” it isn’t going to matter much because everything is local, and what is true for me or you has no relation to anyone else. It’s always better to find out what the situation is in your area, no matter how bizarre a legislation may appear to be
20. I live in the country and have been on a septic system for a really long time. I use Xtol, which has been dubbed “the Vitamin C developer,” and pour it down the sink drain to remove the Vitamin C. Similarly, I use a stop bath after adding a small amount of baking soda to raise the pH. Fixer is someone I use elsewhere. Jim B., et al. In spite of this, the OP will still be required to dispose of his water because the septic system will be unable to cope with excessive water usage, particularly in clay soil. A holding tank may be the only option
21. You may be able to use it to water the yard on sunny days or have it hauled away. You should have the necessary check valve installed in this location since they are more concerned about cross contamination of the water supply there than elsewhere. In order to prevent dark room water from being siphoned back into the water distribution system. I don’t believe anyone with even a smidgeon of intelligence would prosecute someone for flushing a few harmless chemicals down the toilet while doing a hobby. Actually, it’s not that much worse than being a hairdresser who works from home. Hello, Matt. I’ve been using Ethol LPD for a while now and I truly enjoy it. Instead of the lengthy and complicated replenishing procedures found here, I’ve included a more straightforward approach below. Please do not hesitate to contact me via private message if you decide to attempt it. ‘Ned’ is an abbreviation for Ned. This is something I’ll keep in mind
22. For the record, I have a deal with Safety Kleen. The process wasn’t straightforward, though, because they don’t appear to be interested in doing business with individuals and didn’t grasp the fact that I fill a 15-gallon drum in around two years. I consider it to be expensive ($350 per drum), but it is preferable to getting into trouble or contaminating a neighbor’s water supply (we also all have wells out here as well as septic tanks). I let the rinses go down the drain, but I put the main chemicals in the drum instead of the sink. Even though I could save both space and money by getting rid of the stop, it won’t make much of a difference given how little time I’ve been spending in the darkroom recently. Another factor to consider is whether or if you live in a watershed region, which is a zone near a municipal underground water supply – as I do. The problem with people advising people over the internet about what they should or should not do with their spent fotochemiztry is that what one person does might be OK where they live and in their particular situation, but where someone else lives and does the same thing it’s not ok
23. If I understand this long read correctly, my future three rolls/month, low volume post-fixer rinse water (Ilford method) could be drained over my own yard, eventually being absorbed by soil matter. The best course of action is to find out what is legal in the area where one lives and not to be concerned about what other people are doing because it is largely immaterial. years ago there were people here who had the fire department go to their house so they could ask them if it was ok to dump their chems (color) down the drain (firedepartment guys said ” sure why not”wrong answer!), it was around the same time another person who claimed they were a chemist suggested selenium toner was harmless and not toxic and one could do whatever they wanted with it, because its found in multi vites and nature (wrong answer, selenium is bad-stuff), just like what some folks do with their cyaanyde fixxer dump it down the drain or in their yard because “it comes from nature” (YIKES!). makes me cringe sometimes when I read what others say. Alternatively, they tell me over coffee. All I have to say is that I’m relieved that I’m not anywhere near their vegetable patch. Please accept my apologies for this inquiry. What do you think about allowing the wasted fixer to evaporate? Is the dust left behind the problem? Is it possible to securely destroy it in some way

Guide to Household chemicals and cleaners poured down drains into the septic tank

• SUBMIT YOUR ASK OR COMMENTON THE EFFECTS OF HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS, SOAPS, ETC. ON THE FUNCTION OF A SEPTIC TANK AND DRAINS

InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. When it comes to common home chemicals and compounds, which ones are acceptable to flush down the toilet and into a private septic tank? Are typical home chemicals such as household cleansers and disinfectants OK to flush down the toilet? Which common home chemicals are likely to cause damage to a septic tank or leach field, and at what levels of usage are they hazardous to the environment?

For this topic, we also have anARTICLE INDEX available, or you may check the top or bottom of the page.

Effects of Household Chemicals Flushed Into a Septic System

What kind of popular home cleansers or chemicals are safe to flush down the toilet and into the septic system? When it comes to home cleansers and other common household liquids, which ones should you avoid flushing down the toilet? What happens to the septic tank and drainfield when you use bleach, epsom salts, liquor, whiskey, or wine?

• If you are cleaning your kitchen floor, you should not be concerned about ammonia because it is in such little concentrations. Bottles of unwanted ammonia or other chemicals should not be flushed down the toilet or dumped into the septic system. If you’re doing a lot of laundry and using a lot of bleach, consider using an oxygen bleach product (sodium percarbonate) as an alternative
• If you’re doing a lot of laundry and using a lot of bleach, try using an oxygen bleach product (sodium percarbonate). When used in significant quantities, such as in an effort to sabotage a well test or a septic dye test, bleach can cause harm to the septic system and should not be poured into it.

• Cleaners and disinfectants used in industrial operations or to clean metal components should not be flushed into the septic system, but other de-greasing and FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) removing drain and septic system maintenance chemicals and treatments are more likely to be permitted. FOG (Fat Oil Grease) de-greasers are discussed in detail in this article, which also includes a comparison of such products with industrial de-greasing chemicals. DEGREASERS FOR FOG
• At typical concentrations, detergents and household cleaners: Small and regular quantities of home cleaner, such as water used to mop a floor or clean a counter, are unlikely to cause harm to a septic system, either because of their volume or concentration in the septic tank, or because of the chemicals in the cleaner. In most cases, the regular levels of household cleaning products such as detergents and fabric softeners as well as shampoos and bath soaps are sufficiently dilute when they reach the septic tank that they should not cause problems for a standard septic tank and drainfield system. However, detergents for clothes washing machines and dishwashing machines frequently include phosphates and surfactants, both of which are known environmental irritants and pollutants. Separate sections on laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, and septic systems are available atWASHING MACHINESSEPTIC SYSTEMS
• And

• See DISHWASHERLAUNDRY DETERGENTS CONTAINING PHOSPHATESSURFACTANTS for a discussion of the environmental impacts of phosphates detergents.

• Drain Cleaners are a type of cleaner that is used to clean drains. Caustic or organic septic treatment chemicals, such as those used to unclog building drains, should be fine as long as they are applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Routine, daily, weekly, or monthly use of drain openers and drain cleaners in home septic systems shouldn’t be necessary, and certain caustics may be detrimental to the system and the environment if used too frequently or in bigger quantities than indicated by the manufacturer. The use of septic treatment chemicals is often unnecessary, and they can pollute the environment. They are also banned in many regions in the United States and throughout Canada. See CHEMICAL TREATMENTS FOR SEPTICS for further information. For a full step-by-step method on unclogging blocked drains, see BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS. In addition, the articles on that page might aid you in determining the location and source of drain clogs. For further information, see CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSISREPAIR. Please accept my thanks for providing clarity on drain cleaners and septic systems
• David Peterson

• Epsom salts, such as those used to soak feet, should be safe when used as directed.

• How to Get Rid of Unwanted Whiskey or Liquor: How to get rid of unwanted whiskey or liquor: Pouring a little amount of unneeded booze down the drain and into the septic tank, say a bottle or two, is not likely to be detrimental. A poor idea is to pour liquor into a septic system on a regular basis or to pour significant volumes, such as a case at a time, into the system. It would be preferable if the booze was given away. If your whiskey bottles are in good condition, consider donating them to a charitable gifts foundation. Photochemicals include: However, if a facility is used for non-residential activities such as a photo lab or another activity that introduces a high concentration of chemicals into the septic system, there is a good chance that the septic system or the environment would suffer. In spite of the fact that liquids are unlikely to block a pipe, they have the potential to harm the bacterial action in either the septic tank or the leach fields, where a biomat is required to process pathogens and so make the effluent safe for disposal into the environment. The process of the septic system may not be able to filter or neutralize some chemicals, even if they do not cause direct damage to the biomat. Consequently, if you’re flushing huge quantities of photo chemicals or cleansers down the toilet

Reader Question: Will antibacterial soap interfere with a septic system?

I conducted a search on your educational website but was unable to determine whether or not antibacterial soaps should be used in a home with a septic system due to technical difficulties. Is it possible that the antibacterial properties of the soap will interfere with the beneficial bacteria in the system? – V.W. – V.W.

Reply: At normal usage levels antibacterial soap won’t hurt the septic tank

The quick answer is “no” – at least not in the numbers that would be expected in a typical family. Normal home usage levels, such as hand washing and dishwashing, will result in anitbacterial soap being sufficiently dilute in the septic tank such that it will do no damage. As previously explained in the article above, we apply the same logic to the usual use of home cleansers and laundry bleach that we did for those products. – Edited version

Reade Question: what causes drain clogging or septic pump clogging by a white waxy substance?

The source of the big amount of white waxy clumpy stuff that I discovered in my septic pump container recently remains a mystery to me. There were many inches of stuff adhered to the walls of the tank, plastered all over the pump, and stuck all over the float switch, which was the source of the problem and the cause for the septic tank to be opened. This goopy buildup occurred over a period of two years and five months. thanks. Rani is a female character in a novel about a young woman named Rani.

Reply:

Rani, I can’t say for definite what the white material was until I see a sample in our forensic lab, which will take several days. Using too much powdered detergent in a dishwasher or clothes washer, on the other hand, can result in the formation of a sticky sludge that can block drains or even septic drainfields.

Excessive detergent usage, or the use of a budget detergent that contains high volumes of clay fillers, might cause clogging of the pump float control switch or the pump intake in a sewer pump, as you’ve pointed out in your response.

Is it ok to use degreasing solvents in septic tanks?

Why can’t degreasing solvents be flushed down the toilet or disposed of in a septic tank? This question was first posed at PUMPS FOR THE SEPTIC SYSTEM.

On 2016-06-08 Reply by (mod) – distinguish cleaning de-greasers from plumbing drain degreasing products

My Don’t Flush List does not include typical plumbing drain FOG (Fat Oil Grease) degreasers (such as Cloroben PT-4) since they include FOG (Fat Oil Grease) (link given below) Excessive use of any solvent may be damaging to the septic tank, and some solvents are dangerous to people if they come into contact with them or are detected in groundwater. Degreasing solvents used in industry to clean metal components, or in garages to clean automobile parts, however, are an entirely distinct substance that should not be flushed down drains into septic systems and may even be prohibited from being flushed down drains into municipal sewer systems.

As Hughes (1954) pointed out, safety has frequently been prioritized in the context of explosion or fire dangers.

• A copy of the CLOROBEN PT4 SAFETY DATA SHEET was obtained from HCC Holdings, Inc. an Oatey Affiliate, 4700 West 160th Street Cleveland, OH 44135, United States, on February 22, 2017. Product Specifications for CLOROBEN PT-4 Sheet,Op. Cit.PT-4 can be used to enhance the flow of gravel absorption beds surrounding cesspools, drywells, leach tanks, and drain field laterals by reducing the amount of water that passes through them. This product can be used to clean lines leading to and from grease traps, to clean main lines or soil stacks/vents in apartment buildings and condominiums as well as hotels and restaurants, as well as for commercial applications
• It controls grease caking and fouling in clarifiers, lines, and digesters, as well as aiding in the maintenance of good percolation in aeration basins at municipal waste treatment plants. WHAM and Hercules are two of the most powerful weapons in the world. Product literature (see citations).

Because of the possible health consequences, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set maximum contamination limits (MCLs) for various solvents, such as chlorinated solvents, in groundwater throughout the country.

• “Chlorinated solvents in groundwater of the United States,” by Michael J. Moran, John S. Zogorski, and Paul J. Squillace, was published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. Environmental Science and Technology 41, no. 1 (2007): 74-81
• Murphy, Brian L., and Thomas D. Gauthier, “Current developments in environmental forensics: Forensic analysis of chlorinated solvent contamination data.” Environmental Science and Technology 41, no. 1 (2007): 74-81
• Murphy, Brian L., and Thomas D. Gauthier, “Current developments in environmental forensics: Forensic analysis of chlorinated solvent contamination data.” Environmental Claims Journal 11, no. 4 (1999): 81-96
• Viraraghavan, T., and Simon Hashem. “Trace organics in septic tank effluent.” Environmental Claims Journal 11, no. 4 (1999): 81-96
• Viraraghavan, T., and Simon Hashem. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 28, no. 3 (1986): 299-308
• Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 28, no. 3 (1986): 299-308

Furthermore, several solvents that were previously thought to be harmless have been proven to be toxic.

• “Hazardous exposure to several so-called safe solvents,” according to James P. Hughes. The Journal of the American Medical Association, volume 156, number 3 (1954), pages 234 and 237. Abstract: Almost every industrial facility and business makes use of some form of solvent at one time or another. From the can of type cleaner on the secretary’s desk to tank car loads of less recognizable compounds employed as degreasing agents in the metal trades or as transportation vehicles in the chemical manufacturing industry, both the sorts and the amounts vary. Because of their high volatility, there are risks associated with the handling of all solvents. The user may be aware of some hazard, but flammability and explosiveness are more likely to be taken into consideration than physiological activity in this situation. It is necessary to consider technological factors such as the action required, the volatility of the solvent, handling practices (including vapor recovery), and the tendency of the substance to leave residual film on metal surfaces, as well as cost and availability when selecting a solvent for a specific purpose. The safety aspect may be introduced as a final consideration, but only in terms of the possibility of a fire or an explosion, for example.

Reader CommentsQ A

Brian The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Steradent – made by Reckitt Benckiser UK – at- lists various acids and other compounds, as well as cautions about their usage. Among them is the following quotation: MEASURES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL RELEASE Sections 8 and 13 should also be reviewed. Do not allow the product to enter sewers or other drainage systems. Remove the loose pills with a broom and place them in an appropriate container for later disposal. Controlling one’s exposure to the environment and protecting one’s own health are important considerations.

• Aspects to consider while disposing of waste Instructions for the Consumer Pouring the prepared liquid down the drain is an acceptable method of disposal.
• Quantities in Bulk Prepare for disposal in line with local, regional, and national regulations.
• That baffles the very daylights out of me.
• I think that what they meant to imply was that waste Steradent can be disposed of down building drains when used in a regular individual household setting, but that this should not be done at a commercial or industrial level.
• 3 – 8% of the population Xi R3677-92-9 201-069-1 R3677-92-9 Citric acid is a kind of acid.
• 0.5 – 1.5 percent of the population Xi R36/38, R52/53497-19-8, Xi R36/38, Xi R52/53497-19-8 Sodium carbonate is a chemical compound that is found in nature.
• Steradent has been recommended to me for a recently fitted denture that I have.

The cereal should be alright as long as you are not flushing it down the toilet or down the sink drain immediately.

After it has been cooked, the pan and bowl have a residue that is nearly glue-like in consistency.

I have a septic system in my home.

When used at standard household levels, such as when washing a sink, it should be OK.

The bottle is deafeningly mute on the subject.

Olivia, that is not the case.

If you were talking about a septic system that served a beauty shop, the issue could be a little different.

Follow the link to learn about CHEMICALS to AVOID IN SEPTIC.

Alternatively, check CHEMICALSCLEANERS under the SEPTIC TANK FAQs- questions and answers that were originally put on this page- for more information. Alternatively, consider the following:

Recommended Articles

• If we use chemical treatments for septic tanks, do we have to put the treatments in the septic tank as well? CHEMICALS NOT TO BE USED WITH SEPTICS
• LIST OF TOILETS THAT SHOULD NOT BE FLUSHED
• SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS
• RAINSPUMPS BLOCKED WITH WAXY BIOFILM SLIME

Suggested citation for this web page

Do you put CHEMICALSCLEANERS in your SEPTIC TANK? Building environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, and issue preventive guidance are all available online atInspect A pedia.com- an online encyclopedia of building and environmental inspection. Alternatively, have a look at this.

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Alternatives include asking a question or searching InspectApedia using the SEARCH BOXfound below.

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Questions, answers, and/or comments concerning issues relating to the functioning of aerobic septic systems are welcome. We encourage you to use the search box just below, or if you prefer, you may make a question or remark in theCommentsbox below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. InspectApedia is a website that allows you to search for things. Please keep in mind that the publication of your remark below may be delayed if it contains an image, a web link, or text that seems to the program to be a web link.

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Technical ReviewersReferences

Citations can be shown or hidden by selecting Show or Hide Citations. InspectApedia.com is a publisher that provides references. Daniel Friedman is an American journalist and author.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

• Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
• Conserve water
• Dispose of waste properly
• And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

• The size of the household
• The total amount of wastewater produced
• The amount of solids present in wastewater
• The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

If additional repairs are recommended, contact a repair professional as soon as possible. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

• Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
• Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

• Cooking grease or oil
• Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
• Photographic solutions
• Feminine hygiene items Condoms
• Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

• If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
• Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

• The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

• Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Do not park or drive on your drainfield; it is illegal to do so. Construction: Plant trees at a proper distance from your drainfield to prevent roots from growing into your septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your particular situation. Roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems should be kept away from the drainfield area. In excess water, the wastewater treatment process will slow down or halt completely;

• Controlling household hazardous waste
• Reducing household hazardous waste
• Regulating household hazardous waste
• Related Links

Safe Management of HHW

The use, storage, and disposal of goods containing potentially hazardous compounds in one’s home should be closely monitored at all times in order to minimize the possible dangers connected with household hazardous wastes, according to the EPA. Improper disposal of HHW can include pouring them down the drain, dumping them on the ground, dumping them into storm sewers, or even throwing them out with the ordinary garbage in some situations. Although the consequences of such waste disposal methods may not be immediately apparent, incorrect disposal of these materials can damage the environment and constitute a harm to human health if not done properly.

Additionally, if they are left around the house, they can be dangerous to children and pets. Some brief pointers for the safe disposal of home hazardous wastes include the following suggestions:

• Follow all usage and storage directions specified on product labels to the letter in order to avoid any mishaps at home. To prevent the danger of items exploding, burning, leaching or combining with other chemicals while on the route to a waste disposal center, make sure to carefully read product labels for disposal instructions. Never store hazardous items in food containers
• Instead, store them in their original containers with the labels still on them at all times. Corroding vessels, on the other hand, demand specific attention. For further information, contact your local hazardous materials authority or fire department. If there are any leftovers, never combine HHW with other products. HHW that has been polluted by incompatible materials may react, fire, or explode, rendering it unusable for recycling. Seek further information about HHW management alternatives in your region from the environmental, health, or solid waste departments of your local government.

• Even if your city does not have a year-round collection system for household hazardous waste, check to see if there are any specified days in your region for collecting household hazardous waste at a central place to assure safe treatment and disposal
• Even if your municipality does not have a permanent collection site or a designated collection day, you may be able to drop off some goods at local businesses for recycling or appropriate disposal if your community lacks either. Some local garages, for example, may be willing to accept old motor oil in exchange for credit. Take a look around

• Even if your city does not have a year-round collection system for household hazardous waste, check to see if there are any specified days in your region for collecting HHW at a central site to assure safe treatment and disposal
• For those living in areas where there is neither a permanent collection site nor a designated collection day, you may be able to drop off some items at local businesses for recycling or appropriate disposal. A number of local garages, for example, may be willing to collect spent motor oil and recycle it. Examine your options

Reducing HHW in Your Home

If your town does not have a year-round collection system for HHW, check to see if there are any specified days in your region for collecting HHW at a central site to guarantee safe treatment and disposal; If your city does not have a permanent collection site or a designated collection day, you may be able to drop off some goods at local businesses for recycling or appropriate disposal. For example, some local garages may accept spent engine oil for recycling. Take a look around.

Hazardous Waste Source Reduction around the Home
Drain Cleaner	Use a plunger or plumber’s snake.
Glass Cleaner	Mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in one quart of water.Spray on and use newspaper to dry.
Furniture Polish	Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in one pint of mineral or vegetable oiland wipe furniture.
Rug Deodorizer	Liberally sprinkle carpets with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutesand vacuum. Repeat if necessary.
Silver Polish	Boil two to three inches of water in a shallow pan with one teaspoon of salt,one teaspoon of baking soda and a sheet of aluminum foil. Totallysubmerge silver and boil for two to three more minutes. Wipe awaytarnish and repeat if necessary.
Mothballs	Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mints or white peppercorns.

Regulating HHW

While the majority of hazardous wastes in the United States that are ignitable, reactive, corrosive, or poisonous are regulated under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Congress created an exception for home garbage in order to protect the environment. This exception, stated in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 261.4, states that wastes created by typical domestic activities (such as basic house and yard care) are not considered hazardous wastes and are therefore not included in the definition.

1. Individuals must create waste on the premises of a temporary or permanent dwelling, and the waste stream must be constituted mostly of components present in garbage generated by consumers in their homes.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this exception includes facilities that are similar to a household, such as bunkhouses, ranger stations, crew quarters, campsites, picnic spaces, and day-use leisure areas. Despite the fact that home hazardous waste is exempt from the provisions of Subtitle C of the RCRA, it is controlled as a solid waste under Subtitle D of this statute. To put it another way, home hazardous waste is controlled at the state and municipal government levels.

Related Links

Until I discovered this, I had been thinking about building a darkroom in my new house (which would be on a septic system). Is there any other option available? Instructions on how to dispose of a septic system The use of septic systems for the disposal of photographic processing chemicals is not recommended by Kodak because the disposal of photographic processing chemicals may interfere with the correct operation of the septic system. Generally speaking, septic tank systems are utilized for the disposal of residential waste, particularly in places where municipal sewers are not accessible.

1. The discharge from septic tank systems has the potential to negatively impact subsurface drinking water supplies.
2. Your local health agency and/or the U.S.
3. Because of heightened enforcement on disposal to Class V injectionwells, which include septic tanks, it is recommended that you do a comprehensive investigation of the regional, state, and municipal compliance requirements.
4. You should only consider using a household hazardous waste collection facility if your household produces fewer than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of hazardous trash every calendar month.

Through the KODAK RELAY Program, customers who use KODAK photography chemicals may also arrange for their waste to be properly handled and disposed of, saving them time and money.

EHS CDR Photochemicals

Photochemicals and containers should be handled with care to ensure they are safe, ecologically friendly, and cost effective. The proper disposal of unwanted and/or used photochemicals differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and should be handled in accordance with local rules. There are other options, including silver recovery, haul-away, and discharges to appropriate municipal treatment systems. Take steps to ensure that photochemicals are disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

Photochemical Containers

By participating in the KODAK Returnable Drum Program, you may contribute to the reduction of solid waste. A straightforward and convenient method of recycling chemical barrels used in the photofinishing process is provided by this software. Returnable Drums from KODAK

Waste Photochemicals

The use of septic systems for the disposal of photographic processing chemicals is not recommended by Kodak Alaris since the disposal of photographic processing solutions may interfere with the normal operation of the septic system, according to the company. The discharge from septic tank systems has the potential to negatively impact subsurface drinking water supplies. Standards are established by the federal, country, state, and municipal governments in order to reduce the possible influence on subterranean drinking water supplies.

Other choices for disposing of your photoprocessing waste include using domestic hazardous waste collection services in your region, discharging your trash to a local municipal wastewater treatment facility, or hiring a chemical hauler that is licensed in your state.

Sewer / Biological Treatment Systems

The majority of photography processing effluents and washwaters contain compounds that are biodegradable in the environment. They may be compatible with biological treatment systems if they are discharged to a sewage treatment plant that is efficient. Permission from the local treatment authority may be required (typically in the form of a formal authorization or permit, which specifies what may and cannot be discharged, among other things). Inquire with your local authorities to establish whether or not you require permission and to learn about local discharge limitations.

On-Site Silver Recovery

On-site silver recovery methods are available in a range of configurations. When you understand the size of your business, the quantity of wastewater it produces, and the silver discharge limit in your local region, you will be better able to choose the appropriate technology for your operation. Silver recovery by the use of metallic replacement is advised for consumers with limited volume requirements. Simple to use and maintain, these cartridges are ideal for the home or office. Cartridges that have been used must be delivered to a silver refiner for additional processing and recovery of the metallic silver.

• The type of electrolytic recovery unit that is used is determined by the solutions that are being treated as well as the daily volumes that require treatment.
• These devices are more expensive than simple metallic replacement cartridges and need a greater amount of effort to set up and run successfully than those cartridges.
• These practices are typically only justified when necessary in order to comply with stringent local laws.
• To make the process more efficient, semi-automatic and specialized equipment for automated precipitation is utilized to help.

If on-site silver recovery is not performed, the owner/operator is responsible for transporting silver-rich solutions off-site for suitable disposal.

Off-Site Silver Recovery

Silver is a precious resource that may be collected and used in a simple and cost-effective manner. It is almost guaranteed that if you are discharging silver-bearing waste solutions (fixer, bleach-fix, and stabilizers, or wash fluids) to the sewer for biological treatment, you will have to collect silver in order to stay under the discharge restrictions given by your local government. If the scale of your photoprocessing business makes on-site recovery difficult, silver-containing solutions can be collected and delivered to an off-site recovery facility for further processing and disposal.

This means that you will be responsible for properly collecting and storing the garbage, as well as informing the waste management business of any risks that may exist so that they can transport and handle the waste safely.