Bleach is a popular germ-killing cleaning product, especially for toilet cleaning. Most homeowners use bleach to remove stains from white clothing. Since bleach kills bacteria and your septic tank relies on these bacteria to break down waste, bleach is highly detrimental to your system and one of the worst things about it. No one expects you to let your toilet get filthy, so how do you reconcile the dilemma of using bleach? Unfortunately, there’s contradicting information online about using bleach in septic tank systems. Here we talk about whether you can use bleach with a septic tank.

It is also necessary to get a periodic inspection of your septic tank from professional plumbers in Reno to ensure it is working efficiently.

Can You Pour Bleach Down The Drain If You Have A Septic Tank?

Pouring home bleach and chemical cleansers down your drain and into your septic tank is likely to cause a septic system malfunction. Although moderate bleach usage will not upset your septic system, excessive bleach use may destroy the healthy microorganisms in your septic tank. Some bleaches are environmentally friendly, having low chemical content while still cleaning toilets.

Most people claim regular household bleach will not harm the bacteria. Instead of following that suggestion, opt for a cleaner that is gentler on the chemical front and will not be abrasive to the tank.

How Does Bleach Affect Your Septic System?

A natural ecosystem in your septic tank breaks down wastewater that flows down the drains using bacteria. These microbes break down substances like soap, organic waste, and other contaminants flushed through your house’s plumbing system. Without these microbes, the sludge will accumulate, leading to potential health hazards, unpleasant odors, and more money for you to waste on septic pumping in Sparks. You can easily avoid this nuisance by not pouring bleach or other harmful chemicals down the drain.

Leaving your septic tank in its natural process may keep it running smoothly for many years, reducing the need for annual pumping, and saving you money.

How Can You Retain The Good Bacteria That Bleach Has Destroyed?

You will need to start from scratch if you lose your healthy bacteria due to bleach. Adding good bacteria to your tank may help mitigate the negative consequences. Using septic tank enzymes is one of the most effective ways to boost the microorganisms in your septic tank. They increase the number of microbes in the tank, helping with waste decomposition.

Consider hiring professional plumbing contractor services in Reno NV, to inquire about the best septic tank enzymes to use in your septic system. Incorporating natural items in your tank is another option to increase beneficial bacteria. For instance, flush rotten tomatoes down your drain as they contain pectinolytic enzymes and good bacteria. Along with this, baking soda can also aid in the growth of microorganisms, as it raises the pH of your septic tank, allowing bacteria to multiply rapidly.

Contact a reputable septic tank maintenance provider if you have a foul odor, waste backup, or overflowing toilets.