Are Our Tinkle Detergent Sheets Safe For Your Septic Tank?
While most homes in Australia rely on their local sewerage system for wastewater disposal, there are plenty of properties in rural or remote areas that have septic tanks. If you have a septic tank at home, you’re probably already aware that what goes down your drain is really important. This means that whatever cleaning products you use will have a serious impact on your septic tank system.
We’re going to break down how a septic tank system works, how to keep it healthy and functioning, and what to look for in a septic safe detergent like Tinkle.
What Is a Septic Tank
Septic tanks are considered an environmentally friendly waste disposal system. However, they’re often viewed as an “alternative” to the regular local sewerage system. If you live in a city, you might not be aware of septic tanks and how they work. They’re far more common in rural areas, especially when the sewerage system does not reach some properties.
They work by bringing waste from your home into a speciality tank that uses a balance of bacteria to separate the waste from water. It then releases the water into a patch of soil called a drain field that naturally recycles it using different layers of rock and sand.
The exact type of septic system installed in your home can differ depending on various factors, such as soil type, household size, and location. However, most of them work on this same closed-loop system.
Why Some Homes Choose to Install Septic Tanks
While some homes have no choice but to use septic tanks because of their remote location, some homes prefer to install them for several reasons. They’re considered a cheaper sewerage system, because it does not generate any usage bill or require any external energy. In fact, septic tanks can last decades without any faults or hassles if looked after properly and maintained regularly.
The closed-loop nature of septic tanks also makes them more eco-friendly. They promote healthy ecosystems through microbial action and bacteria growth. At the same time, the recycled water that is released helps to replenish water tables and benefit the surrounding vegetation and wildlife.
How to Keep a Septic Tank Healthy?
Septic tanks rely on a healthy balance of bacteria to treat the wastewater and keep the closed-loop system functioning correctly. This means that you need to be aware of what products you’re using and disposing of down your drain, because any toxins or chemicals that enter the septic tank can upset this balance and leak into the natural environment.
This is why it’s really important to only use products that are septic safe, which usually means naturally derived cleaning products and anything that uses plant-based ingredients that don’t contain harmful chemicals.
It’s also not a good idea to overdose on detergent as this can upset the balance in your septic tank and cause blockages or toxic environments in the tank. Unfortunately, when there’s any sign of blockages, an imbalance of bacteria, or signs of an overflowing tank, then you’ll need to get an expert to come and pump out your septic tank.
How Do You Know If a Detergent is Safe for Your Septic Tank?
If you’re looking for the perfect detergent for your home, that will likely mean something that is safe for your septic tank but also a product that will do its job well in cleaning your clothes and dishes. Here are some things to look out for when searching for that perfect detergent.
Ingredients and products to avoid:
- Synthetic water softeners that can impact the bacteria present
- Disinfectants and antibacterial products that may upset the balance in your tank
- Bleach is toxic to natural waterways and may also kill the bacteria in your septic system
- Unnatural fragrances or brighteners in detergent powder that can disrupt the bacterial balance
- Fillers found in certain detergent powder can also clog up drains and tanks
What to Look For in a Septic Safe Detergent?
The most obvious aspect to look for when purchasing detergent is whether it’s certified or declared as septic safe. This helps you determine if it’s the right product for you. But you should also keep an eye out for products that contain natural and plant-based ingredients and those that are considered biodegradable.
These products are more likely to not only maintain the function of your septic system, but also help the bacteria thrive for a longer period of time and ensure your household is not polluting the natural waterways.
Are Tinkle’s Detergent Sheets Septic Safe?
Our detergent sheets tick all the boxes when it comes to septic safe products. Our laundry and dishwashing sheets are all made from naturally derived ingredients, that quickly dissolve completely in any water, and contain no added synthetic chemicals or bleaches. This means you can use any of our detergent sheets with peace of mind knowing that your septic tank system will not be disrupted by your laundry and dishwashing routine.
The other benefit of our detergent sheets is that they’re pre-measured, meaning you’re less likely to overdose on detergent and pollute your drain field. You can simply throw one detergent sheet in each load and you can feel confident that you’re not disrupting the function of your plumbing system.
Try our detergent sheets today and you’ll never go back!
