H.M. Laundry Detergent & Septic ?

[Maggie]

So I have read at least 2 times now that the homemade powder laundry detergent is not good for a septic system. Any septic system experts out there that know if this is true or not? Man, that would be a real example of 'penny wise and pound foolish.' Especially if it ruins our septic system, who would care about saving $$ on detergent? Thanks and have a great day, Maggie

[majik]

I'm no chemist, but I can't see how introducing natural ingredients to a septic could be bad. It seems more logical to me that high phosphate store bought laundry soap would be much worse. I'll be interested to see what others have to say - I'm on a septic too!

[Cabin Fever]

The only type of detergent that I am aware of that can effect septic systems is dry powder type detergents. Powders are full of inert fillers like silica and clays. The fillers can buildup in the bottom of septic tanks which can necssitate a slightly higher frequency of pumping. Even the moderate use of bleach will not harm a septic system.

I suppose that some are concerned about the effects that borax (boron) may have on septic sytem microorganisms. Septic bacteria are relatively tolerant of boron. Boron naturally occurs in soils, groundwater and plants. Boron is a plant and animal essential nutrient. Like any nutrient, low concentrations can cause deficiencies and high concentrations can cause toxicity. Most store-bought laundry detergents also contain boron.

According to the manufacturer, Borax is safe for septic systems.

[Wolf mom]

Glad to hear that some bleach won't harm my septic.

I try 'baby' my septic and to use only "septic safe" products like like liquid laundry soap, septic safe TP, etc. but with red clay soil, sometimes bleach is needed.

[watcher]

Originally Posted by Wolf mom

Glad to hear that some bleach won't harm my septic.

I try 'baby' my septic and to use only "septic safe" products like like liquid laundry soap, septic safe TP, etc. but with red clay soil, sometimes bleach is needed.

We don't 'baby' our system but we only flush . . .well let's just say stinky TP and no . . .ahh. . .feminine hygiene products get flushed. I also currently don't have the washing machine dumping into the system but that's more because of the lint issue than the cleaners in the water.

[Kris in MI]

Cabin Fever,

Does putting spoiled dairy products (milk, cream, sour cream) down the drain help the septic in any way? What about the 'spent' yeast from homebrewing?

I grew up on a septic and was always told the bacteria in sour milk was beneficial to the workings of the septic system.

[Cabin Fever]

All the bacteria that a septic system needs come from...how do I say this politely....comes from humanure.

[Our Little Farm]

Home made laundry powder is not full of clay and silica fillers so I believe it to be a lot safer and better for your septic system, plus a lot cheaper!

[Kris in MI]

Originally Posted by Cabin Fever

All the bacteria that a septic system needs come from...how do I say this politely....comes from humanure.

So therefore any bacteria, yeast, etc normally found in the human gut and shed through the digestive/elimination process would be not necessarily a benefit (ie a 'septic booster'), but would do no harm. And by the same token other things are not needed for a healthy septic system.

[Cabin Fever]

Kris, in the northern states there really isn’t all that much biological activity occurring in a septic tank. The contents in the tank are relatively cold and microbes are not all that active when the temps are in the cool range. In southern states, there is more biological activity taking place in septic tanks. The real purpose of a septic tank is to separate solids (by settling) and fats/oils (by floating) from the wastewater. The wastewater moves on to the drainfield. Further treatment takes place in the drainfield by natural soil microorganisms.

Humanure is composed primarily of microorganisms. These microorganisms are adapted to decomposing organic materials under low or no oxygen conditions. The kind of conditions one has in a septic tank. Our humanure inoculates the septic tank with viable decomposing microbes each time we use the toilet. There is no need to add any other microbes.

[Maggie]

CF~
How did you become such an expert on septic systems? Just curious...

[DW]

We used it for yrs but after having to clean the drains twice and found the same problem, we quit. It would build up in the pipes, white chunk type stuff...my hubby HATES any plumbing job so we quit and have not had the build up.

[Cabin Fever]

Originally Posted by Maggie

CF~
How did you become such an expert on septic systems? Just curious...

I learned everything I know about septic systems from the guy on the right side of the photo. He's a world-reknown expert on the subject.

[Our Little Farm]

So. To say you are now full of it...meaning information of course, is correct. Right?









Sorry, but I could not resist, truly I could not.

[Cabin Fever]

Originally Posted by Our Little Farm

So. To say you are now full of it...meaning information of course, is correct. Right?

Sorry, but I could not resist, truly I could not.

You're mighty sarcastic for a NEW member!

[Our Little Farm]

Just wait till I've been here for a while.

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

Originally Posted by Cabin Fever

The only type of detergent that I am aware of that can effect septic systems is dry powder type detergents. Powders are full of inert fillers like silica and clays. The fillers can buildup in the bottom of septic tanks which can necssitate a slightly higher frequency of pumping. Even the moderate use of bleach will not harm a septic system.

I suppose that some are concerned about the effects that borax (boron) may have on septic sytem microorganisms. Septic bacteria are relatively tolerant of boron. Boron naturally occurs in soils, groundwater and plants. Boron is a plant and animal essential nutrient. Like any nutrient, low concentrations can cause deficiencies and high concentrations can cause toxicity. Most store-bought laundry detergents also contain boron.

According to the manufacturer, Borax is safe for septic systems.

YEAH what he said but think about the amount of fillers in a dry powder if you use 2-3 boxes a year it would be highly unlikly to fill anything up if you have to have them pumped yearly or every other year depending on where you live my inlaw live in a yearly and have to send the pumping bill in with thier taxes each year.
my aunt gets away with every 2-3 years but it's just her and she doesn't use that much of any thing.it has gone longer in the past but she just has it done to keep upand avoide problems.

our home made liquid deturgent should be no problem i probably get far more sediment from wahing the 1 pair of the kids pants afte they play in the sand box than a 100 loads worth of soap