Is Toilet Bowl Cleaner Safe for Septic Systems – Learn How to be Careful

Is Toilet Bowl Cleaner Safe for Septic Systems? A septic system consists of a septic tank and a drain field. It’s an essential part of your property, overall hygiene and ecosystem. If you are not careful about what you flush down the toilet, you may end up with a messy sanitation nightmare.

While cleaning your toilet, a cleaner is a must. But is toilet bowl cleaner safe for septic systems? We are here to answer your question.

Biodegradable, eco-friendly toilet cleaners are safe for septic systems. You should definitely avoid strong bleach or chlorine formula-based cleaners. They can damage not only the toilet surfaces but also your septic tank. Keep reading to find out more details and our suggestions!

What Causes Damage to Septic Systems?

Ingredients that are commonly found in toilet bowl cleaners, such as bleach, chlorine, and hydrochloric acid, are not safe for a septic system. Bleach and chlorine-based formula may kill bacteria and pathogens. But they also kill useful microorganisms that help the biodegradable process in the septic tank. As a result, the system might not function efficiently in breaking down the waste.

Using hydrochloric acid as a toilet bowl cleaner may help you get rid of stubborn stains like urine and mineral stains, or even rust. But it can also contaminate the tank water, change its pH level and kill useful bacteria. So, make sure to avoid cleaners containing such ingredients. In this way, you can save your septic system from damage.

Being Careful Goes a long Way

A septic system is basically an underground wastewater treatment structure. It is generally adopted in rural areas where centralized sewer systems are absent. The system treats household wastewater drained from kitchen sinks, laundry machines, bathrooms, etc.

The septic system breaks down the waste you drain or flush. Then turn them into biodegradable particles. They are later absorbed into the ground. So, when you use bleach, acid or similar ingredients, they disrupt the degradable process. 

The ingredients can also damage the septic tank, causing expensive fixes. Besides, they can produce odor in the system and spread it all over your property. They also have a chance of contaminating your drinking water and so on. So, if you are careful, you can maintain the hygiene of your living space. Moreover, being careful will also save you from the additional repair or replacement costs.

Here’s How to be Careful

1. Always use toilet cleaners that contain eco-friendly and nontoxic ingredients. Vinegar, baking soda, borax, etc are excellent options as septic-safe toilet bowl cleaners.
2. Avoid products that contain toxic chemicals, such as methylisothiazolinone.
3. Avoid using toilet bowl cleaner tablets/toilet tank tablets containing antibacterial agents.
4. Using soap and detergents in excessive amounts may not be a good idea.
5. Stay away from flushing sanitary napkins, cigarette filters, paper towels and similar products. They do not decompose. Hence, they can clog the system.
6. Paints, paint thinner, pesticides, solvents, etc often contain toxic chemicals. They are not safe for a septic system. So, make sure you never flush them or pour them down the drain system.

Make Your DIY Septic-Safe Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Do the strange names on the toilet cleaner container often confuse you? Don’t worry, we have your back! You can make a septic-safe toilet bowl cleaner sitting at home. It will save you a few bucks. Also, you can get your hands on it anytime.

Follow these simple steps to make a DIY septic-safe toilet bowl cleaner:

1: Take 1 cup white vinegar, ¾ cup baking soda and 15-20 drops of essential oil (Eucalyptus/peppermint/tea tree oil) in a container.

2: Mix the ingredients properly.

3: Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.

4: Spray the solution on the toilet surfaces, including the inside of the toilet bowl. Then let it sit for a couple of hours.

5: Then scrub the bowl, especially the stained areas, with a toilet brush.

6: Finally, rinse off the solution with fresh water.

The DIY cleaner is a multipurpose product. How? The baking soda works as a disinfectant. It kills germs. The vinegar will help you remove the stains. Moreover, the mixture works great for neutralizing odor. The essential oils will leave a fresh smell after you are done.

Using a natural, eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner will keep the septic tank safe and fully functional. Additional, it will not raise any health concerns when absorbed into the ground.

Additional tips

1. To ensure safety and durability, avoid putting weight on the septic system.
2. Pump your septic system every one or two years to prevent clogging.
3. Use single-ply toilet paper. They decompose quickly.
4. Doing a week’s laundry on the same day might not be a good idea. Divide them over the week. It will lessen the pressure on the septic tank.

Final Words

Is toilet bowl cleaner safe for septic systems? If you have made it this far, then you have your answer. Follow the guidelines described in our article. Ensure a functional, safe and hygienic septic system.