Are Cleenol products safe for Septic Tanks?
What are Septic Tanks and how do they work?
Septic tanks are used in absence of normal sewage drains, to condition the sewage so that it can be subsequently discharged into the land and allowed to percolate into the subsoil.
As sewage enters the tank, larger solids either sink to the bottom or rise to the surface. The sludge and scum formed, as well as the liquid in the tank, are then decomposed by bacteria living in the system. Most septic tanks rely on anaerobic bacteria, which work in environments with little or no oxygen. Some systems, particularly those used in larger commercial settings such as hotels, may also incorporate aerobic treatment, which uses bacteria that require oxygen.
This process helps reduce the amount of solid waste and produces a liquid effluent, which can then be discharged into a drainage field or soakaway for further treatment in the surrounding soil. Although bacteria break down much of the organic material, some solids remain and gradually build up. For this reason, septic tanks need to be emptied periodically, typically every 6–12 months, depending on the size of the tank and how heavily it is used.
How do detergents affect Septic Tanks?
Most conventional synthetic detergents are generally considered suitable for use
with Septic Tank systems. All detergents available in the UK are at least 80% biodegradable, meaning microorganisms can break them down naturally without causing significant disruption to the treatment process when used as directed. Some residues can provide an additional source of organic material which is considered nutrients for the bacteria within the tank.
Therefore, Septic Tanks are not adversely affected by synthetic detergents.
How do disinfectants and bleach affect Septic Tanks?
As the operation of a Septic Tank is dependent on bacterial activity, the effect of disinfectants and bleach is often questioned. The important factor is that when disinfectant is used as normal, it has been diluted with water to such an extent that there is little likelihood of of inhibiting regular bacterial action in Septic Tanks.
If the disinfectant is bleach-based, there will be additional safeguard that the large amounts of organic matter present in the tank will rapidly deactivate the product.
How do enzymes affect Septic Tanks?
Enzymes are commonly used as ingredients in laundry and cleaning products to help break down different types of stains and organic matter.
When enzyme-containing products are used in washing machines, the enzymes are exposed to the wastewater entering the septic tank. Any residual enzyme activity is generally expected to have little impact on the natural bacterial processes within the system.
Enzymes can also help break down organic materials, supporting the overall degradation of waste. As a result, enzyme-based cleaning products are not generally considered a concern for septic tank operation when used as directed.
Dosing and dilution control
We provide dilution rates for all of our concentrated cleaning products. These dilution rates ensure products are not overdosed and therefore no excessive chemical is being put into the Septic Tank.
An adequate Septic Tank installation will be able to handle normal detergent and disinfectant discharges without any loss of efficacy.
Problems with Septic Tank operation
Most problems with the operation of Septic Tanks are caused by 'overloading' the system, specifically with large volumes of alkaline liquid sometimes containing high levels of bleach. These can have a negative impact on certain types of septic tank installations.
It's common to find that sites where the Septic Tank was originally installed to cope with household levels of waste and are now being used for high volumes of laundry and dishwashing, their volumes of effluent output are regularly overloading the Septic Tank's capabilities.
When problems with the Septic Tanks operation occur, the first thing to check is the capacity of the system that handles the volume of waste it is receiving. If a lot of acidic or alkaline liquid is being discharged into the septic tank, you should consider ways to minimise the effects.
For any further information on our product usage and suitability, please reach out to our Technical Team: technical.enquiries@cleenol.co.uk
Written by Charlotte.
