septic tanks and washing machines

[cris r]

Does anyone know what detergent I should use in a washing machine if i have a septic tank. I have been told that the normal detergents would effect the bacteria in the tank the same applys if I use bleach to clean the the toilets can anyone shed any light on this, Thanks x

[4getmenot]

http://www.keidel.com...ewage/septic-care.htm

[The Builder]

4get got there before me Cris .............. I was just going to say that normal domestic amounts won't be detrimental ............ industrial amounts would cause a problem though.

[4getmenot]

yer lots of people use washing machines with tanks you can get a washing machine filter but all the years I works with septic tank there was never a problem caused by washing powder

[4getmenot]

sorry the builder, but let me get the drain questions, its only thing I'm good at answering lol

[rov1200]

We had a septic tank and although in theory detergents may upset the contents of the tank we just continued to use the normal washing powders. Because the septic tank (the old ones anyway) had 2 chambers one containing the solids and the other the liquids we used to have the solids removed about every 5 years without any problem. The sewage collector does not like too long a period otherwise the solids become like treacle and block the output hose. Just use trial and error.

[The Builder]

OK 4get .............. it's a deal lol
I'll keep my nose out of your drains ........... as it were .......... ;o)

[4getmenot]

can I still post on some of the building jobs, dont get many drain questions :-(

[The Builder]

HaHa ......... of course ............. I only get involved if Buildersmate is too busy lol

[cris r]

Thanks for that it was very interesting. We are about to renovate an old farm house so lots of research going on.

[Twenty20]

redhelen - I'm not sure I want to ask......but your dad used to put dead bodies in the septic tank?


Is that normal?

[wastetech]

Normal amounts of detergent won't harm your septic tank, though try to keep it to a minimum and AVOID the new products that contain anti-bacterials as they will kill the bacteria in the septic tank.
http://www.wte-ltd.co.uk