Toilet Bowl Cleaners - Septic Systems

bigdog · 06-19-2022, 03:42 PM

I know this is an unusual topic, but looking for suggestions for 'Toilet Bowl Cleaners', that is safe to use, that will not harm septic tank systems.

Most T.B. cleaners have bleach, and this wouldn't be good for septic tanks, as the bleach will kill bacteria, which the septic system needs, to do it's thing.

Suggestions appreciated.

Thanks !

TheTimeTraveler · 06-19-2022, 04:11 PM

Try using liquid dish cleaners using hot water (Ivory, Joy, etc.).

Sue Doe-Nym · 06-19-2022, 07:21 PM

Don’t laugh….this works….mixture of Dawn liquid, white vinegar and plain water in spray bottle.

Descant · 06-19-2022, 08:15 PM

No bleach? Makes sense, but my septic/leach field is 47 years old. We use bleach in the clothes washer. That's about it. So, IMHO, small amounts of bleach relative to total water flow probably don't matter. You can buy various products that purport to stimulate the bacteria activity.
Part of the operation of the septic system relates to how big the settling tank is, and how much water flows through it. If you do lots of laundry, showers, dishes and toilet use all first thing in the morning, the water, and bacteria, don't spend enough time interacting. Don't do half loads in the washing machines, do other water activities throughout the day, etc. If you have old five gallon toilets, convert to newer, 2 gallon and other water conservation techniques. And yes, go light on the bleach.

SAB1 · 06-21-2022, 04:25 AM

My guess is he asking about the cleaners that go in the back of tank and the chemicals clean with every flush .

06-19-2022, 03:42 PM	#1
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,446 Thanks: 340 Thanked 119 Times in 96 Posts	Toilet Bowl Cleaners - Septic Systems I know this is an unusual topic, but looking for suggestions for 'Toilet Bowl Cleaners', that is safe to use, that will not harm septic tank systems. Most T.B. cleaners have bleach, and this wouldn't be good for septic tanks, as the bleach will kill bacteria, which the septic system needs, to do it's thing. Suggestions appreciated. Thanks !

06-19-2022, 08:15 PM	#4
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,351 Thanks: 1,342 Thanked 1,623 Times in 1,055 Posts	Bleach? No bleach? Makes sense, but my septic/leach field is 47 years old. We use bleach in the clothes washer. That's about it. So, IMHO, small amounts of bleach relative to total water flow probably don't matter. You can buy various products that purport to stimulate the bacteria activity. Part of the operation of the septic system relates to how big the settling tank is, and how much water flows through it. If you do lots of laundry, showers, dishes and toilet use all first thing in the morning, the water, and bacteria, don't spend enough time interacting. Don't do half loads in the washing machines, do other water activities throughout the day, etc. If you have old five gallon toilets, convert to newer, 2 gallon and other water conservation techniques. And yes, go light on the bleach.

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06-19-2022, 04:11 PM	#2
TheTimeTraveler Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 878 Thanks: 277 Thanked 285 Times in 176 Posts	Try using liquid dish cleaners using hot water (Ivory, Joy, etc.).

The Following User Says Thank You to TheTimeTraveler For This Useful Post:
bigdog (06-19-2022)

06-19-2022, 07:21 PM	#3
Sue Doe-Nym Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,425 Thanks: 743 Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts	Don’t laugh….this works….mixture of Dawn liquid, white vinegar and plain water in spray bottle.

The Following User Says Thank You to Descant For This Useful Post:
upthesaukee (06-20-2022)

06-21-2022, 04:25 AM	#5
SAB1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 1,230 Thanks: 190 Thanked 320 Times in 235 Posts	My guess is he asking about the cleaners that go in the back of tank and the chemicals clean with every flush .