Yes I get a lot of questions...but I find it rewarding when I can help people walk through the issues they face when building/buying/selling a home with a septic system. It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it.
FAQ - What type of cleaners should I use?
Jim, love your site. Just one question, what kind of cleaning supplies and laundry detergent can I use? My husband says no bleach but I like a clean house. Lori
A properly designed/installed septic system is not the fragile thing many people think they are. Using common, everyday cleaners is fine...but it does pay to read the labels. If it says "Wear full body armor when using this product" you may want to pick a different one...not only for your septic system but for your personal safety as well.
Stick with liquid detergents when it comes to doing the laundry (many) powders have fillers that can damage a septic system. The occasional use of bleach, like one or two loads a week is OK. Jim
Boy am I glad I listened to you. When I brought up the inspection again the sellers flat out refused to allow it. Sensing something was wrong I contacted the health dept. and they had quite the tail to tell. It seems the system has had problems for years and they have been after them to get it fixed. They even poured a concrete patio over the tank so there is no way to even get to it. The county man said the system is on their hit list and in the next few years they will make whoever owns the house get it fixed. My only regret is someone else will buy the house without doing their homework and they will get suckered like I almost did. All I can say is thank you and keep up this valuable service. Barb