Does it seem like your septic system or cesspool fills up too fast? If the bacterial ecosystem in your system is damaged by chemicals, this can happen all too easily. We get it though, you get attached to a specific scent and consistency of a soap, but if your soap is damaging your septic system, you don’t want the consequences of a failure or backup on your hands.
Don’t Use Antibacterial Hand Soap
Antibacterial hand soap is great for keeping your hands clean and halting the spread of bacterial infection, but it isn’t great if you use a septic system. The antibacterial properties will kill the bacteria your septic system uses to break down waste, but there is a workaround.
You can keep using your antibacterial hand soap, just make sure it doesn’t end up going down the drain of your sink or shower. Try wetting your hands, lathering up with your favorite antibacterial soap, and then drying it all off with a paper towel. Last step: throw the paper towel away in the trash.
It is important to understand that antibacterial soap only works on bacteria, it has no practical use against viruses, and many viruses can be killed by non-antibacterial soap anyway. If you’re worried about flu season or other viruses, keep washing your hands, but use a septic safe soap.
What Soaps are Septic Safe?
With liquid hand soaps, you really have to take a look at the label to tell if it is safe for a septic system. Liquid hand soaps are popular, and some get too fancy for their own good. Packing big bubble potential, powerful scents and even tiny plastic beads into a soap is almost always bad news for a septic system. Look for more natural solutions.
Is Bar Soap Safe for Septic Systems?
The answer here is basically the same as with liquid hand soap. Make sure the soap isn’t antibacterial, and you should be good to go. Bar soap is often inexpensive, and can be made to last longer with a soap saver bag too! Bar soap suds are generally mild enough to be neutralized on their way down the shower or faucet drain, letting septic systems work their magic undisturbed.