Is Epsom Salt Safe For Septic Systems? (Answered)

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Many people often wonder whether epsom salt can damage septic systems, while some others have known Epsom salt as a treatment for septic systems but want to be sure it is right for them. But is epsom salt safe for septic systems?

Yes, epsom salts are perfectly safe for your septic systems, but you must ensure that you use them in the right quantity and not excessively.

The misconception that Epsom salt is harmful to the septic tank should be erased and we will discuss this in detail below!

What Does Epsom Salts Do In Our Septic Tanks? 

Epsom salts have more benefits than disadvantages to your drainage systems. When you pour Epsom salt into your septic tank, it increases the magnesium content in the ground, leading to a plant’s growth in the drain field.

Don’t be bothered about epsom salts clogging your drains because these salts do not cause clogging. Instead, Epsom salts can even leave your drains smooth and fresh. You can even unclog your septic tank with water and tablespoons of Epsom salts.

See Also: Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Septic Safe? (Fully Explained)

Is Epsom Salt Safe For Septic Systems? 

Epsom salts are safe for septic tanks as they help to improve the functioning of these bacteria in the tank. Bacteria is very necessary for the tanks as it helps to digest the solids in the tank and break them down into liquid forms. 

After that is done, the trench area absorbs the liquids. There are three major types of bacteria in these tanks; 

1. Aerobic Bacteria 

Just like the name implies, aerobic bacteria need oxygen for them to be able to work in your tanks properly. Aerobic bacteria are the major bacteria that help break down solids.

2. Anaerobic Bacteria 

Anaerobic bacteria do not need oxygen for them to work properly. These bacteria are also resistant to environmental changes.

3. Faecal Coliforms 

Faecal coliforms are bacteria from humans and are also useful in breaking down all the solid wastes that go into the septic tanks. These bacteria forms contain fungi, parasitic worms, and viruses. 

What Should Chemical Products Be Avoided With Septic Tanks?

There are certain chemical products that you should avoid when handling your septic tanks. Some of these products may mess with the bacteria composition of your tank and probably even kill these useful bacteria. Some of the products include; 

1. Fabric Softeners 

Fabric softeners make clothes softer to wash, giving them a slimy and greasy feel. These fabric softeners are made with certain materials known to kill bacteria. 

Also, these fabric softeners are made with a combination of bases and acids, which is useful in maintaining the ph. Level when washing. All of these chemicals are also toxic to bacteria and would eventually kill them. 

2. Medicines 

If you have a septic system, you should avoid the urge to always flush medicines down your toilet drains because these drugs are naturally made to counteract the activities of bacteria. 

Besides killing the bacteria in the septic tanks, these medicines also contaminate the water underground. A study was carried out in 2008, and some scientists discovered that about 41 million Americans have been drinking water contaminated with pharmaceutical products. 

3. Cosmetic Products 

Many cosmetic products are made with ingredients that eventually kill the useful bacteria in the septic system. Some ingredients in most of these cosmetic products include zinc, cadmium, silver, titanium, and even Chromium. 

So, when you wash these cosmetic products down the sink or drain, a lot of these metals find their way into the septic tank because most of them are biodegradable. These chemicals would end up contaminating the groundwater. 

So, ensure that you do not wash your cosmetic down the septic drain. 

4. Crushed Food 

A mistake many people make in their homes is letting down their crushed food into the drains. Even in smaller pieces, these pieces would take longer to break down and decompose than several other organic wastes. 

If this crushed food keeps going down your drain, it can eventually lead to a blockage. So instead of letting the food particles down the drain, ensure that you get it off the drain and throw it away in a waste bin. 

5. Oil And Fats 

Letting greasy materials down your sink would entertain all kinds of problems and not just one. These oils first cool down, stick to the sides of your pipes, and keep trapping debris, eventually leading to a clogged pipe. 

The bacteria under the septic tank cannot easily break down these oils and fat, so they would remain afloat under the tank and eventually form a scum layer. Gradually, your tank would get fuller faster than it normally would. 

So instead of letting greasy food down your drains and sinks, ensure that you clean them off with a tissue instead and dispose in a dustbin. 

Conclusion 

Epsom salt is safe for your septic system, but you should also ensure that it is not used in excess because that is where the problem starts. 

Ensure that you regularly maintain your septic systems so you do not need to spend more money on draining every time.

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