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A septic tank is a crucial element of any property. In this article, we take a look at the best disposable wipes for a septic system.
Wastewater is the last thing anyone wants to worry about on a day-to-day basis, so having a healthy wastewater treatment system on site is vital unless we want to live in an unsanitary environment. If you agree that a properly functioning septic system is invaluable, then you must agree that it would be irresponsible to flush just about anything down your toilets and drains.
Careless disposal of waste carries the risk of damaging septic tanks and municipal wastewater treatment plants, as well as contributing undesirably to environmental pollution. It should come as no surprise that improperly maintained septic tanks can result in improperly treated wastewater being discharged into your well, garden, and surface water, all with significant environmental and health concerns for you and everyone else.
A malfunctioning sewer system can release viruses, bacteria, and toxic chemicals into local waterways and into the soil, streams, lakes, rivers, and more, which can harm local ecosystems and kill wildlife. Similarly, a neglected septic tank can lead to sewage, not to mention all the bacteria that thrives in it, making its way into your home or building. If you're looking to help clear clogs and debris in your septic tank, consider a product like SeptiFix.You can read our full SeptiFix review here. Or visit their website by clicking on the image below.
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Are disposable wipes safe to use with septic systems?Washcloths have many uses and are really useful, especially when you travel. Not so long ago, wipes were disposable. Luckily for us, there are now disposable towels made of special fibers that make them suitable for sewage systems and septic tanks. There are several companies that make disposable wipes, and unsurprisingly, many of them are big names in the toilet paper industry.
What you don't want ending up in your septic tanks is non-biodegradable waste like diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, and the like. That's right, things that break down slowly or don't get completely flushed down the drain. The bacteria in the septic tank cannot break them down. Undecomposed solids eventually settle to the bottom of the septic tank, becoming a semi-solid layer of sludge. A septic professional should regularly pump out and remove this layer. Adult and baby wipes have become very popular over the years, but they often clog drains and cause traffic jams. Some brands on the market may argue that their wipes are disposable. These are the only species you should patronize. However, as with all things labeled "disposable," remember that just because wipes can go down the toilet doesn't mean your septic tank can break them down. If you use wet wipes, it's best to throw them away to avoid clogging and other installation difficulties.
However, there are trusted brands of disposable wipes. The kind that decomposes quickly after you flush it down the toilet. This is great for the environment as it doesn't take long to break down unlike more traditional non-disposable wipes.
The best disposable wipes aren't just the ones made with launder-safe technology. Finding the best disposable wipes for a septic system is also about choosing the wipes that won't harm or irritate your skin, and the ones you can trust are the ones labeled "Alcohol Free." You may also want to consider those that are fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic, and well-moisturized. When considering the factors that make disposable wipes suitable for septic systems, we also look for elements that make them safe for daily use and for our environment.
#1Medline Readyflush Protect Disposable Personal Cleaning Wipes
Medline Readyflush is a disposable, dispersible pre-moistened cleansing wipe made from dispersible cloth fibers in the hydras pun. Each wipe is pre-moistened with a rinse-free formula that cleanses, hydrates and soothes skin. Medline Readyflush consists of fibers that dissolve quickly when rinsed, but are still strong when used. Medline Readyflush is guaranteed to be biodegradable.
PRO: Users love Medline for their larger wipes. You get more cleaning for a lot less. Medline Readyflush is also recommended for sensitive skin.
CONS: Some users find Medline Readyflush a bit more expensive than typical brands in its category.
#2Swipes Lovin All-Natural Intimate Female Tücher
Swipes Lovin All-Natural Intimate Feminine Wipes are made with fibers that are 100% sustainably sourced. Each fabric is made from Rigid Lens Hinge packaging, with 70% less plastic. Convenient, well-designed packaging goes a long way in keeping Swipes Lovin from drying out. Swipes Lovin' is made with the gentlest organic ingredients. It is pH neutral, alcohol-free, chlorine-free, paraben-free, and colorant-free, making it the perfect choice for women's sensitive parts. Swipes Lovin is biodegradable, compostable, disposable, and dispersible, making it safe for sewer and septic tank systems.
PRO: No harsh chemicals were used in the making of Swipes Lovin All-Natural Intimate Feminine Wipes. Does not leave soap residue or lingering alcohol odor.
CONS: Some users find the sliders to be small and flimsy, so you may need more than one slide to get the job done.
Dude Wipes are 25% larger than the average disposable wipe. Dude Baby Wipes are fragrance-free and formulated with naturally soothing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to protect sensitive sides. Dude Wipes are made from innovative and sustainable disposable wipes made from plant fibers.
PRO: Dude wipes are a much better size and much better scent than other wipes on the market. Infused with soothing vitamin E and aloe to protect every man's butt.
CONS: Some users find Dude Wipes disposable wet wipes a bit flimsy. That makes some dissatisfied users think it's "expensive toilet paper".
Scott disposable wipes offer you and your family a quality clean at a price you're sure to love. Scott disposable wipes are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making them truly gentle on the skin. Scott disposable wipes are made from 100% vegetable fibers and are free of alcohol and dyes. Made with SafeFlush technology, Scott flushable wipes begin to disintegrate immediately after flushing and are sewer and septic safe.
PRO: Scott disposable wipes are conveniently packaged in easy-to-use pop-up containers. Put one in every bathroom in the house and keep Scott disposable wipes within reach of all family members and guests.
CONS: Scott disposable wipes are flimsy and break easily, as some dissatisfied customers have noted. Smaller wipes may mean you have to use more wipes to get clean.
#5Cottonelle GentlePlus Disposable Wet Wipes
Cottonelle GentlePlus Disposable Wet Wipes are a consumer favorite for a superior clean that's fresh, gentle and effective. Cottonelle GentlePlus features the innovative CleanRipple texture Cottonelle is known for, giving you a gentle, strong and effective clean. Cottonelle GentlePlus has large double plies for easier cleaning compared to traditional toilet paper alone. Cottonelle GentlePlus Disposable Wipes are truly disposable and begin to crumble immediately after rinsing. Made with cellulose fibers that are 100% biodegradable. Cottonelle GentlePlus Disposable Wet Wipes are sewer and septic safe.
PRO: Cottonelle wipes are flushable according to INDA guidelines for flushability. Each Cottonelle GentlePlus cloth offers a fresh, gentle and effective clean.
CONS: It has a light scent, so it may not be as hypoallergenic as all users with sensitive skin need.
#6PAmpers Kandoo Baby Disposable Wipes
Pampers Kandoo Baby Flushable Wipes are easy to use, perfect for little hands, and clean up to 30% better than regular toilet paper. Each Pampers Kandoo Flushable Baby Disposable Wipe is lotion-moistened for extra softness, hypoallergenic, and free of drying alcohols, parabens, and sulfates. The absence of harsh chemicals means your baby gets an effective and safe clean in even the most sensitive areas. Pampers Kandoo Baby Disposable Wipes are biodegradable and won't harm the toilet.
PRO: Pampers Kandoo baby wipes are easy to use for all ages. The convenient size of each sheet encourages independent cleaning and cleaning, especially in the growing years.
CONS: The label states a disclaimer about throwing away only one or two wipes at a time and only for use in toilets, drain lines, sewers and sewage treatment plants in good condition.
Litewipes disposable wipes feature a new herbal formula with soothing natural extracts. Each sheet contains a calming blend of aloe, cucumber, and chamomile extracts. Litewipes disposable wipes are free of alcohol, oil, perfume and parabens. It is the perfect choice for sensitive skin, from babies to adults. Litewipes are made from disposable, biodegradable plant-based cloth.
PRO: Litewipes disposable wipes come in a compact package that's small enough to easily fit in a wallet or purse. Litewipes are always great on the go.
CONS: Users have noted that Litewipes are not moist enough. It's not clear if this is (or not) because the packaging can't keep the wipes at the desired moisture level.
#8SweetSpot Labs Natural On-the-Go Wipes
SweetSpot Labs On-The-Go Feminine Wipes in Coconut Lime are 98% natural and pH balanced for every woman's sweet spot and entire body. Natural ingredients give SweetSpot Labs Baby Wipes a refreshing and exotic tropical citrus scent. It is formulated free of glycerin, sulfates, alcohol, parabens, MIT preservatives, phthalates, gluten, soy, or dairy ingredients. Clinically and gynecologist tested, SweetSpot Labs Natural On-the-Go Wipes are guaranteed safe for sensitive skin. FSC certified, biodegradable and compostable.
PRO: SweetSpot Labs has a pH balanced formulation that is perfect for women's natural chemistry. Formulated with just a hint of fragrance to add scent without leaving irritation.
CONS: Some users were not satisfied with the "unnatural" scent. Some find the smell synthetic and unpleasant.
#9Tena UltraFlush disposable wipes
Tena disposable wipes are made with a moisturizing 3-in-1 formula that gently cleanses, protects and leaves skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. Its formulation is alcohol free and is manufactured to be more than 99% biodegradable. Sewage and septic tank proof, Tena disposable wipes will not clog pipes when used as directed.
PRO: Each wipe measures 7.5 x 12.6 inches, perfect for cleaning on the go. It has a very light clean smell perfect for sensitive users.
DISADVANTAGE: Large wipes can tear easily.
#10Medline NatureSoft Disposable Dry Wipes
Medline NatureSoft Flushable Dry Wipes are durable, disposable wipes that are soft to the touch yet tough enough to handle all your cleaning needs. These Medline NatureSoft disposable wipes are soft and absorbent. It features a safe sanitary design that won't contribute to clogging, tangling, and clogging in your lines. Medline NatureSoft is biodegradable and safe to use with septic tank systems.
PRO: Get more for less with Medline NatureSoft Flushable Dry Wipes, a larger 9″ x 13″ wipe size per sheet.
DISADVANTAGE: Users use these wipes dry and simply moisten them with tap water or disinfectant fluids. Depending on the moisturizing agent used, these drying towels may fall apart when wet.
What NOT to flush down the toilets
With proper and regular maintenance, your septic system shouldn't give you a headache. You can save on costly septic tank and system repairs by knowing what you should and shouldn't allow in your septic tanks. Most people don't think about these things until they experience complicated clogs and septic tank problems that require professional repair work. We've listed some of the most common clogs you really need to avoid in your toilets and drains.
diapersSure, diapers contain human waste, but that doesn't make them suitable for flushing the toilet. The diapers are designed to stretch in the water. In the unlikely event that you do manage to get the diaper to flush down the toilet, it will likely get caught in the U-bend of the sewer pipe and cause a clog.
Feminine Products.Tampons, sanitary pads, and other feminine products are some of the most common items flushed down the toilet. Know that these items cannot easily break down (if at all) in septic tanks, leaving them sitting at the bottom of the tank. Eventually, the accumulation of such items will lead to clogging or even backflow of effluent or sewage from the septic tank.
hilo dental.Dental floss is so fine and small that you might think it's okay to flush it down the toilet. But floss doesn't break down, which means that a small strand of hair that you rinse every day can become a big problem. Along with other non-biodegradable items in your septic tank like hair, feminine products, and more, dental floss can clog or damage your septic tank.
Cotton balls, buds and tips.Like the previous items on this list, these items cannot be broken down over time by bacterial action. It's the buildup of such items that can clog your sewer system, which can lead to flooding and congestion. Also, these cotton items will soak up the liquids in your tank, resulting in an overloaded system and requiring more frequent pumping.
Fats, oils and fats.In case you don't know, grease should never be poured down any drain. Although it looks like a liquid that could easily be poured down a drain, fats, oils, or grease will freeze on cooling and clog pipes. It is recommended to collect the fat in a glass jar and dispose of it with the trash.
Cigarette butts and filters.These cigarette butts are not biodegradable and will not digest in septic tanks. Also, cigarette butts can be quite damaging to the bacterial balance in your tank. These inorganics can also contaminate groundwater, making it drinkable and unhealthy for the ecosystem.
drugs and other chemicals.If pills or other medicines are about to expire, or if you have a surplus after a prescription has expired, do not flush them down the toilet. They can affect the bacterial ecosystem in the septic tank, which can cause microbes to be unable to digest or break down waste and pathogens. The same goes for harsh chemicals like toxic detergents, paints, paint thinners, etc. Additionally, the release of strong, toxic substances into your sewage system can cause them to seep into groundwater, polluting and damaging the environment.
The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are biowaste and septic toilet paper. nothing else. Other than gray and black water, it is important that you only allowsafe septic products(as indicated on the label) in your toilet bowls and drains. Many common household products carry these septic safety labels, so choose wisely. Remember that biodegradable or eco-friendly products are also perfectly fine if you have a septic system in place.
Signs that your septic tank is full
In order for septic tanks to function properly and last for many years, septic tanks must bepumped regularly. A good average is to pump your septic tank once every 3 to 5 years. This depends on several factors (for example, size of the home, size of the tank, etc.). For basic reference, there are some signs that it's time to empty your septic tank:
Pooling-Wasser.If you notice puddles of water around your septic tank and/or where your septic tank is buried, this could indicate a sewage overflow, especially if your location hasn't had rain. When capacity is reached, solid waste in your tank can clog the drain field tubes and force liquid to the surface. Be sure to request a professional inspection if you notice this.
Bad smells.Along with waste, your septic tank collects gray water from washing dishes, showering, and laundry. As the septic tank fills, odor-causing gases can escape from the drains, toilet, drain field, or septic tank area. If you start to notice strange odors both in and around your property, it could mean that your septic tank is full and needs to be pumped out.
wastewater backup.A full septic tank can cause sewage to flow back into your home through your toilets, sinks, and drains. At the first sign of sewage flowing back into your sewer system, you definitely don't want to wait for sewage to flow into your home or building and make it completely unsafe and uninhabitable.
Slow drains.If you notice slow drainage in your sinks and tubs, and if your toilet seems to run very slowly even after using plungers to clean it, it could mean you have a full septic tank. It's time to request a professional inspection.
Gurgling noises.Another indication that you have a septic tank that is full (or critically close to) full is when you hear gurgling noises coming from your drains, toilet, or any part of your plumbing. You should definitely contact your trusted septic professional to investigate the source (or sources) of the gurgling noise.
Lush vegetation.If your lawn (or any part of it) is unusually lush or green, especially around the drain field and/or septic tank area, it could be a sign of a full septic tank that needs to be pumped out right away.
If you want a hassle-free installation in your home or building, septic tank maintenance is a must. A neglected septic system can lead to major clogs, sewage buildup, and even raw sewage or sewage flooding. Routine septic system service is an investment in security and peace of mind.
Toilet paper is generally tolerated by sewage and septic systems because it is made primarily of a lightweight cotton material that breaks down almost instantly on contact with water. However, this does not mean that we should all become complacent. If you rely on wet wipes for everyday cleaning, you should know that these wipes are usually made from synthetic fibers, making them much more durable than regular toilet paper. Just think of it this way: if they're strong when used, they'll probably stay strong when flushed down the toilet and into your septic tank or community sewer system. Several septic tank experts recommend against flushing the wipes down the toilet. Just because they can be emptied doesn't mean they can be mined. But when wipes have become an essential part of your daily life, stick with the wipes on the market that are labeled "Septic Safe" and nothing else. Knowing the basics of how a septic tank and purification system works is essential to detecting and even avoiding problems in the future.
https://www.amazon.com/slp/septic-safe-flushable-wipes/uwz8pvgcgw7n9q3 https://thetoiletzone.com/flushable-wipes/
https://www.wisebread.com/the-5-best-flushable-wipes
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/are_flushable_bathroom_products_safe_for_sewer_and_septic_systems
https://www.pristinesprays.com/blogs/news/septic-tank-service
https://blog.adbseptic.com/blog/10-cosas-que-no-puedes-tirar-por-el-inodoro-con-un-sistema-septico
https://blog.adbseptic.com/blog/5-common-septic-system-problems
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