When household chemicals are poured down the drain, they will enter one of two locations – a septic system or a municipal sewer system. If your home uses a septic system, any wastewater will go into the tank buried underground, where solids eventually settle and then will only partly decompose. Then, any remaining wastewater will enter a nearby drain field where the soil works to break down the wastewater even further through natural processes.
If you were to improperly drain unapproved chemicals down the drain, good bacteria for this naturally occurring process would be destroyed, thus intervening with the intended breakdown of wastewater. For this reason, homeowners with a septic system are not recommended to pour chemicals down the drain. So, if your plumbing is connected to a local municipal sewer system, it’s vital to know what chemicals are okay to purposely empty down a drain. Please, join your Bexley Plumbing & Drain experts as we “spill” all the deets!
WHAT CHEMICALS ARE SAFE TO GO DOWN THE DRAIN?
Per the USDA, there is a list of approved chemicals that are safe to pour down your residential drains. Remember, this applies to those whose wastewater flows in the municipal sewer system. Furthermore, some regulations may vary by location and state, so always keep that in mind.
- Harmless soluble inorganic salts
- Alcohol substances that contain salt
- Fine silica and alumina
- Hypochlorite solutions
- Concentrated & diluted forms of acids and alkalis
In terms of everyday household products, here are some examples of products safe to pour down your drain:
- Household disinfectants
- Household drain cleaners
- Bleach
- Bathroom cleaners
- Aluminum cleaners
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- Rust remover (phosphoric acid)
- Toilet bowl cleaners
- Trisodium phosphate (usually found in cleaners)
- Tub and tile bathroom or kitchen cleaners
- Window cleaners
- Windshield washer fluid
- Glue that is water-based
- Lotion that is alcohol-based, aftershaves, perfumes, etc.
- Permanent hair lotions/relaxers
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO EXERCISE PROPER CHEMICAL DISPOSAL?
Here are a few points that may not have crossed your mind when disposing of household chemicals. These can prove helpful:
- Everything that is poured down your drains gradually makes its trek back into the waterways and ground outside. It’s our job to take care of the environment, so when in doubt, always double-check before pouring a product or cleaner down the drain.
- If you are disposing of more than one product or substance, be mindful that some chemicals are not meant to be mixed. Now is not the time to play chemist. So, if you are unsure if mixing the two substances is okay, it would be wise to dispose of one at a time, diluting it with water for a few hours or even days in between. Some chemicals will interact with one another and create a hazardous reaction. For example, ammonia and bleach are extremely toxic when they come into contact with one another.
- Never pour chemicals down a storm drain as that system flows straight into local waterways.
- When pouring chemicals down a drain, do not do so in an area where food is prepared (like the kitchen). Instead, opt for the bathroom or a basement sink if you have one.
- Wear gloves and goggles as necessary to protect your eyes and skin.
- When you pour the substance down the drain, dilute it with water from the faucet so as to allow for better flow.
When you know better, you do better. With the proper information on the correct disposal of household chemicals, you can set your plumbing system up for success and deter any plumbing disasters from happening. Got any questions or concerns for us? If so, we’ve got answers! Call Bexley Plumbing & Drain at (614) 368-9371 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!