Benefits of biodegradable detergents
Even with careful use of powders and liquids that do not decompose in natural conditions, the load on the biological processing system increases by 1.5-2 times. In order not to reduce its performance, you have to buy a more expensive septic tank with a power reserve
But even extra financial investments do not solve the problem, since aggressive chemicals still harm the microflora. It is better to use washing powder that is absolutely safe for septic tanks.
Biodegradable eco-friendly detergents have many advantages over traditional preparations:
- almost 100% natural composition - bioenzymes play the role of softeners, cleaning and bleaching additives (they wash fabrics no worse than synthetic MS);
- no harmful effects on the human body - powders are suitable for allergy sufferers and young children;
- ease of rinsing - detergent components decompose after contact with dirt and do not linger in the fabric fibers;
- safety for all living organisms.
Overview of Recommended Powders and Liquids
Biodegradable powders and liquids are produced by global and domestic companies.
Table 1 provides a selective list of brands recommended for use in the presence of a septic tank.
| Product brand | Manufacturer |
| NNPTSTO | Saint-Petersburg, Russia |
| "Pro-Bright" | Pskov, Russia |
| NISSAN | Japan |
| Mini risk | Henkel Norden Oy, Finland |
| Neutral | Blumoller, Denmark |
| Persil Gel | Henkel |
| SA8 (Amway) | Amway USA |
| ECOVER | Belgium |
Ecologists recommend laundry detergents with the following logos.
- Falcon. The label was developed by the Swedish Nature Society and is applied to a wide variety of Scandinavian products. Differs in strict criteria of conformity of production to ecological standards.
- Northern swan. Less stringent requirements are imposed on the goods of this group than on the previous ones.
Eco flower. The official symbol adopted in the EU to represent the environment. Assigned to high quality products, "friendly" to nature.
Blue angel. German logo, known as far back as 1978. It has been applied to over 3,500 environmentally friendly products.
A brief description of the brands of soft eco-friendly laundry detergents will help you make a choice.
- ECOVER. All powders of this brand are made on the basis of plant extracts and sugar, do not contain surfactants, and are hypoallergenic. Ecover can wash things at a temperature of + 30-60 ° C. Thanks to the biodegradable formula, the particles of the product are washed out of the fabric without residue, and you can even water the plants with used water. The powder is ideal for daily washing when removing wastewater in Biodeka, Astra, Topas septic tanks. The ECOVER line also includes a natural stain remover that effectively dissolves traces of blood, wine, and dirt.
- Frosch. Organic laundry detergent recommended for newborns and those prone to allergies. The composition does not contain chlorine, parabens, lauryl phosphates, alkalis. It copes well with pollution of various origins, does not deform the fabric.
- Amway. Concentrated powder used in small doses. The formula includes bioenzymes, active oxygen, natural softeners and bleaches. The product does not contain surfactants and chlorine, it is used in case of connecting an autonomous sewage system. Effectively removes stains of coffee, blood, herbs, grease and oil. Easy to rinse out, does not irritate the skin.
Laundry liquid "Synergetic". It is biodegradable, free of chlorine, surfactants and parabens, suitable for children's clothes and delicate fabrics. "Synergetic" dissolves old and complex stains, its operating temperature range is from 40 to 60 o C.
Popular bacterial complexes for septic tanks and cesspools
There are many biological preparations for local sewage on the market. Bacteria for cesspools and septic tanks differ in price and scope.
Below is a short list of the most popular manufacturers:
- The firm "Sanex" produces powder for cesspools and septic tanks. There are also dry products for preparing a solution for cleaning sewer pipes, accelerating the formation of compost, etc. The cost of a 400 g package is about 700 rubles.
- The Bionic company produces many preparations of the Bioforce line. A package of 500 g costs about 700 rubles.
- The leader among manufacturers of biological products for septic tanks and cesspools is Doctor Robik. For 75 grams of funds from this company, you will need to pay about 150 rubles.
- Among the numerous products of the Micropan company, cesspool tablets are the most popular. The price for 1 unit is 170 rubles.
Comparing the cost, you need to pay attention to the estimated volume, as well as the effectiveness of the drug according to the characteristics described above. If you follow the instructions and follow all the recommendations, then bacteria for septic tanks and cesspools in a natural way without harm to humans and the environment will help optimize the operation of local sewage systems and save on its maintenance.
If you follow the instructions and follow all the recommendations, then bacteria for septic tanks and cesspools in a natural way without harm to humans and the environment will help optimize the operation of local sewage systems and save on its maintenance.
On the video you can see the result of using a biological product for cesspools Septifors:
Is it possible to use household chemicals
Treatment plants of centralized water supply are equipped with special chambers in which wastewater is treated, preventing harm to the microflora. If household chemicals get into a private septic tank, the bacteria can die. Then the faeces rush directly to the filtration fields: this becomes clear from the characteristic smell. It may take up to 2-3 months for the station to return to normal mode.
Powder with chlorine is especially harmful to a septic tank. If there is a small percentage of chlorides in the drain, aerobic microorganisms will survive, but slow down the processing. In the event of a massive discharge of chlorinated water (in the event of a failure of the washing machine), the consequences will have to be eliminated for a long time. It is often asked whether ordinary non-chlorine washing powder, as well as other detergents, is dangerous for septic tanks.
The following are brief descriptions of the various preparations.
- Powders or gels with phosphates. Metal compounds with phosphoric acid remove dirt well. They bind calcium ions (soften water) and stimulate the work of surfactants. Side effects of phosphates - the destruction of part of aerobic microorganisms, provoking the growth of algae.
- Phosphate free powders. In limited volumes, they can be used in septic tanks, however, an increased concentration of surfactants also adversely affects the microflora.
- Regular shampoos, soaps, dishwashing gels (except cleaning abrasives), conditioners, toothpastes. They are allowed to be used in minimal quantities.
- Alcohol-containing products. Bath concentrates and cleaners with ethanol, perfumed fragrances have a detrimental effect on living microorganisms. The septic tank ceases to perform cleaning functions, becoming a regular waste collector. Especially undesirable is the death of beneficial flora in the winter. In summer, it is easier to clean the chambers and sedimentation tanks, pump out feces from the pit. In winter, the waste freezes, making cleaning more difficult.
The main principle when choosing a washing powder for a septic tank is the absence of chlorine, phenol, phosphates, surfactants in its composition.Aggressive bleaching preparations, alcohol-based stain removers should not be used.
With occasional visits to the dacha and rare washings, it is permissible to use ordinary powders with a balanced composition: Persil, Ariel, Tide, Eared Nanny. Moderate consumption of these brands of drugs will not cause mass death of bacteria in VOCs.
The principle of operation of modern treatment facilities
As you know, sewage treatment plants can be industrial, aimed at treating a large amount of wastewater (constructions of enterprises, city sewer networks, etc.), or they can be local, they are built in private households or small organizations. However, whatever the size of the station or well, they all work according to the same principle: inside there is a complex and constant process of work of special microorganisms, bacteria oxidize wastewater using oxygen or without it at all. Silt plays an important role in the purification process - this is also an active substance that forms inside the septic tank shortly after the start of its operation.
Bacteria that work in a septic tank are alive
Note! Currently, when cleaning a septic tank from concrete rings, like the old model, chemistry is practically not used in the toilet cesspools. However, this does not mean that a septic tank safe for bacteria is working here.
The fact is that the most common chemicals (detergents) can have a killing effect on living microorganisms working on cleaning. Washing powder and various cleaning products are harmful to a septic tank. Therefore, when choosing bright bottles and packs of household products, you need to read what substances can be used for septic tanks, what products can be used without fear to reduce the population of beneficial bacteria
However, this does not mean that a septic tank that is safe for bacteria works here. The fact is that the most common chemicals (detergents) can have a killing effect on living microorganisms working on cleaning. Washing powder and various cleaning products are harmful to a septic tank. Therefore, when choosing bright bottles and packs of household products, you need to read what substances can be used for septic tanks, what products can be used without fear to reduce the population of beneficial bacteria.
Blacklist of some funds
| Name | Compound |
| eared babysitter | Non-ionic surfactants, defoamer (less than 5%), anionic surfactants, oxygen bleaches, carbonates, silicates (5-15%), phosphates (15-30%), enzymes, optical brighteners, fragrance) |
| Amway Powders | contain phosphonates and optical brightener |
| "Stork" | contains phosphates |
| pemos | less than 5% polycarboxylates, 5-15% anionic surfactants, optical brightener, fragrance |
| ARIEL | 5% or more, but less than 15%: anionic surfactants, oxygenated bleach; less than 5%: cationic surfactants; EDTA and its salts, non-ionic surfactants, phosphates, phosphonates, polycarboxylates, soap, zeolites; optical brighteners, enzymes, fragrance. |
| TIDE | 15-30% - anionic surfactants, phosphates, less than 5% - cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, polycarbosilicates, oxygen-containing bleach. Additionally: enzymes, optical brightener. |
| MYTH | 5% or more, but less than 15%: anionic surfactants, phosphates; less than 5%: non-ionic surfactants, oxygenated bleach, polycarboxylates; optical brightener, enzymes, fragrance. |
| PERSIL | 5-15% anionic surfactants, water, non-ionic surfactants, 5% phosphonates, soap. Another optical brightener, enzymes, preservative, fragrance (benzyl salicylate, butylphenylmethylpropional, citronellol, hexyl cinnamal). |
| AMELY powder from Edelstar | contains phosphates, A-surfactants |
Instead of using non-biodegradable washing powders and detergents, you should:
- Find a convenient and biodegradable substitute, make a systematic list of such products (for example, use homemade natural products like baking soda and vinegar for one thing, and purchased biodegradable products like Ecover, Almawin, etc. for something else - see "WHITE LIST" below),
- Add SMS household chemicals to your list, which can only be used in an extreme situation, when there is no replacement, and in doses that are insignificant for nature.
Washing tips
A special washing powder or liquid product safe for a septic tank is used, following the instructions attached to the preparation. A number of simple practical recommendations will help not to disrupt the operation of the septic tank.
- In preparation for washing, the machine is loaded according to the passport data. If there are few things, turn on the economical mode of water consumption and, accordingly, reduce the dose of detergent. It is advisable to install a washing unit with the functions of saving energy, weighing laundry.
- Using biodegradable preparations, their rate is adjusted depending on the hardness of the water, the degree of contamination of textiles. With an overdose, the quality of washing does not improve, expensive powder will be wasted.
- It is better to divide a large amount of dirty clothes into several visits so as not to overload the septic tank and give it the opportunity to recover.
- Carefully check the things to be washed. Among them should not be items that clog the septic tank - dental floss, cotton swabs, paper napkins, tampons or pads.
This manual refers to the station for deep biological treatment type UOSV Topas.
Chemistry useful for septic tanks
Chemistry can be harmful and neutral, there is also one that can bring real help to the operation of a septic tank and improve the quality of wastewater treatment. We are talking about the so-called biological activators, which not only do not have a detrimental effect, but, on the contrary, increase the efficiency of bacteria in the septic tank. Thanks to such preparations, you can quickly deal with blockages, remove accumulations of fat, sediment from sewer pipes, and also launch local treatment after conservation.
Today, there are a lot of such drugs, they are produced in sufficient quantities not only by foreign manufacturers, but also by the domestic chemical industry. For example, Microzim, Dr. Robik, Atmosbio, Vodohray and other drugs have proven themselves well. All of them contain dormant colonies of beneficial anaerobic bacteria, the protective shell of which dissolves when they enter the water, and the microorganisms wake up to life. Drugs are very different in their final destination. So, you can buy a drug that resists the spread of odor, tablets that allow you to remove blockages, concentrates for cleaning and cleaning sewer pipes, etc. At the same time, drugs can act both in a short period of time and for several weeks.
Well-established domestic drug "Vodogray"
Septic chemicals can be both harmful and beneficial. If your household does not have a central sewer network, where chemical impurities are cleaned centrally, before effluent enters aerobic storage, it means that you use local treatment facilities or a private home septic tank.
For such septic tanks, such as, for example, the products of the Topas, Biodeca, etc. lines, the use of household chemicals is rather limited. That is, you can use toothpaste, soap, mild dishwashing detergent, shampoos and hair balms. All this will not cause much harm to the operation of the devices. But other substances that are sold in hardware stores must be used quite carefully. Today, the choice of harmless means is quite large. The same funds will be useful in those families where there are children or people suffering from allergies. So your thoughtful attitude to the work of treatment plants will help not only the bacteria of the septic tank, but also the people living in the house.
Main substances harmful to activated sludge
| Substance name | Negative impact |
| Chlorine compounds | The mechanism of action of chlorine compounds on microorganisms of activated sludge is in interaction with the constituent parts of the cell of the microorganism, primarily with enzymes such as dehydrogenases,catalyzing redox reactions in the cell. The loss of biological activity of enzymes can occur as a result of oxidation, chlorination, substitution reactions. Changes in the structure of enzymes lead to metabolic disorders in the cell of the microorganism and its death. |
| Anionic surfactants (surfactants) | Surfactants are extremely active chemical compounds. When activated sludge enters the cells of microorganisms, surfactants accumulate on cell membranes and, at a certain concentration, can cause disturbances in the most important biochemical processes occurring in them, affect the function and integrity of the cell itself. |
Surfactants significantly change the intensity of redox reactions, affect the activity of a number of important enzymes, disrupt protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Anionic surfactants are especially aggressive in their actions, they practically do not biodegrade and are capable of causing gross disturbances in the vital activity of activated sludge. This is one of the reasons why Western European countries impose strict restrictions on the use of anionic surfactants. At best, their content should not exceed 2-7%.
Phosphates
The presence of phosphate additives leads to a significant increase in the toxic properties of anionic surfactants (A-surfactants).
Phosphates have been banned in Europe for almost 20 years.
Phosphonates
They are salts of organic phosphorus compounds. They stabilize bleaches and prevent calcium precipitation during the washing process. They are poorly biodegradable, but are partially retained in the sludge during wastewater treatment. The presence of phosphate additives in powders leads to a significant increase in the toxic (poisonous) properties of A-surfactants.
| What is also prohibited from being dumped into the TOPAS station: |
- dumping rotten vegetable residues into the sewer;
- dumping construction debris (sand, lime, etc.) into the sewer, this leads to clogging of the installation, and as a result, loss of performance;
- discharge of polymer films and other non-biodegradable compounds into the sewer (this category includes condoms, hygienic bags, cigarette filters, films from cigarette packs, etc.), pumps may become blocked, and as a result, the unit will not work;
- discharge into the sewer of water from the regeneration of drinking water treatment systems using potassium permanganate or other external oxidizing agents. Drainage should be carried out through a separate pressure sewer;
- discharge of wash water from pool filters;
- discharge into the sewer of a large amount of wastewater after bleaching linen with chlorine-containing preparations (persalt, whiteness, etc.)
- dumping garbage from forest mushrooms into the sewer;
- the use of antiseptic nozzles with dispensers on the toilet;
- dumping medicines and medicines into the sewer;
- draining into the sewer of machine oils, antifreezes, acids, alkalis, alcohol, etc.
- dumping large amounts of pet hair.
What is allowed to be dumped into the TOPAS station:
- dumping toilet paper into the sewer;
- discharge into the sewer of washing machine effluents, subject to the use of washing powders without chlorine;
- discharge into the sewer of kitchen drains;
- discharge into the sewer of shower and bath drains;
- discharge into the sewer once a week a small amount of cleaning products for toilets, sanitary ware and kitchen equipment.
