+- Punaweb Forum (http://punaweb.org/forum)
+-- Forum: Punaweb Forums (http://punaweb.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Forum: Punatalk (http://punaweb.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=10)
+--- Thread: Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system (/showthread.php?tid=13907)
Pages:
1
2
Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system - EightFingers - 07-05-2014
We have a septic system and I'm wondering what effect if any using bleach for laundry would have on it. I assume I should be conservative using it.
RE: Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system - csgray - 07-05-2014
If you are really concerned you can follow it up with vinegar to neutralize the bleach. If you do it through your washer it will make sure future laundry doesn't experience any lingering effects of bleach.
Carol
RE: Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system - Seeb - 07-05-2014
Using a lot of bleach will kill the good bacteria in the septic system. There are commercial products to restore the good bugs or live yeast seams to works ( get it started growing with some sugar and warm water before you flush it )
RE: Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system - Bullwinkle - 07-06-2014
neutralising bleach:
"Caution
Acids besides those mentioned above should not be used in an effort to neutralize bleach.
Do not mix vinegar or acidic liquids with bleach, as the combination can be dangerous. Vinegar
is one such substance that is erroneously purported to have a neutralizing effect on bleach.
Instead, vinegar acts on the hypochlorite content of bleach, turning it into hypochlorous acid
and other dangerous chemicals. Hypochlorous acid can convert to deadly chlorine gas in a low
pH solution. "
http://facilities.med.ubc.ca/files/2011/12/Information-about-Bleach-Neutralizers.pdf
RE: Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system - terracore - 07-06-2014
Assuming you are using the newer more modern "ultra" or "concentrated" bleaches, a 3% solution would be required to have an effect on microorganisms, I don't know how big your septic or cesspool is, but assuming it was 1,000 gallons, you would have to add 30 gallons of bleach to your wash cycle to reach a 3% solution. You would have to add 30 gallons each day, because once its out of the bleach bottle and diluted, bleach breaks down into salt and water in a few hours. Even if you could add 30 gallons of bleach to your cesspool, it would probably sit on top (its not like its getting stirred), it might have an effect on the microorganisms on the top only and would break down before having any noticeable effect on the rest of microorganism population.
RE: Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system - csgray - 07-06-2014
Bullwinkle,
That is the exact opposite of what I was taught when I was working in textiles, we were taught to use vinegar to arrest the action of the bleach on fibers and neutralize it when using bleach to discharge dye. Your information source seems pretty solid though.
Carol
RE: Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system - Bullwinkle - 07-06-2014
bleach is very reactive .... even though a "house hold chemical " one needs to be careful with oxidisers as they are reactive by nature.... my "bone head required chemistry 101" class did pay off - grin
RE: Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system - csgray - 07-06-2014
Some of the dye processes use really intense chemicals as catalysts, if I was going to have to wear a haz mat suit I wasn't going there. Gloves and respirator were enough for me. A lot of art materials are pretty toxic or caustic, now most BFA and MFA programs require you to take an industrial safety class pretty early.
Carol
RE: Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system - Lee M-S - 07-06-2014
When working with textiles, we used vinegar as mordant (setting agent) for some dyes and salt for others. Never used either on bleach. In fact, I've always heard that you can't neutralize bleach on fabric, it just keeps eroding the fibers. But maybe I never knew EVERYTHING there is to know.
Also, bleach breaks down quickly in sunlight and open air, more slowly in a dark/stagnant-air area. Covering a pool or catchment tank makes the chlorine last longer. I would think a septic tank would be pretty dark and...well...stagnant seems too nice a word to use. [
]quote:
Originally posted by csgray
Bullwinkle,
That is the exact opposite of what I was taught when I was working in textiles, we were taught to use vinegar to arrest the action of the bleach on fibers and neutralize it when using bleach to discharge dye. Your information source seems pretty solid though.
Carol
><(((*> ~~~~ ><(("> ~~~~ ><'> ~~~~ >(>
RE: Using bleach in laundry...effect on septic system - Obie - 07-06-2014
Q. I use bleach in my white wash, but also have a septic tank. I need to be careful about how much bleach I use, so as not to kill the bacteria in the tank. We are a family of four adults, but have occasional invasions of germy little grandchildren. Any ideas?
A. I can put your mind at ease regarding using Clorox® Regular-Bleach and your fear of harming your septic tank bacteria. As long as you use the recommended amount (3/4 cup per wash), the bulk of the sodium hypochlorite active will be broken down to salt and water while attacking the stains, soils and germs in the wash load. Any un-reacted hypochlorite will find lots of "things" to react with going down the pipes before it enters your septic tank field to be converted into salt and water. So as long as you’re not pouring a whole bottle down the drain, you have nothing to fear and those germy grandkids can have the cleanest, whitest clothes while visiting.
- See more at: http://www.clorox.com/dr-laundry/septic-tanks-and-bleach/#sthash.7j8CQdTG.dpuf