While many live-in care placements are in city areas, there are many in the country, and with this location you may find that there is a septic tank system. 

This is different to the systems you would find in a city and therefore you need to be aware of what products you can and cannot use.

Because toilets are notoriously dirty areas you may be tempted to use an extra strong cleaner on it, but you must remember that these products may contain bleach or even hydrochloric acid, both of which are bad for a septic tank system.

What to avoid

Any cleaning agent that contains bleach, ammonia, phosphates, and petroleum-based chemicals will harm a septic tank system.  

What to use

Natural products such as white vinegar are better. They help to break down hard water stains. Simply pour a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and leave it overnight. In the morning scrub the bowl.

You can also use baking soda but not with vinegar as the two products cancel each other out and are therefore ineffective.

In the kitchen

Laundry detergents and washing up liquid should be made to handle a septic system. Do not be tempted to use regular products as they will harm the bacteria in the tank.

Using drain cleaners

Every so often we need to unblock a drain in our client’s home, and being aware of the septic tank system is important with these products.

Regular drain cleaners are harsh and should not be used. Opt for those which are specifically designed for the septic system and use them sparingly.

Final thoughts

Make sure to check whether every placement you go to in a rural area has a septic system or not. Depending on the surrounding development they may have been updated, but it is always best to check before using a product only to find that it is harmful for the system.

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