Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you find the following information and recommendations useful. By following these guidelines you will increase the life span of your septic system as well as contribute to the overall protection of our environment.

Ensure the use of septic friendly toilet tissues.

We highly recommend using a single ply toilet tissue with septic tank safe or friendly printed on the label. Check your local grocer, as this is a fairly common product.

Ensure the proper use of laundry machines & septic friendly laundry detergents.

Our Recommendation to you is spread your laundry loads out as opposed to doing many loads in one day, this will help with drain field saturation. Newer model high efficiency laundry machines use much less water than the older conventional models. We would also recommend installing an Effluent Filter if you do not already have one. Filters assist in preventing lint from entering the drain field and causing damage. You should always be using a septic friendly liquid detergent.

Ensure the proper use of dishwashers & septic friendly dishwasher detergent.

Always make a conscious effort to remove grease and food waste from pots, pans & dishes prior to placing in dishwasher. It is much more cost effective to place this waste into a solid waste receptacle then to have it collect in your septic system and cause costly damage. Be sure you are always using a liquid septic friendly dishwasher detergent.

Actively introduce a high quality bacteria / enzyme additive.

The use of so many antibacterial soaps and cleaning products on the market today do have an adverse affect on your septic system. Your septic tank should have a healthy amount of active bacteria, which digest the organic waste located in your tank. Without these bacteria, your system will not function properly. The addition of a high quality bacteria / enzyme additive will help negate some of the damages done by these antibacterial soaps and cleaners.

Commonwealth Waste Solutions is affiliated with a great company whom we feel manufactures the best septic additive on the market today. Please contact us for pricing & details.

Eliminate the disposal of any unfriendly septic items.

There are many items used by the average consumer that should never find their way into a septic tank. We refer to these as unfriendly septic items. For example, cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and tampons, coffee grounds, condoms, baby wipes etc. Please feel free to look at a more complete list of unfriendly septic items.

Learn how to safely unclog drains without damaging you septic system.

While living with a septic system has its advantages, there are also some disadvantages. One of these is the negative impact some drain cleaners have on your septic system. Many of these harsh chemicals will damage and destroy the healthy, active bacteria residing in your septic tank. We suggest you use another method to safely unclog drains without damaging your septic system. For example, pour boiling water down drain, plunging, snaking lines or removing p-traps to locate and remove clogs and blockages.