Septic pH
What is pH? pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. It can also be described as a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. An acidic solution has a pH below 7, and an alkaline solution has a pH above 7. The pH of a septic tank should be between 6.5-7.5 for optimal septic bacterial performance.
A litmus paper or pH pocket meter can be used to measure the septic tank pH:
- Litmus paper is used to determine the pH of a septic tank. It is typically used in chemistry, biology, and physics. The litmus paper has an indicator that changes color depending on the pH of the sample being tested.
- A Pocket meter is a portable device that can measure the septic pH. It is dipped directly into the septic system, and it then gives a digital reading of. the pH.
- pH Meter and electrode will provide a highly precise pH reading of the septic system.
High Septic pH
Laundry detergents, soap, some cleaning products and even water have high alkalinity. A lot of local governments and municipalities increase the pH of household drinking water to pH9 in order to avoid corrosion of sewer pipes. When septic pH exceeds pH9, septic bacteria become inefficient at digesting organic waste and eventually die. A highly alkaline septic system has a smell of bleach or a chemical cleaner.
How do I lower my septic pH?
Vinegar can be used to decrease septic pH. Vinegar is a mild acid that will not hurt your septic system. Another major upside of vinegar is that it dissolves solid debris that accumulate and clog the septic pipes.
Low Septic pH
An acidic septic tank will kill septic bacteria. The primary cause of low pH in septic tanks is low alkalinity in drinking water, excessive use of acid-based cleaners, dairy products, soda, coffee and excessive baking. An acidic septic system has a strong hydrogen sulfide gas odor similar to rotten eggs, it quickly absorbs into clothing and is difficult to remove.
So how do I increase my Septic pH?
Lime is a popular product used in cleaning and disinfecting. It is a natural substance that has been used for centuries to cleanse, disinfect, and deodorize. Lime is alkaline and can be used to raise the septic pH.
What Happens When Septic Bacteria Die?
Septic Bacteria will die when they are exposed to highly acidic or alkaline environment. This exposes you to the following issues:
- A lack of septic bacteria results in the accumulation of solid waste which eventually clog the septic pipes.
- Raw sewage will back up into your home, which is a serious health hazard.
- Untreated sewage will leave the septic and seep into the ground contaminating ground water.
- Foul odors.
Household Liquids That Impact The pH Of Septic Tanks
Septic tanks are designed to handle the waste generated in a household. However, these tanks can be adversely affected by some household liquids that have a high acidity or high alkalinity. Here are some household liquids that can impact the pH level in septic tanks:
- Coffee grounds do not break down in the septic tank and will eventually build up to create clogs in the septic system. Additionally, coffee is highly acidic, and it will reduce the pH of your septic system. Septic bacteria does not thrive in an acidic environment.
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, but it also has a negative impact on the environment. With this in mind, there has been a growing movement to use coffee grounds as compost. Coffee grounds are a great addition to your compost pile. Coffee grounds have high levels of nitrogen and potassium, which are two key nutrients in compost.
- Soda has become a popular beverage among people of all ages. However, soda beverages are often high in sugars and acids which affects the septic system by causing a pH imbalance.
The use of soda in composting has been debated for years. Using soda in compost helps speed up the decomposition process of solids and make sure that you’re getting the most out of your compost.
- Juices can have a significant effect on the pH level of septic systems. The high sugar content and acidity in juices causes a decrease in the septic tank`s pH.
Pulp from juices also cause clogs in the septic system since they do not break down easily. Pulp is a fibrous material that is left over when juice is extracted from fruit. It has been found that in some juices, pulp can be visible or can be removed by filtering the juice. In other juices, the pulp cannot be seen because it dissolves into the liquid.
- Bleach is a highly alkaline liquid that is used to clean clothes, floors, and other surfaces. However, when it comes into contact with septic tanks, it raises its pH and kills septic bacteria.
- Drain cleaners are a type of chemical cleaning product that is designed to break down, dissolve, or remove grease, oil, and other substances from pipes. They are usually made up of a mixture of acids and an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide. When we have a clogged drain or sewer, we often turn to the nearest drain cleaner to clear it. However, these products can harm septic tanks and cause serious problems for the environment.
There are many alternatives to conventional drain cleaners that are more environmentally friendly and safer for your septic system. Some of these alternatives include natural degreases, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
Oxalic acid septic system
Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that kills septic bacteria. Its an organic compound that is found in many plants. It has been used as a herbicide and pesticide for centuries. Oxalic acid can be found in many plants, including spinach, rhubarb, chard, and sorrel. In the food industry, it is commonly used as a preservative and a natural colorant. Oxalic acid is also used to make dyes such as indigo blue and alizarin red.
Muriatic acid in septic drain field
Muriatic acid is colorless and has a distinctive pungent smell. It is also known as hydrochloric acid. It must never be poured down the drains, sink or flushed down the toilet because it kills septic bacteria and also corrodes septic pipes.
Is Sulfamic acid safe for septic systems
Sulfamic acid is a common household chemical that is used to clean sinks, toilets, baths and kitchens. It is safe and will not harm your septic system.
What Is The pH Of A Septic Tank: Final Thoughts
Your Septic tank pH should be maintained between 6.5-7.5 to ensure that septic bacteria thrive. An acidic or highly alkaline septic tank will kill septic bacteria, and this will lead to sewage backups into your house, foul odors and contamination of groundwater.
