Are water softeners and their salt harmful to septic systems?
Question:
Answers:
No
Absolutely yes they are harmful. Your septic system contains a unique microbial family of bacteria that promotes the breakdown of solids into effluent before it reaches the leach lines. Any addition of anything other than grey water and normal sewage will inhibit the bacteria from doing its job. Paint, grease, raw food material, salt, any chemical designed for septic systems, all are considered hazardous to your septic and leach systems life. I've repaired hundreds of sytems for that very reason. If you need more input feel free to email me and I'd be happy to answer your questions as best as I can. Gene
There are varying academic responses to this question. I've heard and seen very good reasons for both.
My answer is a septic system works best when there is less water going into the system. Most systems fail because there is too much water going into the system. There is no reason to send this water thru the system.
Check with your local health department. They may have regulations on prohibiting this from your septic system and they also can tell you where you can send this water.
In addition to Gene's answer above (which is correct) the salt will "eat" the concrete that your septic tank is made of and cause is to crumble.
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