f you or a loved one is undergoing chemotherapy, understanding how this impacts your septic system is vital—and there are solutions to mitigate the effects.
When someone undergoing chemotherapy, the waste entering the septic system can create unique challenges. Chemotherapy drugs, excreted through bodily waste, introduce potent chemicals into the septic tank, which can disrupt its natural balance.
The Impact of Chemotherapy Drugs on Septic Systems
- Chemical Impact on Bacteria: Septic systems rely on naturally occurring bacteria to break down organic waste. Chemotherapy drugs can inhibit or even kill these beneficial bacteria, reducing the system’s efficiency. Over time, this can lead to a build-up of solids in the tank, requiring more frequent pumping and increasing the risk of system failure.
- Toxicity Concerns: Some chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic, meaning they harm living cells—including the bacteria that septic systems depend on. The level of toxicity in the wastewater varies depending on the treatment regimen, but even small concentrations can disrupt the system’s delicate balance.
- Leach Field Effects: If untreated or partially treated wastewater reaches the leach field, residual chemicals can seep into the soil. This can disrupt the natural filtration process, increase biomat buildup, and pose risks to the surrounding environment through contamination.
How to Protect Your Septic System During Chemotherapy Treatments
While chemotherapy drugs can pose challenges, there are effective steps you can take to protect your septic system and ensure it continues to function properly:
- Frequent Pumping: Increase the frequency of septic tank pumping during and after chemotherapy treatments. This reduces the accumulation of chemical-laden waste and solids, helping to maintain system efficiency.
- Bacterial Additives: Introduce bacterial additives specifically designed for septic systems. These products help replenish the bacteria in the tank, counteracting the effects of chemotherapy drugs and supporting waste breakdown.
- Aerobic Remediation Services: One of the most effective solutions is adding an aerobic remediation system. By introducing aeration and resilient bacteria into the septic tank, this service restores biological activity and accelerates the breakdown of organic matter. Aerobic systems can help your septic system recover balance and perform more effectively, even under challenging conditions.
- Household Awareness: Educate everyone in the household about proper septic system care. Avoid flushing or pouring harsh chemicals, grease, or non-biodegradable items down the drain. These habits reduce additional stress on the system and complement the other protective measures you take.
Why Aerobic Remediation in More Detail
Aerobic remediation systems are particularly effective for households impacted by chemotherapy waste. These systems use aeration to support the growth of beneficial bacteria, which work faster and more efficiently than anaerobic bacteria in breaking down waste. By significantly increasing biological activity, aerobic remediation restores the system’s natural balance, preventing costly repairs and protecting the leach field and environment from harmful contamination.
If you’re navigating the challenges of maintaining a septic system during chemotherapy treatments, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your septic system during this time. Visit our page online to learn more about how Aerobic Remediation Services works not in just this application but others.
Don’t wait for problems to arise—take proactive steps now to safeguard your septic system! Call us or schedule a consultation online to discuss how our aerobic remediation solutions can benefit your home.