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Is Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Safe For Septic Systems?

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Keeping your bathroom clean is a must, but when you’ve got a septic system, you need to think twice about what you’re putting down your pipes. 

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably wondered if Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner is okay to use with your septic system.

It’s a common question, and for good reason – no one wants to mess up their plumbing.

In this post, I’ll explain if lysol toilet bowl cleaner is safe for septic systems. I’ll also go over some of the other Lysol products that are septic safe and what happens if you use harsh cleaners.

Is Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Septic Safe?

Yes, Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner is safe for septic systems. It actually says right on the label that it’s safe for all plumbing and septic systems!

Most Lysol toilet bowl cleaners are biodegradable, so they can be broken down naturally over time by microorganisms in your tank.

This includes:

  • Lysol Clean & Fresh Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • Lysol No Mess Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner

These cleaners are formulated to effectively kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses without messing up the good bacteria in your septic tank. They’ve balanced it just right so it cleans and disinfects without causing trouble.

Also Read: Is RID-X good for septic systems

Another reason why it’s okay for septic systems is that it gets super diluted. Think about it – your typical septic tank holds like 1,000 gallons or more of wastewater. 

So when you flush a bit of toilet cleaner, it’s like a drop in the ocean. 

It gets so watered down that it doesn’t really affect the bacteria balance in your septic system.

Don’t Use Lysol Regularly

Don’t go overboard with it though. Using it once a week or every other week should be fine. 

Just make sure it gets diluted properly when you flush. When you use it, put about 4 fl. oz. in the toilet bowl, let it sit for a bit, then flush.

That amount is usually safe because your septic tank is so big, it dilutes the cleaner really well.

Other Lysol Products That Are Septic Safe

Modern Bathroom Toilet Indicating Importance Of Septic System Maintenance And Regular Septic Inspections For Efficiency

Most Lysol cleaners are safe for septic systems. This includes:

  • Lysol All Purpose Cleaner
  • Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
  • Lysol Disinfectant Spray
  • Lysol Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner

But always check the label and follow the instructions.

Look for stuff that specifically says it’s septic-safe to be on the safe side.

The only thing that is NOT septic safe is Lysol Disinfectant Wipes. Never flush these or any other wipes down the toilet. They don’t break down and will clog your system.

Potential Risks Of Using Harsh Cleaners

Before we wrap this post up, let’s talk a bit about why it’s so important to use biodegradable and septic safe products, and problems harsh cleaners can cause:

Disrupts Helpful Bacteria

The biggest issue with harsh cleaners and chemicals is that they can mess up the balance of bacteria in your septic tank.

Cleaners with bleach or strong antibacterial agents can kill off the good bacteria that break down waste. If that happens, your system won’t treat wastewater as well, and you could end up with clogs and backups.

Same goes for antibacterial soaps – if you use them all the time, it can hurt the bacteria.

Also Read: Does a septic tank need a vent

Lowers Treatment Effectiveness

When those good bacteria in your septic system get wiped out by harsh chemicals, the system doesn’t break down solids as well. 

This means you get more sludge building up in the tank. 

You’ll have to pump it more often and do more maintenance. It can end up costing you more money if you have to deal with backups or system failures because of chemical damage.

Pollutes The Environment

Another issue is the environmental impact. 

Chemicals that go into your septic system can seep into the soil and groundwater around it. This could contaminate local water sources, which is bad for the environment and potentially for people’s health if it affects drinking water.

It’s a big deal, which is why using septic-safe products is so important.

Damages Pipes

Close Up Rusty Pipes Indicating Need For Septic System Inspection And Maintenance To Prevent Corrosion And Failure

Oh, and one more thing – some harsh cleaners, especially drain cleaners with sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, can actually corrode your pipes over time. 

This can lead to leaks or breaks, which are expensive to fix. 

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It’s not just your septic system that gets affected – it can cause problems all through your home’s plumbing.

Wrapping Up

So, to sum it all up, Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner and most other Lysol products are generally safe for septic systems if you use it like they tell you to.

It cleans and disinfects well without hurting the good bacteria that your septic system needs. 

But remember, don’t use too much of it or any cleaning stuff.

Stick to the instructions on the label, and your septic system should be just fine.

Our Blogging Expert

Markham (Mark) D. Smith is the owner and president of Soils, Inc., is dedicated to continuing the family tradition of providing quality work and exceptional customer service to our valued clients. Mark is a 3rd generation soil scientist who successfully works throughout the Washington Metropolitan Region.

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