Chemotherapy treats cancer. It can also harm your septic system: What to know

Chemotherapy treats cancer. It can also harm your septic system: What to know

When you or a loved one is undergoing chemotherapy, you have a lot of things on your mind — among the least of which is likely to be your septic system.

Be that as it may, you’re going to want to be aware that some of the chemotherapy medications people take as part of their cancer treatment can make their way into your septic system through human waste. And, unfortunately, they can affect the bacteria that reside there and compromise your system’s ability to function properly, HomeServe USA reports.

How Your Chemotherapy Treatment Can Hurt Your Septic System

Your septic tank system uses bacteria to break down solid waste that enters it before that material is turned into liquids and gases, which are then pushed to the drain field. The medications people take as part of their chemotherapy treatment can harm or even eliminate the bacteria your septic system relies on.

When those “good” bacteria are removed, your system won’t be able to break down organic material as efficiently. That can lead to a significant buildup of solids and require you to pump the tank more often than usual. It can also cause the pipes to clog up as waste accumulates and blocks the exit path, leading to sewage backups. Sewage backups can produce strong, unpleasant odors and create health hazards for your home. When solids are pushed into the drain field instead of liquids, it can damage your soil, create wet, soggy spots in the yard and even contaminate your local ecosystem.

How to Reduce Potential Septic System Harm

The best way to reduce potential harm to your septic system under these circumstances is to simply have your tank pumped more often. If your treatments are causing solids to accumulate due to reduced bacteria, then pumping the tank will remove the solids before they build up and cause clogs, backups or drain field issues.

You can also use bacteria additives in your septic tank to boost the bacteria and replace what’s been lost. It’s an effective way to restore bacterial balance and is easier than repeatedly scheduling a pumpout. (Be advised, however, that these additives are not always a standalone solution, and you still may need to pump more frequently than normal.) If you prefer not to use commercial additives, more “natural” solutions — such as flushing dissolved yeast down the toilet — also exist. It’s best to consult with a professional or have your septic tank inspected in the first few months of undergoing chemo treatment in order to understand how it’s affecting your system.

How Often to Pump a Septic Tank System If You’re Undergoing Chemotherapy Treatment

While it’s generally recommended to have your septic tank system pumped every three to five years, you’ll need to do so more often if you’ve begun chemotherapy. Instead of letting too much time pass, consider doing it within the year following your chemotherapy treatment — or even more often if recommended by a septic system professional. Consider the size of your tank, how many people live in your household and how long your treatment has been ongoing. Those factors will all determine how fast your tank gets filled and how often you should empty it.

Beyond that, you’ll still need to be on the lookout for warning signs that your tank is getting full or has stopped breaking down solids. A common sign of trouble is a toilet that won’t flush or flushes very slowly, which means there might be a clog along the pipe and the wastewater isn’t able to escape. You may also hear gurgling sounds coming from the drains when you use the toilet, shower or sink. The sounds come from the air that is being pushed through the pipes. Unpleasant smells and uncommonly green patches of grass areas in your yard can also indicate that sewage is leaking and your tank should be pumped immediately.

Additional Measures

Apart from getting your tank pumped regularly and using additives to improve bacteria levels, there are a few other things you can do to ensure your system functions properly:

Use your toilets wisely

Be extra careful about what goes down the drain. Follow the three P’s of flushing: pee, poop and toilet paper. Avoid flushing items like so-called flushable wipes as well as feminine products, oils, chemicals and other medications that can harm the bacteria.

Hire a septic system pro — and tell them about your chemotherapy

If you’ve rarely or never had your tank system inspected, it’s worth doing so a few months after starting your treatment to determine how the bacteria in the system are reacting. The cost of an inspection is almost certainly going to be much lower than the repair bill for a sewage backup or drain field damage. An inspection can help catch small issues before they become big issues.

Don't Overload Your Septic System

You should also monitor your water consumption and try to spread it out throughout the day to avoid overloading the system. Take quick showers to reduce water usage and be mindful of how often you leave the faucets running when brushing your teeth or rinsing the dishes. Lower water usage helps the bacteria in your tank break down the solids before they get flushed out. It can also help ensure that the drain field doesn’t absorb more water than it can handle.

This story was produced by HomeServe USA and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.