The Effect of Borax on Septic Systems

Borax is a natural-forming, non-biodegradable cleaning alternative to the toxic, chemical-laced household cleaning products and substances often flushed into or poured down the drain of septic systems.

Function

• In large amounts, chemicals in certain household cleaning products can upset the treatment process of waste water in septic systems, in which beneficial bacteria break down and digest raw sewage. Borax, a natural-forming mineral, does not deliver the same hazardous effect on septic systems as those chemicals.

Natural Alternative

• Nontoxic to people and animals, borax can be used safely to bleach, deodorize, remove stains, disinfect and aid the cleaning power of laundry soap.

Types

• Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection lists borax as a safe alternative to these harmful substances and chemicals that enter septic systems: oils and grease, gasoline, antifreeze, varnishes, paints and solvents, harsh drain and toilet bowl cleaners, laundry detergents with high sudsing elements, bleach and pesticides.

Considerations

• While nontoxic to people, borax is only less harmful to a septic system's biological treatment of waste than the chemicals found in everyday cleaning products. Large amounts of borax filtered into the environment through a septic system's drain field could injure trees and other plant life.

Fun Fact

• According to the 2010 World Book, most of the world's supply of borax comes from Death Valley and the Mojave Desert in southern California.