If your home utilizes a septic system, it’s important to take steps to protect the bacteria living inside. That’s because these microorganisms are responsible for breaking down human waste and other organic matter.
If the environment inside your septic tank isn’t hospitable to the bacteria, they may die-off or fail to do their job properly. When this occurs, waste products are able to build-up and collect without breaking down. That might not seem like that big of a deal, but the problem can get out of hand quickly and cause serious problems. In this blog, we answer some common questions about acidic condensate and septic systems:
How do high-efficiency gas appliances affect septic systems?
High-efficiency gas-fired appliances like boilers, furnaces and water heaters produce liquid condensate from the combustion process. This condensate is very acidic ranging from 1.8 to 4.2 on the pH scale generally. If the condensate is not treated to raise the pH to between 5 and 7 on the pH scale it can destroy the beneficial bacteria the lets your septic system break down solid waste and operate properly.
How much condensate do high-efficiency gas appliances produce?
Most modern high-efficiency gas appliances produce about one gallon of condensate per 100,000 BTU per hour. If you have a 150,000 BTU boiler or furnace that runs an average of eight hours, it could produce up to 10 gallons of nitric acid in a single day. Now, imagine all of that being dumped into your septic tank. It’s sure to destroy all of the bacteria, resulting in a major backup and the need for repairs.
How can I protect the bacterial environment in my septic system?
Fortunately, protecting your septic system is relatively easy. Enter the condensate neutralizer. A condensate neutralizer is a small appliance that helps raise the pH level of the acidic condensate. By neutralizing the condensate from your furnace, it’s possible to keep the bacterial environment inside your septic tank at optimal levels. That means happy microorganisms, a functioning septic tank, and no surprise repairs.
If you need to install a condensate neutralizer at your home or business, we can help. Click here to find a sales rep in your area.
