What to Know About Chemotherapy Treatment and Your Septic System

When you or someone you love is going through chemotherapy, you have a lot of important things on your mind — likely the last of which is your septic system.

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However, you should be aware that some of the chemotherapy medications people take as part of their cancer treatment can make their way into the septic system through waste. And, unfortunately, they can affect the bacteria that reside there.

How Your Chemotherapy Treatment Can Harm Your Septic Systems

Your septic tank system uses bacteria to break down solid materials that enter before they are turned into liquids and gases that are pushed to the drain field. The medications people take as part of their chemotherapy treatment can eliminate or affect the bacteria a septic tank system relies on. When the good bacteria are removed, your system won’t be able to break down organic material as efficiently. This 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 solid accumulates and blocks the path of waste, leading to sewage backups. Sewage backups create health hazards for your home and can also produce strong, unpleasant odors. 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 environment.

How to Reduce Potential Septic System Harm

The best way to reduce potential harm to your septic system 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 or issues with the drain field. You can also add bacteria additives to your septic tank to boost the bacteria and replace what’s been lost. It’s a great way to restore the bacterial balance, and it’s probably easier than scheduling constant pumping. (Be advised that this is not always a complete solution, and you may need to pump more often than typically needed.) If you don’t want to buy commercial additives, you can use more natural solutions like dissolved yeast and flush it down the toilet. It’s best to consult with a professional or get your septic tank system inspected in the first few months of undergoing your chemo treatment to understand how it’s affecting your system.

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

While it’s generally recommended to get your septic tank system pumped every three to five years, you’ll want to do it slightly more often if you have just started chemotherapy. Instead of waiting a few years, consider doing it within the year following your chemotherapy treatment — or even more often if your septic professional recommends it. Consider the size of your tank, the size of your family, and how long your treatment has been ongoing. This will all determine how fast your tank gets filled and how often you should empty it.

Even still, be on the lookout for warning signs that your tank is getting full or has stopped breaking down solids. A common sign is a toilet that won't flush or flushes very slowly. This 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, which occur when you use the toilet, shower or sink. The sounds come from the air that is being pushed through the pipes. Unpleasant smells and extra green grass areas in your yard can also indicate that sewage is leaking and your pump should be pumped immediately.

Other Steps to Take

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

Use Your Toilets Wisely

Be extra careful about what goes down the drain. Follow the three Ps of flushing: flush only pee, poop and toilet paper. Avoid flushing items like wipes, feminine products, oils, chemicals and other medications that can affect the bacteria.

Hire a Septic Professional — and Tell Them About Your Chemotherapy

If you’ve never gotten your tank system inspected (or rarely had it done), it’s worth doing so a few months after starting your treatment to find out how the bacteria in the system are reacting. The cost for an inspection is much lower than the repair costs for a sewage backup or drain field repairs. An inspection can help catch small issues at the start.

Don't Overload Your Septic System

You should also monitor your water consumption and 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 doing 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.