Salt Water & Septic Systems

[Portsie]

Can I dump old salt water down the drain? I'm on a well and wondering if there is any reason not to dump it in the sink. I have been dumping it outside, but with winter coming I would be way warmer just dumping it out inside!

 

[mfinn]

I've been dumping the water change water down my drain for over 20 years in the same house and haven't had a problem yet.
Today is water change day and another 80 gallons will be going down the drain today.

 

[Gagonzalez]

I believe you should be fine as long as you don't dump it in an outside drain like out in the street. Ultimately, it should go through your city's sewer system to get treated just in case there is algae or something in your salt water that shouldn't be in this country/region.

 

[MuffsAbby]

I'm on septic. Prior to getting the tank, I called my plumber and asked him. He didn't see any problems, and I've been dumping the SW directly in my drains for over a year now.

 

[weicowireman]

I also dump down the house drain.

 

[hillscp]

I'm on septic too and it has not caused me any problems these last 15 years Right now 15 gallons per week like clockwork.

 

[Portsie]

Thanks everyone, water changes just got easier! The wife will not be impressed.

 

[Sasquatchluvin]

Is your septic tank plastic or concrete if its concrete like mine it will speed up concrete degradation in 2nd baffle where sewer gases rot away at concrete. That's what the guy that just pumped mine told me. I still dump mine outside.

 

[fishgate]

FYI: SW has less salt content than urine.

 

[macktab]

It is scientifically documented that salt water attacks concrete over time, unless special coatings and concrete mix is used (eg waterfront marine structures). Also I have read that over time the salt will bond to the septic leaching field gravel/subsoils and decerease the systems ability to function as designed. It's very expensine (5 figures?) to replace a septic system so why mess with it? Google internet for engineering reports on the subject, you should consider opinions from those that design the systems.