3 Items That Should Never Go Down Your Drains if You Have a Septic System
Septic systems provide a way to keep homes clean and sanitary for those who cannot connect to municipal utilities. While they efficiently break down and store waste, water, and toilet paper, homeowners must take great care not to flush other substances down the drains. This is because some items prevent the tank's bacteria from breaking down waste, while others simply clog the system and necessitate more frequent septic pumping. Here's what you should know.
What Items Can't Septic Systems Process?
1. Medication & Chemicals
Septic tanks contain bacteria that break down waste to prevent the tank from filling prematurely. Many medications and household cleaning products kill or alter bacteria, so flushing or pouring medication, bleach, or chemical drain cleaners into your plumbing system may prevent the tank from working properly. These ingredients may also seep into the ground through the drain field, contaminating nearby groundwater. Instead, you should throw medication away and use chemical-free cleaners on sinks and drains.
2. Baby Wipes
Baby wipes, hygiene products, paper towels, and tissues often get flushed because people assume they’re just like toilet paper. However, septic-safe toilet paper is specifically designed to break down in tanks. These other items stay intact and fill up the tank faster, leading to backups, slow drains, and possibly, emergency septic pumping. Thankfully, you can keep trash cans in the bathroom and dispose of these items there instead.
3. Oil & Grease
Septic systems cannot break down food waste, so homeowners should not use the garbage disposal frequently or dump food scraps into the kitchen sink. Specifically, oil and grease from pans can create a solid top layer over any liquid in the tank and even coat the walls. Leftover cooking liquids can be poured into the trash before cleaning pots and pans, and food scraps can be tossed into a compost bin.
Keep your septic system in ideal working condition with routine services from Local Septic & Environmental Services in Reidsville, NC. The septic pump service offers various services, from full installation and routine pumping to emergency repairs. The licensed team works quickly and provides thorough and reliable work, no matter the size of the job. Call (336) 613-7108 to request a quote or schedule septic pumping.