Septic systems can last for years with minimal maintenance, and most of the time, you can take an "out of sight, out of mind" approach to them. However, to ensure your system works without issues, you need to be careful about the items you introduce into your septic tank, as certain items can cause damage. Here are some common examples of items that shouldn't ever find their way into your system.

4 Household Items That Can Damage a Septic System

1. Food

It's best to keep all food out of the kitchen sink drain. Whether you're eating heavy, greasy items or vegetables, you might inadvertently cause problems. As food breaks down, it forms a sludge that coats the inside of the tank and may cause pipe blockages. Many types of food will degrade with no problems, but others will accumulate.

Instead of washing food down the drain and garbage disposal, scrape your plate into the trash or compost old food scraps. Liquids can generally go into the system, but don't put coffee grounds in since they won't break down properly either. 

2. Drain Cleaner

Many homeowners reach for harsh drain cleaners at the first sign of a blockage. While these products are somewhat effective at clearing out clogs, they're also rough on pipes. 

The harsh chemicals corrode the pipes, damage the tank, and kill off a lot of the good bacteria that are needed to properly break down waste in the tank. Instead of tough cleansers, opt for natural or septic-safe products that won't harm your system. 

3. Excess Water

You may think that filling the system with lots of water helps items move through the pipes smoothly. On the contrary, excessive liquid can quickly fill up your septic tank and contaminate the drain field that receives the wastewater. 

This occurs because the water flows out of the tank before it should and introduces human waste and other toxins into the drain field, leading to expensive and unpleasant problems. Instead of pushing excess water into the system, conserve water by taking shorter showers, using less water to wash dishes, and fixing leaks. 

4. Paper Towels and Wipes

Your septic system isn't designed to handle heavy-duty paper products like paper towels and baby wipes, even if they're labeled as septic-safe. Throw these items in the trash, and make sure that you're only using septic-safe toilet paper so that you don't end up with blockages. 

If you need septic tank help, contact the professionals at Apollo Portable Toilets & Pumping Service LLC. This Mexico, MO, company offers septic pumping, portable toilets, hand-washing stations, and storage container rentals. See what products they provide online or request more information by calling (573) 581-6306.