Your septic system should last many years if taken care of with regular maintenance and pumping. However, just because you get your septic tank pumped every three to five years, there are many items that cannot be flushed!
Everything you flush down the toilet, grind in the garbage disposal, or pour down the sink, shower, or bath ends up in your septic system. Remember that toilets are not trash cans! Do not flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper.
You Should Never Flush
Generally, you want to avoid flushing non-biodegradable items as they can take years to break down. For example, diapers take hundreds of years to break down. Meanwhile, they can cause clogs that will come back to haunt you. To maintain your septic system, it's recommended to NOT flush the following:
- Cooking grease or oil
- Non-flushable wipes, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
- Photographic solutions
- Feminine hygiene products
- Condoms
- Dental floss
- Diapers
- Cigarette butts
- Coffee grounds
- Cat litter
- Paper towels
- Pharmaceuticals
- Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners
Also, paper towels can adhere to the septic tank's inside walls. When this happens, they cannot be pumped out. When in doubt, toss it in the trash can. Or you can switch to reusable products that are better for the planet in the long term.
Should It Go Down The Sink?
The septic system is based on a collection of living organisms or bacteria that digest and treat household waste. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill the bacteria and harm your septic system. Always avoid chemical drain cleaners for a clogged drain. The drain cleaner may eliminate the slimy, hairy blockage in your pipes, but it will also damage the pipes and tank of your septic system. Instead, try boiling water or a drain snake. Make sure whatever product you consider using is safe for septic systems.
Additionally, never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain, as well as paints, solvents, or toxic cleaners. Even antibacterial soaps can kill the living organisms in your septic system.
If you suspect cracked or damaged pipes in your septic system, Long Hill Contractors LLC can help you. Our experienced technicians will find the problem and complete the job correctly and to your satisfaction.