Flushable Wipes and Your Septic System

Flushable Wipes and Your Septic System

If you are one of twenty percent of U.S homeowners that have a septic system installation, then you should be very mindful of how your septic system works and what goes into it. The professionals at Metro Septic Pumping have years of specialized experience in septic systems and are happily sharing some tips for using and maintaining your septic system. This article will go over how your septic system works and the effects of a popular product on the market: “flushable” wipes. If you have any specific questions or if you realize that you need professional assistance with your septic system, then call Metro Septic Pumping for expert service.

Understanding Your Septic System

Understanding how your septic system works will help you maintain and care for your septic system. A septic system is an onsite, underground waste management system that is actually simple in design. These systems use a combination of natural and technologic processes to treat waste and wastewater. Typically, this is how a septic system works:

• Waste and wastewater from your house run out of one main drainage pipe into an underground septic tank.
• The waste naturally separates into three layers: solid waste on the bottom, wastewater in the middle, and scum on top.
• Vital bacteria in the septic tank break down the solid waste and scum into sludge while the liquid effluent flows out from the tank into the drain field.
• Wastewater is discharged through the perforated pipes into the soil which it percolates through. The soil naturally removes harmful coliform bacteria and viruses from the wastewater.
• The sludge in the septic tank will have to be routinely pumped and cleaned.

“Flushable” Wipes

A lot of people use wet wipes and “flushable” wipes to sanitize surfaces, their hands, and bodies. Flushable wipes might be flushable but are they actually safe to flush? Or is it just a marketing technique to sell a product? Responsible homeowners and businessowners should do their research before buying into marketing strategies by corporations and businesses.
Many things are technically “flushable” as your children may have discovered, but what happens down the line is more crucial. Try this experiment if you want to see the difference between “flushable” and degradable. Fill two buckets with water and put regular toilet paper in one and a “flushable” wipe in the other. You will notice that the rate of degradation is drastically different between the two. 
When you flush wipes down your toilet into the septic tank, it is very likely to get caught on something along the way and cause a clog. Even if it makes it to the septic tank, it will strain the benevolent bacteria in the tank or prematurely fill your septic tank.

Our Recommendation

Wet wipes and flushable wipes certainly provide convenience in sanitation. If you enjoy the convenience and efficiency of these products, then by all means continue using them. However, we recommend that you dispose of them property. Do NOT flush these wipes. It is not worth having to deal with a clogged drain. Instead, toss them into a garbage bin.
If you have any specific questions or need a septic professional’s service, then call Metro Septic Pumping for reliable, affordable, and accessible service. Our friendly representatives are always ready to help. Dumpster Rental