Your Septic System Hates These 7 Things You Flush Daily

Your Septic System Hates These 7 Things You Flush Daily

Keeping your septic system in good condition is crucial for avoiding costly repairs and messy backups. Many homeowners don’t realize that their daily habits can have a huge impact on the health and longevity of their septic system. What you flush down your toilet doesn’t just disappear, it travels through your plumbing and into your septic tank, where waste breaks down naturally. However, certain items can disrupt this process and cause major issues.

In this blog post, our professionals from Metro Septic Pumping will look at seven common things you should never flush if you want to avoid frequent septic pumping and keep your system running smoothly.

Flushable Wipes Aren’t Really Flushable

Despite what the label says, “flushable” wipes are a nightmare for septic systems. These wipes don’t break down like toilet paper and often clump together, creating blockages in your pipes or septic tank. Over time, they can cause backups that require immediate septic service in Atlanta, GA. Even wipes labeled as biodegradable can take months or years to decompose. To protect your system, it’s best to toss wipes in the trash instead of flushing them.

Grease and Cooking Oils

Pouring grease or cooking oil down the drain might seem harmless when it’s hot, but as it cools, it solidifies and coats the inside of your pipes. In a septic system, grease floats to the top of the tank, forming a thick layer that slows down the natural breakdown of waste. This buildup can reduce the tank’s efficiency and lead to frequent septic cleaning. Always dispose of grease in a container and throw it in the trash instead.

Feminine Hygiene Products

Items like tampons, pads, and sanitary wipes should never go down the toilet. These products are designed to absorb moisture and expand, making them extremely difficult for septic systems to break down. When flushed, they can clog your pipes or block the outlet baffle in your septic tank, leading to serious plumbing problems that often require a septic company’s help to fix. A simple wastebasket in the bathroom can prevent major headaches later.

Paper Towels and Tissues

While paper towels and facial tissues may look similar to toilet paper, they are much thicker and don’t dissolve easily in water. When flushed, they can build up inside your septic tank and create blockages that interfere with the tank’s natural processes. These materials can cause the tank to fill up faster, increasing the need for septic pumping. Always dispose of paper towels and tissues in the trash instead of flushing them.

Harsh Cleaning Chemicals

Using strong bleach, drain cleaners, or antibacterial products can kill the essential bacteria that help break down waste in your septic tank. Without these bacteria, your system won’t function properly, leading to solids building up more quickly. This not only increases the need for septic cleaning but can also shorten the life of your entire system. Opt for septic-safe cleaning products that are gentle and biodegradable to keep your tank balanced and healthy.

Coffee Grounds and Food Waste

Many people think their garbage disposal can handle anything, but that’s not true for homes with septic systems. Coffee grounds, eggshells, rice, and other food waste don’t break down easily and can cause sludge to accumulate faster. This buildup can clog pipes or overflow into your drain field, requiring professional septic service to correct. Always compost or throw away food waste instead of sending it down the drain.

Medications and Chemicals

Flushing expired medications, paints, or chemicals may seem like a quick disposal method, but it can seriously harm your septic system. These substances disrupt the natural bacterial balance in your tank, making it harder for waste to decompose. Over time, this can lead to the need for costly septic service or repairs. Additionally, flushing medications can contaminate groundwater, posing an environmental risk. Always take old medications to a pharmacy disposal site or a local hazardous waste center.

Need a Reliable Company?

Are you in need of septic pumping? Luckily, we at Metro Septic Pumping have dedicated workers ready at your service. Contact our representatives for more questions.