It’s expensive to replace a septic system, but even if it weren’t, no one wants to deal with a backed up septic tank. To keep yours working safely and reliably, there are a few ground rules to remember: The most important would be to only flush septic-safe materials: waste and toilet paper. The list of what not to flush is much longer. The experts of Oahu’s leading septic tank cleaning company, Gecko Enterprises, will explain a few of these in detail. 

Here’s what you absolutely shouldn’t flush if you use a septic system:

• Fats, Grease & Oils: The results of accumulated grease in wastewater systems is sometimes newsworthy. Even if you think you’ve broken them down using hot water, they’ll cool again once they reach your septic tank and combine over time to form troublesome grease balls, which can only be professionally removed.

• Chemicals & Poisons: This includes paint, thinner, varnishes, pesticides, and disinfectants. Even dish soap is bad when too much is used at one time. Some chemicals will kill off your septic system’s bacterial colonies, which are intrinsic to its operation, while others may also leach into your ground water. For all these reasons, your septic tank is no place for your old medications either.

• Kitty Litter: Clumping litter (clay-based) will clog your septic system the quickest while other types, which are usually made from old newspaper, will eventually clog your system since they don’t dissolve fast enough. Furthermore, some cat poop contains Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite you don’t want ending up in your backyard; it’s better to bag it up and throw it out.

• Sanitary Napkins: The reinforced material in sanitary napkins, tampons, diapers, and other disposable cloths, does not degrade and will quickly clog a septic system. They shouldn’t be flushed down any water system. They cause septic tank backups, they contribute to municipal “grease balls,” and blockages as well; toss them straight into the trash.

• Dental Floss: It may appear innocuous enough, but dental floss does not disintegrate in water. When enough of it builds up, it’ll start binding to other non-septic safe materials that may be present, such as paper towels and oils, and contribute to blockages and backups.

Are you due for a septic tank cleaning? Give Gecko Enterprises a call at (808) 637-3240 to set up an appointment. For details about the Waialua-based service, which has been in business over 25 years, visit the website.