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If you rely on a septic system for waste disposal, you know how important it is to care for that system. Regular septic maintenance is vital to keep your tank and drain field in top shape. But even with professional care, your septic system may still be at risk if you flush any of these items down the toilet or drain.

What Not to Flush or Pour Down the Sink for Good Septic Maintenance

1. Grease & Oil

When waste enters your septic system, it separates, which makes it easier to process. Solid waste sinks to the bottom, while grease and fat float to the top. Your system is designed to hold a certain amount of grease, but too much fat can clog up the plumbing and interfere with waste processing. Avoid pouring pans of cooking grease and oil down the sink.

2. Paper Towels & Wet Wipes

Septic MaintenanceOn the surface, these items don’t seem so different from toilet paper, but there is a significant distinction: paper towels and wipes are not designed to dissolve in water. They stay in a tough sheet as they go through your system, causing blockages and clogs.

3. Diapers & Sanitary Items

Not only are these items tough and bulky, they’re also designed to absorb water—meaning they can swell in your septic tank. They cause clogs in your system and also during septic pumping, creating messes and delays.

4. Kitty Litter

This is another absorbent product that swells when left in water, clogging your pipes. Even if it’s marketed as flushable, it’s always better to dispose of kitty litter in the trash—not the toilet.

5. Household Cleaners

Your septic tank relies on good bacteria to help break down the waste that goes through your system. The wrong cleaners can kill off that bacteria and create a toxic environment in your septic system. Choose gentle, natural options whenever possible, and consult an expert before using chemical drain treatments.

 

If you have more questions about septic maintenance, contact the professionals. Sloans Septic Tank Service has provided Oakley, MI, and the surrounding community with septic services for over 50 years. They offer affordable pricing for safe, clean, efficient septic maintenance and pumping, as well as portable toilets for events. To arrange service, call them today at (989) 845-6280 or send a message online.

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