Not everything is meant to be flushed. Certain household items will can damage your plumbing or form clogs if sent down the drain. Being aware what you flush will save your sewer and septic system a lot of trouble. Consider the items below that should never be put in your toilet.

7 Things That Should Never Be Flushed

1. Paper Towels & Disposable Wipes

Baby wipes, moist towelettes, and paper towels should never be flushed down the toilet, even if they are labeled as flushable. These products cause clogs and backups in sewer and septic systems since they do not break down enough to cycle through pipes.

2. Grease, Fat, & Oil

Sending grease, fat, and oil down your drain leads to plumbing headaches over time. When these cooking leftovers cool, they harden and create a barricade in your pipes. These fat globs also catch other items traveling in your drains, forming a giant mass that will prohibit any water flow.

3. Dental Floss

Dental floss is typically made from nylon or Teflon™, neither of which are biodegradable. Because they don’t break down, they not only cause serious clogs, but they also lead to environmental trouble stemming from your sewer or septic system.

4. Medication

While medication may not clog drains, it is toxic for the environment and will contaminate the groundwater supply as well as nearby bodies of water. Medication can also harm the water’s ecology and wildlife in the area.

5. Bones

Poultry, beef, pork, and lamb bones should never be pushed down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. Bones are incredibly dense and won’t break down well, even with industrial disposal blades. Tiny fish bones, however, are fine.

6. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds compact in drains and pipes, leading to backups in your system. Instead of flushing them, spread them around your garden as a natural pest deterrent or use them in compost.

7. Eggshells

The membrane of eggshells turns into a glue-like substance when in contact with water and will act like an adhesive in your plumbing. This goo then catches other items in your pipes and leads to a big sticky mess in your sewer or septic system.

 

When you need professional service for your septic system in Indian Trail and surrounding areas, trust Septic Pumping Service in Matthews, NC. Family-owned and -operated for more than 20 years, their expert team can handle anything from regular septic maintenance to 24-hour emergency assistance to keep your property running well. For more on their septic and sewer cleaning as well as septic tank pumping, call (704) 821-8001 or visit their website.