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Sometimes, homeowners can be their septic tank’s worst enemy without knowing it. By flushing certain items down the drain, they disrupt their septic system’s delicate balance, causing clogs, backups, and more severe problems within the tank itself. A large part of septic tank maintenance involves understanding what is and isn’t safe to dispose of.

5 Items That Should Never Be Flushed

1. Paper Towels

Most paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they’re designed to collect larger amounts of water. This makes them much less water-soluble and harder to decompose than toilet paper. Flushing them down your toilet will eventually cause a blockage that only a specialist can repair.

2. Sanitary Wipes

While sanitary wipes are often labeled flushable, they cause the same problems as paper towels. It takes too long for them to disintegrate in water, so they end up clogging sewer lines or the toilet itself. As part of your septic tank maintenance, consider posting a note inside your bathroom that sanitary wipes can’t be flushed.

3. Cat Litter

septic tank maintenanceIt’s easy to assume that cat litter can be flushed down a toilet because it contains waste. Unfortunately, cat litter is made of sand-like material that absorbs liquids. Cat waste contains toxins, bacteria, and parasites that are different from a human’s.  Because of this, both cat waste and litter can upset the bacterial processes happening within your septic tank.

4. Dead Fish

Just because fish live in water doesn’t mean it’s OK to flush them down the drain when they die. The problem is that fish don’t disintegrate in water. Despite their small size, they can still cause clogs that lead to costly septic repairs. 

5. Medications

Any time you flush medication down the toilet, you’re adding unknown chemicals into your water system. Most septic tanks cannot process these substances, and dissolving medication can kill the healthy bacteria that your tank needs to function. Over time, your septic system will stop operating properly, causing backups or clogs.

 

When it comes to septic tank maintenance, homeowners should also rely on specialists to pump and clean their tanks routinely. B’s Pumping Service in Lakeville, MN, specializes in septic tank maintenance services, such as inspections, repairs, and pumping. All technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (952) 469-2573 or visit their website to learn more about their services today.

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