Anyone who owns a septic system was likely taught the importance of septic tank maintenance, and one of the first rules many homeowners learn is what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Most people understand that part of septic tank care is not flushing personal hygiene items, dental floss, or chemical cleaners into the system, but some dangerous items are commonly flushed that many people consider safe. Be mindful of putting these items into the system, or you’ll end up needing septic service sooner than you should.

3 Items to Avoid Flushing for Proper Septic Tank Maintenance

1. Wipes

Any type of baby or personal hygiene wipe should never be flushed through the system, or you might require septic tank pumping. This includes the brands that are marked as “flushable.” These wipes don’t play well with the septic system, as they can easily get clogged in the drains. If they do make it to the tank, they can cause the sludge to build up much faster.

2. Oil, Grease, & Fat

While a garbage disposal may seem like a convenient and harmless tool, it should only be used correctly if you want to follow proper septic tank maintenance. Beyond oil, grease, and fat clogging the drains and causing problems, even some food pieces, such as pasta or eggshells, that go through the disposal pose problems. When they get into the tank, the bacteria can’t break them down quickly, and they can cause a sludge buildup. The garbage disposal should only be used for small food scraps; everything else should be thrown in the trash.

3. Paint

To function properly, the septic tank relies on bacteria to break down the waste that enters it before releasing the treated water back into the leach field. When paint gets into the tank, however, the chemicals inside it can kill off the bacteria, preventing the system from being able to adequately treat the wastewater.

 

For more tips on septic tank maintenance, contact the experts at Wright’s Septic Service in Tomah, WI. Their talented team has been providing septic services to local residents for over three generations, and they have the experience and knowledge needed to help you avoid any serious septic problems. If an issue does arrive, though, they use the latest technology to provide quick and reliable repairs to get your system back up and running in no time. Schedule an appointment by calling (608) 372-3615.