If you rely on a septic system to treat your wastewater, you have to be mindful about your plumbing. If the wrong items end up in your septic tank, it could damage your system and cause unfortunate plumbing issues. Use the following guide to ensure these problems don't occur. 

What You Shouldn't Flush When You Rely on a Septic Tank

1. Cat Litter

Pouring cat litter down the toilet will add to the amount of solids in your septic tank and cause it to fill up much quicker than you had intended. Cat feces is also known to contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. If it's allowed to enter the tank, this parasite will detrimentally harm the present anaerobic bacteria before entering the drain field and exiting into the surrounding groundwater—potentially causing future health problems for people and animals. 

2. Fat, Oil, & Grease

These materials do not break down the way other substances do when they enter your septic tank. Instead, they float and form a layer of scum and contributing to the amount of solids inside the tank. Additionally, when they cool down, they can solidify in the pipes or around the inlet and outlet pipes of the tank, which can cause further damage.

3. Medications

Some homeowners will flush unwanted prescription medications to remove them from the home. Unfortunately, many medicines can negatively impact the natural biological system inside your septic tank. If the medications remove the bacteria in the tank, it will fill up quicker than normal. Also, allowing these chemicals to contaminate the surrounding groundwater has been shown to contribute to the decreased effectiveness of antibiotics, so throw any unwanted pills in the trash instead.

If you’re having issues with your septic tank, the team at Zook's Septic Service, LLC can help. This family-owned septic company has served Middleburg, PA, and all of the Susquehanna Valley since 1988. Their licensed and insured team provides residential, commercial, and municipal septic tank repair, cleaning, and installation services. Call them today at (570) 837-1466 for a free estimate, and visit their website to learn more about their services.