While you may not think about it, your septic system is a vital component of your home. By keeping your plumbing running smoothly, you can use your bathroom and kitchen without a care. However, what you flush down your toilet directly affects the functionality of your septic tank, and certain items can damage or clog this vital system. Check out the list below for items you should never flush down the toilet if you have a septic system.

What Should You Avoid Flushing Down Your Toilet?

1. Dental Floss

Despite being incredibly thin, dental floss can lead to serious clogs. One small strand can end up in your septic tank and wrap around toilet paper, hair, or other waste particles and create a big problem. Since it isn’t biodegradable, it can cause clogs or environmental damage.

2. Feminine Products

Your septic system can’t break down sanitary napkins, pads, and tampons. Despite them being mostly made of cotton, feminine hygiene products can easily get caught in your septic tank and lead to a major clog.

3. Medication

When pills expire, it’s easy to think that flushing them down the toilet is a safe and convenient way to dispose of them. However, these medications can negatively impact the bacterial balance of your septic tank, making it harder for the system to break down waste. Certain medications can even seep into the groundwater, which can be unhealthy for those who drink it.

4. Cotton Balls or Swabs

Because cotton balls and swabs don’t break down over time, these porous items can soak up liquids in your septic system and cause it to overwork. Not only can this lead to more frequent septic pumping, but it also puts the overall performance of your system in jeopardy.

5. Baby Wipes

Baby wipes can backup sewage pipes when flushed down the toilet. Even though some brands claim their wipes are flushable, this doesn’t mean your septic system is equipped to effectively break them down. Throw your wipes in the trash to avoid unwanted clogging or septic tank damage.

If you need septic services in the London, KY, area, reach out to Southeastern Kentucky Septic Tank Cleaning. Offering septic pumping and repairs to residential and commercial clients for over a decade, their team of skilled technicians will provide cost-effective solutions to keep your septic system running smoothly. Give them a call at (606) 862-0911 to schedule your free estimate.