While home septic systems are highly efficient, capable of treating wastewater for years without incident, introducing items that don’t belong can cause serious problems. Anything other than waste and toilet paper can clog pipes, causing the system to overflow and leading to unnecessary septic tank maintenance and repairs. While any foreign object can damage your septic system, here are a few you should never put down the drain.

3 Items That Should Never Go Into Your Septic System

1. Medication

Most medications dissolve in water, so many people assume it’s safe to flush unwanted pills down the toilet. However, many medications can kill off the bacteria your septic system relies on to break down waste, bringing the entire process to a halt and causing toilets to overflow.

2. Non-Septic Toilet Paper

Not all types of toilet paper are appropriate for septic tanks. When shopping for bathroom tissue, look for a label that says “septic safe,” which means the paper is designed to biodegrade quickly in the tank.

“Flushable” wipes are another common hazard, capable of clogging pipes in sewer and septic tanks alike.

3. Caustic Drain Cleaners

Harsh drain cleaners aren’t safe for any home, but they’re especially dangerous for septic systems. The chemicals used to break down grease and clogs will quickly kill off the bacteria in the tank, possibly causing the entire system to fail.

If drains are clogged throughout your house, call a septic tank maintenance professional with the tools to resolve the issue safely.

Whether you have a middle-of-the-night emergency or just need your tank cleaned, count on Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing. For over 25 years, they’ve been the leading septic tank maintenance and repair specialists in Fairbanks, AK. Visit their website for more on their septic tank maintenance services, get regular tips and updates on Twitter, or call (907) 488-9855 to request a quote.