When a septic system backs up, you’ll notice symptoms like odors from fixtures and clogged toilets. Fortunately, these issues can be prevented if you watch what you put into the system. Here are a few items you should never flush down toilets.

4 Items Septic System Owners Should Never Flush 

1. Cat Litter

The materials in cat litter are purposely made to clump up when they get wet. If these clumps are flushed in a toilet, they’ll likely obstruct your septic system. Each time a clogged toilet is flushed, the litter may harden and expand even more. Protect your home’s plumbing by disposing of cat litter in the trash instead.

2. Baby & Cleaning Wipes

Although some companies may market their wipes as “flushable,” you should ignore this marketing pitch. Baby and cleaning wipes aren’t made to break down like toilet paper when flushed, so your septic system will become backed up and may completely shut down.

3. Cotton Products

Cotton balls, ear-cleaning tips, and gauze not only don’t degrade but also absorb water, so they’re especially likely to cause clogs. The same can be said of feminine products like sanitary pads, tampons, and panty liners. If they reach the septic system, you may require a professional pumping service to dislodge them.

4. Cigarettes

It may seem convenient to extinguish a cigarette in toilet water. However, the butts contain fibers and other materials that aren’t flushable. Besides leading to a clogged toilet, the tobacco residue can cause sludge to build in the septic tank and contaminate nearby groundwater. Extinguish cigarette butts in a cup of water and put them in the regular trash.

If you run into septic or toilet problems, rely on Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing. For more than 35 years, they’ve provided North Pole, AK, with routine and emergency septic system services. Call the family-owned business at (907) 488-9855 to make an appointment, or visit the website for more information on their capabilities.