What Never To Rinse Down Drain With Septic Tank? (Solution)

Do not put cigarette butts, paper towels, sanitary tampons, condoms, disposable diapers, anything plastic or similar non-biodegradables into a septic tank system. Avoid washing food scraps, coffee grinds, and other food items down the drain.

What should you never put down a sink drain when septic?

  • Here are a few of the things you should never put down a sink drain when you have a septic system. Antibacterial hand soap and gels are popular. However, if you have a septic system, you should never wash your hands with these products. The soap and gels contain enzymes that kill bacteria.

What not to flush if you have a septic tank?

Never flush coffee grounds down your toilet if you have a septic tank. As a blanket guideline, avoid placing items into the system that don’t quickly decompose. You should not put these items into your commode:

  • Cat litter.
  • Coffee grounds.
  • Cigarette butts.
  • Dental floss.
  • Disposable diapers.
  • Earplugs.
  • Sanitary napkins or tampons.

What will ruin a septic system?

Any paper products like tissues, paper towels, tampons, or sanitary products, even some heavier toilet paper, will clog your system if you flush enough of it. Wet wipes are another product that you should never flush into a septic system.

What cleaning products can I use with a septic tank?

Vinegar (white vinegar and apple cider vinegar), Borax, OxiClean, and baking soda are some products that can be used to clean very well and be septic-system safe. Oxidized bleaches are also a less hazardous alternative to chlorine bleach.

Can you put bleach down the drain with a septic tank?

Chlorine bleach in moderate amounts isn ‘t as bad for a septic system as you may have heard. But even a little drain cleaner may be terrible. One study found that it took nearly two gallons of liquid bleach but only about a teaspoon of chemical drain cleaner to kill the beneficial bacteria in a septic tank.

Can you flush food down the toilet if you have a septic system?

Food scraps will clog your septic system. It doesn’t matter whether you’re putting vegan sausage and kale or leftover bacon grease and Funyuns down your garbage disposal. “Putting any kind of food into a septic tank can lead to buildup in your pipes,” Monell says.

Does hair dissolve in a septic tank?

Why Hair is a Such a Problem It’s composed of tough strands of proteins similar to those in your fingernails, and it’s not easily broken down by bacteria. Even if it doesn’t for years in your septic tank, it’ll almost certainly last for longer than the 24-48 hours that it sits in your septic tank.

How do you know if your septic is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

  1. Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
  2. Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
  3. Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
  4. You Hear Gurgling Water.
  5. You Have A Sewage Backup.
  6. How often should you empty your septic tank?

Is Dawn dish soap safe for septic systems?

One of the best know is commercials for Dawn dish soap. The ability for the cleaner to disperse oil and grease is better for cleaning, as it helps to break it up. The reason these are bad for septic systems is because if you use too much they can leach out into the environment without being properly treated.

What is the most common cause of septic system failure?

Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.

Is Zoflora safe for septic tanks?

Undiluted Zoflora can be poured down ceramic and metal sinks, drains and toilets to kill bacteria and viruses, whilst also eliminating odours. Is Zoflora suitable to use if you have a septic tank? Yes.

Can you use Lysol toilet bowl cleaner with a septic tank?

It’s safe for plumbing and septic tanks, and cleans and disinfects both above and below the water line. Angled Spout for Hard-to-Reach Areas – This bottle is easy to use in urinals and toilets of all sizes. Allow cleaner to sit for at least 10 minutes then brush the entire bowl or urinal and flush.

Is Tide laundry detergent safe for septic systems?

Is Tide Laundry Detergent safe for my septic tank? Using normal, recommended amounts of these products will not disturb the septic system (including aerated systems) or damage plumbing systems with a properly functioning septic tank. All of our cleaning products are safe for use in a properly functioning septic system.

Is vinegar safe for septic tanks?

Will baking soda hurt a septic system? Baking soda and other common household solutions such as vinegar are not harmful to your septic system. Harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can disrupt the good bacteria in your septic tank and should not be used as part of a septic treatment.

How many loads of laundry a day are safe to do with a septic tank?

Spread Out Laundry Loads These use less water which puts less stress on your septic system. Regardless of the type of appliance you have, you should still spread out your loads. Instead of doing several loads in one day, consider doing 1 load per day or space out 2 loads if you must do more in a single day.

Is Gain detergent safe for septic systems?

Is Gain Laundry Detergent Safe for Septic Systems? What Laundry Detergent Is Safe for Septic Systems? Is ALL Laundry Detergent Safe for Septic Systems? Yes, ALL laundry detergent is safe for septic systems.

things that can should not be poured down drains into septic tanks

  • POSTING a QUESTION or COMMENT about how to avoid clogged drains and wrecked septic systems is encouraged.

InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. This page includes a list of items that should not be flushed down toilets or down other drains that is easy to print. Please keep the following chemicals and substances out of your sewage lines, toilets, and other fixture drains in order to avoid costly sewer piping backups as well as the damage to your septic tank and absorption fields.

Print this Don’t Flush List

To print directly from a downloadable PDF format seeSAVE THE SEPTIC SYSETEM

WHEN?

Cat Litter, Kitty Litter Never
Chemicals – Ammonia, Bleach, Detergents (excess), Drain Cleaners (excess), Epsom Salts Never
Cigarettes, cigarette butts, cigarette filters Better Not
Clothes dryer sheets Never
Coffee grounds Never
Cooking Oil Better Not
Cotton Swabs, Dental Floss Better Not
Diapers, baby-wipes Never
Disposable wipes, wet wipes, baby wipes(it appears that only a very small percent of these products break down as needed to avoid damage) Never
Dirt Never
Drugs, Antibiotics, Prescription Medicines Never
Fats, Oil, Grease Better Not
Food Scraps, Ground Food Better Not
Hair Better Not
Latex: condoms, gloves, similar products Better Not
Laundry Detergent – excessive Better Not
Liquor, Whiskey Better Not
Motor oil Never
Panty Liners Never
Paper Towels Never
Pesticides Never
Photo Chemicals Better Not
Plastic bags Never
Sanitary napkins Never
Swimming pool chemicals Never
Tampons Better Not
Toilet seat covers Never
Trash, ToysScrap Never
Washing Machine Lint Better Not
Water in large quantities Never

. Continue reading at theTOILETS, DON’T FLUSH LIST-home page, or choose a topic from the closely-related articles listed below, or visit the completeARTICLE INDEX for a comprehensive overview. Alternatively, view the FAQs on the NO FLUSH SUMMARY LIST – questions and answers concerning the no-flush list, which were originally placed on this page. Alternatively, visit NEVER FLUSH INTO SEPTICS- a comprehensive list of toilet-flush no-nos.

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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Technical ReviewersReferences

Citations can be shown or hidden by selecting Show or Hide Citations. InspectApedia.com is a publisher that provides references. Daniel Friedman is an American journalist and author.

7 Things You Should Never Flush If You Have a Septic System

Because something fits down your drain, is cut up by your trash disposal, or vanishes down your toilet when you flush it does not always imply that it belongs there. A septic system is extremely important to consider in this situation. If you are careless with the information you put through to your tank, it might come back to bother you later on. In the Phoenix area, Audrey Monell, president of Forrest Anderson Plumbing and Air Conditioning, says, “One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is putting things into their septic system that can cause clogs, damage pipes, and change the balance of the good bacteria that is needed to keep the system running smoothly.” She also happens to be the owner of a septic tank.

Find out what should never be dumped or unintentionally flushed into your septic system, and what you should do if it has already happened.

1. Nonbiodegradable items

One of the most crucial things to avoid putting into a septic system is the use of household chemicals. Anything that is not biodegradable should be avoided. Among the items included are anything from cigarette butts to feminine hygiene products and disposable diapers, according to Monell. According to the experts, just because something may be flushed down the toilet does not imply it should. There is no easy way to divide down these items. For example, throwaway diapers alone take hundreds of years to decompose.

Replace your current items with biodegradable alternatives, or dump what you already have in the garbage.

2. Food

Food waste will block your septic system and cause it to malfunction. (PhotographyFirm/iStock) There’s no difference between pouring vegan sausage and greens down your garbage disposal and throwing bacon grease and Funyuns down your garbage disposal. When you put any type of food into a septic tank, it might lead to a buildup in your pipes, according to Monell. (This is similar to how cholesterol accumulates in your arteries.) Even the smallest amount of coffee grinds might cause issues. Once these objects begin to degrade, they combine to produce a viscous substance known as sludge, which causes backups, according to Monell.

3. Drain cleaner

In addition to removing sticky hair and other unidentified junk that has clogged your shower or sink drain, the strong chemicals in drain cleaners can cause damage to your septic system in numerous ways, including causing it to fail. In the first place, they can create corrosion in your pipes and tank, according to Monell. They’ll also eliminate the “good” bacteria that’s necessary for decomposition of the waste that’s in your tank. It’s best to use natural products to clear up your drains, but be sure they are septic-safe before you start cleaning.

4. Too much water

As Monell argues, you may believe that a large amount of water would help to keep things flowing through your system, but in reality, you run the danger of your tank filling up too rapidly. As a result, your system will be unable to operate correctly. Wastewater that is drained from the tank and onto the drain field and surrounding land too rapidly may include far more sludge (read: human waste) and scum than it should. You’re probably already familiar with the standard water-saving recommendations, but we’ll go over them again: Preferably, shorten your showers, and avoid running your washer and dishwasher until they’re completely filled.

5. Toys

It is recommended that you get a toilet lock for your kid. (SusanneB/iStock) Almost any parent of a toddler is familiar with the phenomenon of toddlers becoming preoccupied with flushing stuff down the toilet—in this case, toys—as John Parry, owner of South Fork Septic in Southampton, New York, explains.

As Parry explains, “this may be quite dangerous to your septic system since toys can become lodged in a pipe and obstruct the waste flow, causing everything to back up.” If you want to be extra cautious, a toilet seat lock can be a good idea.

6. Paper towels

According to Parry, “even though these objects appear to be flushable, they do not decompose in the septic system.” Upon entering your tank, they attach to the concrete and make it extremely difficult for the system to function correctly. Furthermore, if a problem is discovered, it is difficult for the septic business to pump out the system. According to Parry, soggy residues of paper towels might cause the pump to clog, resulting in expensive repairs.

7. Paint or paint thinner

“These materials may appear to be safe since they are liquid, but they do not properly decompose in a septic system,” Parry explains. And, as with drain cleaning, “they’ll destroy any beneficial bacteria in the system, let alone have the potential to seep into water bodies.” Over half of the population of the United States relies on groundwater for drinking water, yet it is readily contaminated by things like a few additional cans of paint or paint thinner or even a few drops of paint thinner.

Alternatively, locate a hazardous waste disposal facility in your area.

If it’s too late

After all, no one is flawless. If you’ve already mistakenly flushed one of the items listed above, don’t be too concerned as long as it was a one-time occurrence. One errant paper towel or Hatchimals toy is unlikely to cause a complete breakdown of your septic system. However, if you have a history of dumping prohibited substances into your system, Parry recommends having it repaired in order to avoid a backup or overflow situation. “If these materials are allowed to remain in the tank for an extended period of time, they harden and become impossible to pump out.”

Top 10 Items To Avoid Putting In Your Septic System

Submitted byRobert Robillard on Home Repairs, Plumbing, and Electrical

Caring for Your Septic System

If you have a septic system in your home, you must exercise extreme caution when it comes to the household goods that you use. Septic systems rely on bacteria to break down wastes and sediments, but in order for these bacteria to live, they must be in a certain environment. If you use the incorrect type of detergent in your washing machine or the incorrect drain cleaner, you may wind up destroying the microorganisms in your septic system, leaving it inoperable. Overflows, obstructions, flooded drain fields, and even groundwater pollution can result as a result of this.

Medicines

When you have unused prescriptions on hand, it might be tempting to flush them down the toilet to eliminate them. DON’T. Pharmaceuticals have the potential to disrupt the bacterial equilibrium in your septic system, resulting in septic system failure. They also contribute to the spread of “superbugs,” germs that are resistant to antibiotics and represent a threat to the health of the entire population. Improperly disposed of drugs damage groundwater, putting the environment and, more importantly, your own drinking water at risk of contamination.

In a countrywide survey conducted in 2000, pharmaceuticals were discovered in 80 percent of the rivers and streams examined.

To safely dispose of medications

Find out if there is a medication disposal program near you. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) organizes National Prescription Drug Take-Back activities, which involve setting up collecting locations in towns around the country to ensure that prescription medicines are properly disposed of. A pharmaceutical take-back program sponsored by your local police department may also be available. If you are unable to locate a pharmaceutical take-back program in your area, you should contact your local waste management authority to learn about drug disposal choices and requirements in your region.

After removing pills out of their original containers and combining them with a “undesirable item” (such as cat litter or old coffee grounds), the FDA suggests placing the combination in a Ziploc bag or a container with a lid and tossing the entire package in the trash.

Non-Septic Safe Toilet Paper

The only item that should be flushed into your septic tank is human waste, and that should be done using a septic safe toilet paper. A toilet paper that is biodegradable and dissolves fast is essential. On the packaging, look for the words “Septic Safe.” After evaluating 21 brands for softness, strength, and ripping ease in March of 2014, two brands stood out: White Cloud 3 Ply Ultra and Charmin Ultra Strong, however the Charmin did not disintegrate as rapidly as the White Cloud.

“Flush-able Wipes” and other Clogging Hazards

Flushable wipes, despite the fact that they are advertised as such, are anything but; they can take up to 10 minutes to break up and provide a significant clog danger.

Laundry Detergents

It is possible that your laundry contributes a significant portion of the volume in your septic system. It is likely that the majority of the laundry detergents available at your local grocery shop include some form of environmental contamination. Look for the following:

Low Suds or Biodegradable:

Surfactants, which are foaming agents, are found in all soaps and detergents, and they are used to create foam. They work by lowering the surface tension of fluids, letting them to flow more freely between solids and so remove dirt from the surface of objects. Unfortunately, they have a negative impact on cell membranes and microorganisms, and they will harm the bacteria colony in your septic system. Fortunately, they decay rapidly and do not constitute a significant hazard to groundwater.

Low or no phosphorous and nitrogen:

We are fortunate in that nutrient pollutants such as phosphates and nitrates are now being phased out of the detergents we use since they encourage the growth of algae and weeds that choke out fish and wildlife in our ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers.

Chlorine free:

Chlorine bleach is extremely hazardous and should be avoided if possible, or used in small amounts when necessary.

Unfortunately, chlorine bleach is included in a variety of cleaning and disinfecting products. Alternatives that are more effective include oxygen-based bleaches for laundry and white vinegar for disinfection.

Antibacterial Soaps

Avoid using antibacterial hand soaps and any product that claims to be antibacterial. This is not only due to the obvious harm they could do to your bacterial colony, which is required for your septic system to function, but it is also due to the fact that they are now being linked to the development of antibiotic resistant “superbugs.” The good old-fashioned soap and water will suffice.

Automatic Toilet Cleaners

In addition to killing the germs in your toilet, the antibacterial compounds in automated toilet cleaners destroy the microorganisms in your septic tank as well. These toilet cleansers have the potential to result in a septic tank that is overflowing with blue water and a large amount of dead bacteria. A mixture of baking soda and white vinegar, used to clean the toilet, will provide similarly effective foamy results that are completely safe.

Dishwasher Detergents

Dishwasher detergent is more likely than laundry detergent to include phosphates and surfactants, both of which are toxic to the microorganisms in your septic tank and should be avoided. They can also move through your septic tank to the drain field, where they can eventually seep into the soil and leak into ground water, putting your family at danger of drinking polluted water. Look for and use detergent that is free of phosphates.

Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaners should not be used by any homeowner, including those who do not have septic systems in their homes. Chemical drain cleaners not only have the potential to harm beneficial bacteria in your septic tank, but they may also eat away at your pipes! The caustic soda or lye employed in them is a potent oxidant and can result in serious burns if ingested or handled improperly. If your drains are blocked, it is far preferable to spend a little extra money to call a plumber to unclog them rather than using a chemical drain cleaner to clear them.

DIY Drain Cleaner:

  1. Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the drain and let it sit for a few minutes before adding 1/2 cup white vinegar mixed with extremely hot water to the drain. Allow for a few minutes of resting. This will trigger a chemical reaction, resulting in a lot of foaming, therefore stop the drain or cover it with a towel. The combination will begin to operate immediately, breaking down any lipids into salt and inert gas. Boiling water should be used to flush

Bath Oils

Bathing with some baby oil may provide you with silky-soft skin when you get out, but it’s not a good idea for your septic tank’s performance. Once the oil has been washed into your septic tank, it produces a layer of scum on top of the floating waste, preventing it from settling. As a result, the bacteria are unable to penetrate the oil, preventing them from decomposing the waste. Additionally, the oil might obstruct your drain field.

Solvents

Don’t flush anything inorganic down the toilet such as paints, solvents, insecticides, oils, or anything else that might kill the bacteria.

Other UnsafeSeptic Items – Things not to flush include

  • Disposable diapers
  • Sanitary napkins or tampons
  • Paper towels or bandages
  • Dental floss
  • Condoms
  • Hair
  • Cigarette butts
  • Disposable diapers
  • Disposable diapers Coffee grinds
  • Kitty litter
  • And so on.

Author’s Bio:Steve McGonagle, proprietor of Septic Genie, assists homeowners in diagnosing and resolving their septic system problems. The Septic Genie method, which was first patented in 1995, has assisted hundreds of households in restoring their damaged septic systems while avoiding the expensive cost of “dig and replace.” is a website dedicated to providing trouble-free septic systems for life. ​

What NOT to Put in Your Septic Tank

When septic systems are operated in the manner intended, they perform optimally. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that everything you flush down the toilet or wash down the drain will just disappear.

When your home is connected to a sewage system, you may be pretty certain that your water waste is at the very least transported away from your home. The contents of your toilet bowl either remain on your property or in your septic tank until you have it removed from the system.

Being kind to your septic tank pays dividends

Your septic tank is a biological system that decomposes organic waste, primarily human waste, in a controlled environment. The use of this method for disposing of other organic (and inorganic) waste products is not recommended. There are a few items that you should never put into your septic tank in order to avoid this situation. Food. Food should not be flushed down the toilet, and if at all possible, avoid using a garbage disposal. Grease and oil contribute to the formation of the scum layer on the surface of the tank, but they have no effect on the biological activity occurring there.

  1. Consider starting a compost pile for food waste that is derived from plants.
  2. Facial tissues, sanitary napkins and tampons, disposable diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, cigarette butts, kitty litter and other waste from the toilet should be disposed of in the garbage.
  3. If you didn’t create it and it isn’t toilet paper, you should avoid flushing it altogether.
  4. Drain cleaners are quite damaging to your plumbing system, as well as to your septic system as well.
  5. Drain cleansers should not be used!
  6. Cleaners for the home.
  7. Bacteria-killing products such as bleach, toilet bowl cleansers, and home cleaners are also available.
  8. The use of household cleansers, which do not discriminate between harmful and healthy bacteria, should be minimized to the greatest extent feasible.
  9. Paint, varnish, paint thinner, antifreeze, expired prescription prescriptions, antibacterial soap, pesticides, gasoline, kerosene, oil, or anything else of a similar kind should not be flushed down the bathroom sink.
  10. These chemicals will kill the microorganisms in your septic tank, and worse than that, they will damage the groundwater in the surrounding area, which includes your well.
  11. In order to arrange service or drain cleaning, please call Clear Drain Cleaning at (330) 343-7146 for any and all of your drainage and drain maintenance requirements.

Home Repairs and Your Septic System: What Not to Flush Down the Drain

Spring is usually a popular period for homeowners to complete home renovation work. This year, with so much free time on our hands and nothing else to do, many homeowners are getting a head start on tasks around the house by starting them early. No matter how much fun a home renovation project may be, it generates a large quantity of “liquid waste,” which includes anything from dirt and grime to paint and joint compound. While some of these projects may be properly cleaned up and flushed down the drain into public sewage treatment facilities, the vast majority of them should never be put into your septic system for any reason whatsoever.

  • Latex and oil-based paints are both available.
  • Oil-based paint, which is frequently used to seal in water stains and smells, necessitates the use of solvents to clean up after it has been applied.
  • Latex paint has long been recognized as the environmentally friendly, water-based option that is not only healthier for the environment, but also easier to clean up after application.
  • As soon as latex paint has dried, it may be easily peeled away from most surfaces.
  • Latex paint, which is mostly composed of synthetic polymers and resins, does not decompose in your septic tank and must be removed.
  • Aside from that, the chemicals included in latex paint, which include ethylene glycol, may be lethal to the microorganisms in your septic tank, which are responsible for breaking down the particles in your tank.
  • Paint cleanup should be done outside, away from your septic system, according to our recommendations.

Cleanup of latex paint brushes, rollers, and trays is simple, and the quantities of water required to clean up latex paint will give sufficient dilution to make it safe to do so outside, away from your septic tank or drain field, if necessary.

Fill a container with paint thinner large enough to accommodate the swishing that occurs during brush washing.

Once the thinner has been poured off into another container, you can dispose of the paint residue in your garbage or hazardous waste receptacle.

The Influence of Joint Compound on Your Septic System drywall cleanup offers numerous major risks to your septic system, including cleaning not just the tools caked with joint compound, but also the rags that hold dust from sanding the compound down, which can cause clogging of the system.

However, even though joint compound appears to disintegrate and wash away, once it enters your septic tank, it causes a number of problems that must be addressed.

Joint compound, also known as the mud that covers the tape between drywall panels, is mostly made of pulverized limestone and talcum powder, both of which are strongly alkaline in nature.

The pH of a healthy, fully operating septic tank ranges between 6.5 and 7.5 degrees.

Flushing joint compound down the drain may result in a chemical imbalance that causes the microorganisms in your septic system to die.

When joint compound is flushed down the toilet, it dilutes but does not break down since the particles remain intact in the septic tank.

It will be much more difficult for talcum powder to settle, and it will instead get suspended in the greywater that will finally make its way out into the drainage system.

Using rags, shake as much dust as possible from your drywall job into the rubbish can to ensure a safe cleaning process.

Disinfectants for Use in the Home Bacterium found in your septic system As soon as the weather warms up enough to allow us to open our windows, we all seem to bring out our bottles of Lysol and bleach and start to work sanitizing every square inch of our homes and offices.

However, it is crucial to note that any product that claims to kill germs in our houses will also kill the microorganisms in our septic tanks, so be cautious when using such products.

Those cleansers that are branded as biodegradable, phosphate-free, and ecologically friendly will fall into this category.

If you must use bleach, we recommend that you dilute it to a moderate concentration.

Have you ever flushed liquid waste from your home improvement projects down the toilet or down the sink?

We can help! Schedule your maintenance visit today! Related Articles The Care and Feeding of Your Septic System Household Cleaners and Your Septic System Unclogging the Truth about Drano and Your Septic System Septic-Safe Methods for Unclogging a Drain

Household Products That Will Ruin Your Septic Tank!

Many people who have septic tanks are unaware of what they may and cannot flush down their toilets or down their sinks. It may come as a surprise to find just how delicate septic tanks are, and how many common household goods can cause harm to and/or block your septic tank if you don’t know what you’re doing. By keeping these things out from your drains, you can maintain your septic tank in good shape and avoid costly septic repairs down the road. Chemical Cleaners are a type of cleaning agent that uses chemicals to remove dirt and grime.

  1. You may disturb the bacteria cycle in your septic tank by pouring anti-bacterial cleansers like bleach down your drains and down your toilets.
  2. Additives Several septic tank additives make the promise that they will enhance the amount of bacteria in your septic system.
  3. The Environmental Protection Agency and the American Ground Water Trust, on the other hand, warn that chemical additions may cause more harm than good to your tank.
  4. Using Bath Oils Oil floats to the top of your septic tank, where it congeals and hardens to produce a layer of scum on the surface.
  5. It has the ability to withstand bacterial activity and embed in the solid waste layer.
  6. Grease from the kitchen Grease of any kind contributes to the buildup of scum in your septic tank.
  7. Unless otherwise instructed, you should avoid dumping oil down your sinks.

In addition, dryer papers might jam the entrance baffle.

Over time, the clay will clog your pipes and cause your septic tank to fail completely.

Products Made of Latex The majority of latex-based products are not biodegradable.

If the outlet tee is missing, the latex may clog the drain field on its way out of your septic tank, causing it to back up and choke the tank.

Paints and oils are two types of media.

In order to maintain your soil and groundwater free of diseases, you must have this bacterium on hand.

Prescription medications and chemotherapy medications Even after passing through a patient’s digestive system, powerful medications may still retain active ingredients that are harmful to them.

If possible, avoid allowing drug-contaminated faeces to enter your home’s septic tank.

Some prescription medications have the potential to be harmful to the environment.

Chemicals for Automatic Toilet Cleaning Systems Automatic toilet cleaners release an excessive amount of anti-bacterial chemicals into your septic tank, causing it to overflow.

Instead, choose toilet cleansers that are suitable for septic systems.

Even minute amounts of string, on the other hand, can clog and ruin pump impellers.

In a period of time, it will encircle a pump and cause harm to your septic tank’s mechanical components.

Your tank is only capable of holding a specific amount of domestic water; it cannot accommodate big volumes of water from a pool or roof drain.

Don’t use your sinks or toilets as garbage cans; this is against the law.

Put your trash in the garbage to prevent having to pay extra in pump-out fees.

Young children, on the other hand, may be unable to comprehend how toilets function.

Rather than degrading, the clothing are likely to block your septic tank.

Butts for Cigarettes Cigarette filters have the potential to choke the tank.

For a comprehensive list of potentially dangerous goods, consult your septic tank owner’s handbook or consult with a specialist.

If possible, avoid flushing non-biodegradable goods down the toilet or down the drain. You will save money on costly repairs and you will extend the life of your tank by taking these precautions.

Septic Tank Cleaning Fort Collins: Never Put These Items Down the Drain If You Have a Septic Tank

A septic tank is something that most people are familiar with, and they are generally aware that they should get it cleaned every three to five years at the absolute least. But did you know that even if you get your tank serviced on a regular basis, there are things you might be doing that could be causing significant damage to your system and shortening the life of your tank? At Lion Home Service, we understand a thing or two about septic systems, and we also understand that it is sometimes what you don’t flush down the drain that may help to extend the life of your system and prevent a potentially hazardous sewage backup in your home or business.

Follow the instructions below, and if you have any questions or need help, please contact Lion Home Service in Fort Collins.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

In your house, if you perform an action that requires the flushing of a toilet or the washing of the garage floor, the water that is generated must be disposed of in some manner. Depending on whether you have a septic system or not, the water will either travel into pipes that will transport it away from your house and over to a central water treatment facility, or it will go directly to your septic tank. This container retains your wastewater and allows any particles to sink to the bottom of the container.

Caring For Your Septic Tank

After all, everything you flush down the toilet goes into a holding tank that is ultimately emptied, so you might ask why it matters so much what you flush down the toilet. There are two important considerations to bear in mind. First and foremost, whatever you flush down the toilet must be biodegradable, which means it must easily decompose in your tank. Items such as flushable wipes, cotton swabs, and even paper towels can not entirely decompose in a septic system, which might result in a major backup.

For the second time, you should never flush or wash anything down the drain that might potentially harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic system or contaminate groundwater.

Also, keep in mind that once the wastewater in your septic tank reaches a particular level, it will begin to run into your drainage system. If your wastewater contains harmful chemicals, there is a strong possibility that it will leak into the groundwater and contaminate it.

List of Items To Never Put Down the Drain

With the two most essential kinds of goods that might affect your septic system now defined, let us offer two lists of common home products that should never be flushed down the toilet or down the sink. Read them carefully and then distribute them to the rest of your family so that everyone is aware of what is and is not acceptable to flush down the toilet.

Hazardous Materials

  • Paint, gasoline, motor oil, weedkiller, solvents such as paint thinner, bleach, insecticide, herbicide, drain cleaner, and medications (particularly antibiotics) are all prohibited.

Non-Biodegradable Items

  • Toilet paper
  • Disinfectant wipes, paper towels, tissues, dental floss, cigarettes butts, coffee grinds, cat litter, condoms, feminine hygiene items, cotton swabs, and so on.

Despite the fact that this is not an exhaustive list, it should provide you with a general notion of the kind of items you should avoid flushing down the toilet. Cleansing products and even toilet paper that has been classified as safe for septic systems should be substituted instead. However, while knowing how to correctly care for your septic system may appear to be a burden, it will save you and the environment from any pollution concerns, and it will no doubt keep your septic system functioning smoothly for many years to come.

Signs Your Septic Tank Is Full

In the event that it has been several years since you last had your septic tank cleaned, or if you aren’t sure whether or not it has ever been done, it is critical that you arrange an appointment as soon as possible. There are times when tanks will fill up; nevertheless, you’ll want to get it emptied out before it becomes an issue. But what if you already have a nagging feeling that something is wrong? The following are some clear symptoms that your septic tank may be overflowing with waste:

Pooling Water

In the event that you discover significant pools of water near your septic system’s drain field, it might be a sign that your tank is overflowing and that the wastewater isn’t being allowed to naturally evaporate.

Odors Coming From Drains

In the event that you notice an irritating odor every time you take a shower or turn on a faucet, it is possible that your tank is full and sewage is beginning to back up in the pipes, resulting in the odor being produced.

Slow Drains

If the water isn’t draining as rapidly as it used to, it might be an indication that your septic tank is overflowing and needs to be cleaned.

Sewage Backup

When a tank is completely filled, sewage will begin to overflow or back up into the pipes. If the situation is severe enough, sewage can even back up into your home’s drains, which is not only distasteful, but it also poses a substantial health danger to you and your family members.

Particularly Green Grass Around Your Drainfield

Sometimes you may detect pools of water around your drain field, but other times you may only notice that the grass around it is exceptionally lush and green. This is frequently another indication that your septic system is about to overflow.

Contact Lion Home Service For Septic Tank Cleaning

Do not allow your septic system to reach the point where it is overflowing with waste. Septic tank cleaning should be performed on a regular basis by Lion Home Service in Fort Collins. We are a family-owned and run business that serves the whole Northern Colorado region, including Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Windsor, and Fort Collins, among other cities. Call today to receive your no-obligation quote. We look forward to being of service to you!

3 Things You Should Keep Out of Your Septic Tank

While the primary means of eliminating wastewater from your house, do you ever stop to consider what else ends up in your septic tank as you go about your daily routine?

Learn about three items that should never be flushed down the toilet or rinsed down the drain, as well as how they might ruin your septic system in this article.

1. Excess Food Waste

How often do you find yourself with a small bit of leftover food on your plate after a meal? Despite the fact that it may appear to be simpler to just rinse food waste into your garbage disposal, the reality is that ground-up food may be quite difficult on your septic tank and drainfield. Floating tiny particles included in ground food can readily pass through the effluent layer of the tank and discharge into the drainfield, clogging the pores that aid in the filtering and filtration of the wastewater.

For those who choose not to use a disposal system, they may only need to pump once every three years at the most.

For example, starchy meals such as pasta have a high absorption rate of water, placing you at greater risk of developing problematic blockages.

As an alternative to scrubbing off your plate in the sink, scrape your plate into the wet garbage and then limit your use of the sink to rinsing reasons only.

2. Strong Cleaning Products

Although you may like having clean, fresh-smelling sinks, tubs, and showers, the chemicals you use to clean, deodorize, and declog your septic system can cause havoc on the delicate bacterial balance within your system’s septic tank and drain field. To effectively break down organic waste, your septic tank relies on helpful bacteria to complete the job. This allows fluids to flow through your system efficiently. Unfortunately, if you pour cleansers down your drains, such as bleach, anti-bacterial soaps, and even drain cleaning, you may find yourself with a system that doesn’t function as it should.

As a comparison, it would take two gallons of bleach to cause the same degree of eubacteria harm.

Cleaning your house should only be done using septic-safe cleaning solutions, and you should avoid using anti-bacterial laundry detergents.

If you have a clogged drain, instead of using a chemical drain cleaner, call a plumber to snake the line out for you.

3. Wet Wipes

There has been an increase in the use of wet wipes in restrooms across the United States, which has resulted in an increase in septic difficulties – especially because many varieties of wet wipes are not meant to break down in septic tanks. It has been claimed that cities around the country are incurring increased expenditures for cleaning wet wipes from major sewage lines, and that homeowners with septic tanks are running the danger of permanently ruining their septic systems. Instead of flushing used wipes down the toilet, if your family prefers to use wet wipes instead of toilet paper, instruct your children to place them in a nearby rubbish can rather than flushing them.

Contact Southern Sanitary Systems Inc.

Along with septic tank pumping and repairs, our technicians can assist with plumbing inspections and after-hours emergency assistance as well. Maintaining the health of your septic tank can help you maintain your house clean, fresh, and functional.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

  • Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
  • Conserve water
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

  • The size of the household
  • The total amount of wastewater produced
  • The amount of solids present in wastewater
  • The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

  • Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
  • Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system.

A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

  • Cooking grease or oil
  • Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
  • Photographic solutions
  • Feminine hygiene items Condoms
  • Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

  • If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
  • Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

  • The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

  • Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

Got a Septic System? Never Put These Items Down Your Sink Drain

If you have a septic system, you must be careful about the objects that you flush down the toilet or down the drain. The disposal of some objects might kill beneficial bacteria in your tank, cause blockages, or refuse to breakdown or degrade, leading your tank to fill with water and overflowing. Every one of these factors might result in you having to spend more money on tank maintenance and repair than you would otherwise. If, on the other hand, you have never lived in a property with a septic system before, you may be unsure of what you can and cannot put down your sink drain.

Soap with Antibacterial Properties Hand soaps and gels that are antibacterial are popular.

The soaps and gels include enzymes that destroy germs on contact with the skin.

The flushing of leftover food particles on plates or peels from fruits and vegetables down the kitchen sink is a relatively regular occurrence in most households.

Remove your dishes from the sink and scrape them over a rubbish can before washing them.

Many types of food particles are incapable of being broken down in your septic tank, while others are just somewhat effective.

Certain kinds of toothpaste, believe it or not, can really cause damage to your septic system when used improperly.

If this is not feasible, stay away from any pastes that include polyethylene as much as possible.

However, it is a form of plastic that does not degrade once it enters your system.

When you have a septic system, it is critical to be cautious about the objects that you put down any drain in your home, since they all go to the septic tank and should be avoided.

It is possible that placing goods down there that you shouldn’t be placing down there will wind up costing you money in the long run.

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