What Not to Flush

We’ve been in the septic business for over 60 years and we’ve dealt with tons of backups – the most common thing we find when we’re looking for the cause of the clog or backup, is flushable wipes! Yes, “flushable” wipes. Don’t let the labels fool you… There is no such thing as a “flushable” wipe when you have a septic system.Unlike toilet paper that dissolves quickly as soon as it gets wet, baby wipes, cleaning wipes and makeup removing wipes are durable and can take years to break down and dissolve. Don’t believe us? Watch this video.

Crazy right? Well, wipes aren’t the only thing you need to watch out for. If you have a septic system it’s important to pay close attention to what you flush on a regular basis. Wipes, balls of hair and feminine products are obvious no-nos that can cause physical clogs and backups. Other items to avoid include chemicals, grease and cleaning products – products that aren’t the “obvious” ones.The reason for this is because your septic system is designed to break down solids and waste with naturally occurring bacteria. When you suddenly introduce harsh chemicals or grease to that environment, your septic tank’s pH can change dramatically, ruining the balance of “healthy” bacteria that keeps your tank working properly.If you’re not sure if a product or detergent is septic safe, simply check the label. Many toilet paper products have a “septic safe” label or icon. And at the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Septic backups are a huge mess to deal with and repairs can add up.If you have a septic system, here’s a cheat sheet for you!
NEVER flush or rinse the following items down the drain:

• Gasoline, oil or other petroleum products
  
• Cooking grease and oils
  
• Paint, paint thinner or solvents
  
• Antibacterial soaps (in large amounts)
• Products with high levels of phosphorous – often found in laundry detergents, cleaning supplies etc.
  
• Feminine products, makeup removing wipes or baby wipes