What Not to Flush: How to Keep Your Septic System Happy in Central PA

Small Flushing Mistakes, Big Septic Problems — Here's How to Avoid Them

Let’s talk about something nobody really wants to talk about… Your toilet. More specifically, what not to put down it — because when it comes to your septic system, flushing the wrong things can lead to big problems (and some really unpleasant backups).

At John Kline Septic Services, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses all over Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Harrisburg, and Central PA with septic issues caused by one simple thing: flushing what doesn’t belong. Let’s save your septic system — and your wallet — with a few simple tips.

💧 How Your Septic System Works (Quick Version)

Your septic system is like your own personal water treatment plant. When you flush or run water, everything flows into your septic tank, where solids settle to the bottom, lighter materials float to the top, and the liquid wastewater flows out into a drain field, where it gets filtered naturally into the soil.

It’s a system that works beautifully — as long as you’re not clogging it up with the wrong stuff.

🚫 What Not to Flush (Ever!)

If it’s not pee, poop, or toilet paper, it doesn’t belong in your septic system. Here's a list of common culprits we see causing trouble in homes and businesses around Central PA:

• “Flushable” wipes (spoiler alert: they’re not - watch here)
• Paper towels & tissues
• Feminine hygiene products
• Q-tips & cotton balls
• Diapers & baby wipes
• Dental floss
• Grease, fats, or oils (even from the kitchen sink)
• Harsh cleaning chemicals
• Paints & automotive fluids

These items don’t break down in your septic tank, and they can clog up your pipes, kill helpful bacteria, or cause your tank to fill up faster than it should — leading to backups, odors, or even expensive repairs.

✅ Keep It Flowing Smoothly

Want to keep your septic system running like a champ? Here’s what we recommend:

• Stick to septic-safe toilet paper
• Keep a small waste bin in the bathroom for “everything else”
• Schedule regular septic tank pumping (we can help with that!)
• Be mindful of what goes down the drain — especially in the kitchen

A few small changes can save you a lot of money and mess down the line.

Serving Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Harrisburg & All of Central PA

At John Kline Septic Services, we’ve been helping families and businesses take care of their septic systems for over 60 years. Whether it’s time for a routine septic pump-out, a real estate inspection, or an emergency repair, we’re here with fast, friendly service and honest pricing.

📞 Give us a call today — your septic system will thank you! 717-898-2333

LEARN MORE ABOUT...

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• Sewer Line Replacement and Repair
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• Video Pipe Inspection of Sewer Lines 
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• Lancaster PA Septic Inspections