How do you give your septic system lifespan an extension? You’re likely to have this question if you own a septic system. You might be wondering… “Can you flush that?”
This is a question homeowners often ask. Sometimes it is difficult to tell when something is safe to flush and when it is not. To make things worse, some products advertise as being flushable even though they aren’t! This article will help you to stop wondering if you’re doing the right thing. We’ll tell you which household items can be flushed and which should not.
These are the top five things you should not flush down your drains in order to prolong the life of your septic system.
#1: FOGS (Fats Oils and Grease)
There are no oils, fats, or greases that are safe for septic tanks, contrary to popular belief. This can cause significant clogs in your pipes and can also lead to a buildup in your system’s storage capacity.
As you can see, they can make it very difficult to drain your septic tank. Once oils and greases build up, you must scoop it out.
#2: Disposable Hygiene Products
It doesn’t matter if the product is labeled “flushable”. Except for toilet paper, you should not flush disposable hygiene products.
These products, unlike toilet paper, do not easily dissolve or fall apart when they are soaked in water. They often contain sticky plastics, which further complicates the problem.
You shouldn’t flush Hygiene Products into your septic tank.
- Pads
- Tampons
- Flushable wipes
- Disposable diapers
- Q-tips
- Cotton balls
#3: Paper Towels
It’s not difficult to understand why homeowners ask this question. They’re almost like toilet paper, right!
They aren’t, in fact.
Toilet paper is a special-formulated brand of toilet paper that will break down when it comes in contact with water. It will not come apart in your hands if you use it to clean up spillages.
Contrary to popular belief, paper towels are made to last and won’t break when you use them. Flushing them can cause serious backups in your pipes and can also clog your system.
#4: Pet Waste And Litter
You may have already guessed that litter should not be flushed, but did you realize that even pet waste can cause problems in your pipes?
It turns out that septic tanks are specially designed to break down human waste. Our pets have different diets from us. Their waste would likely break down differently to ours.
This can lead to blackwater backup, which can reduce the life expectancy of your septic system.
#5: Chemicals
It can be tempting to flush hazardous and chemical wastes, especially if there is no other way. This is a terrible idea. These dangerous substances can corrode pipes and cause gas buildup in your tank.
These chemicals should not be flushed down the toilet, even if your home is connected to a city’s sewage system. Many wastewater treatment plants don’t have the ability to remove hazardous chemicals, and these chemicals often end up in our drinking water.
You should not also try to dump them in storm drains. These things can cause extreme harm to the environment, and can also contribute to pollution issues such as smog or acid rain.
We recommend that you dispose of any hazardous chemicals at your local recycling facility. Many waste disposal/recycling facilities will offer the ability to dispose of unusual items such as solvents and auto fluid.
One Last Thing:
We get it. Mistakes happen. Don’t panic if you accidentally flush one of these items down the toilet and it’s causing problems for your septic system.
Greenbar Excavation sells and installs high-quality sewage systems. We also assist in maintaining those systems.
We recommend that you contact us immediately if your septic tank is malfunctioning, backed up, or damaged. This will allow us to investigate the problem and make recommendations for how we can give your septic system lifespan an extension.
Greenbar Excavation has been providing quality excavation services to central Oregon for over ten years. We understand the importance of knowing your project. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top Excavation companies in Central Oregon. Don’t look any further, go with the company with your best interest in mind! We offer a multitude of services which include:
- Septic pumping
- Drainage Services
- Landscape prep
- Site grading
- Foundation excavation
- Concrete/ prep finish
- Utility trenching
- Driveways
- Septic tank replacement
- Complete septic system replacement
Call us today with any questions on your septic system lifespan and check out our 5-star reviews!