What Not to Flush If You Have a Septic System

An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, though. With proper use and care, you can stretch out maintenance appointment dates and even prevent unnecessary repairs. One of the most important things these homeowners can do is practice mindfulness when it comes to what goes down the drains.

In this brief article brought to you by Septic Blue of Orlando, we break down what should NOT go down the drains. If you’d rather consult a septic pro from a reputable septic company, then contact the local team at Septic Blue.

Non-Biodegradable Materials

Septic systems rely on helpful bacteria to break down organic waste. These microscopic organisms are great at processing human waste and toilet paper but cannot effectively handle synthetic materials – regardless of marketing claims suggesting otherwise.

Despite packaging claims, so-called “flushable wipes” represent one of the most damaging products homeowners regularly let into septic systems. These products don't disintegrate like toilet paper. Instead, they create dense mats that block outlet baffles and contribute to premature tank filling.

Baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, personal hygiene wipes, and makeup removal wipes all share this problematic characteristic.

Tampons, sanitary pads, applicators, and panty liners are also problematic. These products absorb water and expand to clog the conduits. Cotton swabs, dental floss, cigarette butts, and similar small items also contribute to blockages.

Finally, there are paper towels, facial tissues, and napkins. They seem similar to toilet paper but possess fundamentally different structural properties. They are designed to remain intact when wet, and that’s a problem for septic systems.

Chemical Hazards

The bacterial colonies living in septic tanks play a central role by breaking down organic matter. Introducing harsh chemicals disrupts these populations, so avoid:

• Household Cleaners and Disinfectants: Antibacterial soaps, bleach-based cleaners, and powerful disinfectants kill the beneficial bacteria necessary for proper septic function. Choose septic-safe cleaning products, instead.
• Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals: Medications flushed down toilets introduce compounds that bacterial populations cannot effectively process. Paint thinners, solvents, pesticides, and automotive fluids represent even more severe threats.

That helpful bacteria breaks down solid waste into space-saving sludge. Without them, your septic tank will fill faster and require more frequent septic pumping in Orlando.

Fats, Oils, and Grease: Fatberg Ingredients

Cooking oils, bacon grease, butter, and similar fats are even more insidious. They flow smoothly when hot but solidify as they cool. This creates a clog risk. If they make it inside septic tanks, fats and oils float to the top and resist breakdown by bacteria.

Property owners should never pour cooking grease down any drain. Instead, allow it to cool and solidify in disposable containers before throwing it in the trash. Wipe greasy cookware with paper towels before washing to minimize fat entering the plumbing system.

Coffee grounds, eggshells, and vegetable peels can also be a problem. Consider composting these instead, or throw them in the trash rather than overwhelming your septic tank.

Schedule Your Maintenance Today

Even with perfect usage habits, septic systems still require regular septic service. The most important of these are septic pumping and septic cleaning.

Pumping involves vacuuming out the majority of sludge, scum, and solid waste while septic cleaning is a more extensive job that includes cleaning the walls and baffles.

Don’t wait for the warning signs to turn into red flags and emergencies. Call or message Septic Blue to schedule your septic service today.