A septic tank is an alternative to the city sewage system, and many homes have septic tanks because they aren't connected to the city’s sewer system.

If you own a septic tank, you'll need to maintain it to ensure it remains in working condition. One way to maintain the system is by monitoring what you and your family flush down the drain. Read this blog to learn about what you should not flush down the drain.

Chemicals

Your septic tank works due to natural bacteria. Bacteria feed on the waste in the tank, breaking much of it down into liquid or effluent. This effluent travels through the drain field and is released into the soil. Gravity pushes the water through the soil, which filters the effluent, removing bacteria, viruses, and more.

Without bacteria, the solid waste builds fast, so the tank may overflow, creating a smelly, expensive mess as sewage leaks into your yard. In some cases, you may notice green grass above the tank, but in severe cases, the leak can create a cesspool on your lawn.

For this reason, avoid flushing or pouring chemicals down the drain, including gasoline, antifreeze, paint thinners, etc. You may also want to limit the amount of drain cleaner you use as it may be too toxic for bacteria. In addition, even using chemicals designed to "clean your tank" may kill the bacteria.

Grease, Oil, and Fats

Grease, oil, and fats can wreak havoc on a plumbing system in many ways. First, the grease can harden and stick to the side of the drainpipes and clog them. At first, this may just slow the speed at which the drain empties. But if the pipe gets fully plugged up, it may not drain at all.

Similarly, the grease is sticky, so it can easily ensnare other debris, especially debris like hair, dental floss, etc. Since these materials don't degrade fast, they help add to the clog and further trap more debris.

Even if the grease doesn't cause problems with the pipes, it may add more solid waste to the septic tank, causing it to fill up faster than expected. Besides cooking grease and oil, you should avoid flushing and pouring the following items down the drain:

• Salad dressing
• Peanut butter
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Petroleum jelly

Kitty Litter and Coffee Grounds

You should not flush kitty litter, even a small amount, down the toilet. Similarly, don't put coffee grounds in the toilet, disposal, or down the drain. Like grease, these materials can easily create clogs and trap other debris.

Even if it makes it to the septic tank, the kitty litter may not break down, or it may take a lot of time to break down, impacting how quickly your tank fills. Avoid flushing any grainy or gritty material, especially those that get sticky or hardened, such as oatmeal.

In addition, avoid flushing materials that may swell when wet, such as pasta or rice. Since they expand, they can easily clog the pipes. Like kitty litter, they get sticky too, so they can easily trap other debris, adding to the clog.

Wipes and Paper Towels

Ideally, you should only flush toilet paper. Paper towels are too thick and can create a clog or add solid mass to the septic tank. Wipes, including "flushable" wipes, are also problematic because they don't degrade fast enough. As a result, it makes it harder for you to estimate when your tank is full. Avoid flushing any feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes, etc.

If you don't maintain your septic system, it can lead to major problems. By monitoring what you flush, you can reduce the risk of overflows or killing the bacteria. If you would like to know more, contact us at Upstate Septic today.