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You’d be surprised how the accumulation of the smallest items can have a major impact on the function of your septic tank and accelerate the need for septic maintenance. Household chemicals, paper products and other seemingly harmless materials can clog your septic tank filter or stress biological treatment taking place within your tank.
Paper products you should avoid flushing:
- Feminine hygiene products
- Dental floss
- Condoms
- Paper towels
- Diapers
Not only could these items clog your system, but some of them are typically not biodegradable – meaning they’re bad for the environment will eventually clog your tank. Even if an item says it is biodegradable, it may accumulate with other waste and back up your system long before it degrades, potentially resulting in costly repairs.
Household chemicals you shouldn’t flush:
- Fats, oil and grease
- Coffee grounds
- Solid food waste
- Bleach or other cleaning chemicals
Natural treatment that takes place within your septic system has a balanced biology which can be thrown off. Fats, oil and grease are the number one culprits for backups and when other chemicals are dumped down the drain, natural bacteria can be wiped out, interrupting the breakdown process and causing backups.
Down the drain septic treatments: Many continue to argue the need for down the drain septic treatments, which claim to assist in the breakdown of solid waste and keep your tank maintained between pump outs. However, 30 years in the septic and waste management industry have taught us that regular septic maintenance and septic pump outs are all that a septic system requires to continue functioning properly for years.
It is typically recommended that your septic system be pumped out every 2 to 5 years, depending on the size of your tank and number of individuals that live in your home. Knowing which items should mot be flushed down your toilet will ensure that you get the most from your system, avoid backups and save money in the long run.
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