Whether you flush ‘it’ down the toilet, grind ‘it’ in the garbage disposal, or pour ‘it’ down the sink… everything that goes down your drains ends up in your septic system.
A simple cause and effect system that has the unfortunate potential to leave you with a large repair bill and headache… what you put down your drain has a direct impact on the success and health of your septic system!
So, let’s get a little dirty and talk about your trash, especially your bathroom trash… some of it can go down your drains safely, and some of it will need to be part of your curb-side trash disposal service.
The most basic concept that any homeowner needs to understand is that toilets are not trash cans! Yes, they have roughly the same shape, and a similar large opening, but toilets are not even on the same family tree as the trash can! We urge you to take heed of the list below and make the effort to take the few extra steps to the trash can.
Do not flush anything that isn’t human waste and toilet paper. Doing so will injure your septic system and cause back-ups and blockages.
Flushing No-No’s
- Baby Wipes
- ‘Flushable’ Wipes (Don’t…. They are NOT flushable!)
- Tampons
- Feminine Pads and Liners
- Cotton Balls
- Q-Tips
- Condoms
- Dental floss
- Diapers
- Cat litter
- Paper towels
- Pharmaceuticals
While some of these above items are indeed unsightly and unhygienic if left in an open bathroom can for an extended period of time, flushing them down the toilet is certainly not the solution.
Try upgrading your trash can to a step-can with a firm lid that will both trap smells, bacteria, and keep Rover’s wandering nose out of your waste! Also, keep liners or plastic grocery bags within an arm’s reach of the trash can… when it is full, or has something that shouldn’t sit until garbage collection day (think dirty diaper….) having the liners and extra bags within reach is easy encouragement to quickly change the bag and be done!
Chances are if you live with others, especially children or teenagers, septic system no-no’s are likely to happen. Take the time to educate your family about what belongs in the porcelain throne, and what belongs in the trash can. Make the conversation proactively informative and educational and your youngsters are more likely to be receptive to the information. If you wait until there is a serious problem, like a blockage, and you are likely to experience your young children’s embarrassment or shame. Be proactive and talk to your children about proper waste disposal before it becomes a major melt-down issue.
Regardless of your family’s adherence to proper waste disposal, your septic tank will need to be pumped at least once every three years. Got-a-Go is Northern Kentucky’s septic pumping and service company. With the ability to be at almost any property within 24 hours of a service call, www.got-a-go.com is your solution to any septic system issues.