What Not to Flush or Pour Into Your Septic System
Your septic system is one of the most important parts of your home, quietly working beneath the surface to collect, treat, and dispose of wastewater. But while it’s designed to handle everyday use, it isn’t built to process everything that goes down your drains or toilets. What you flush or pour can make the difference between a healthy, long-lasting system and a costly repair bill.
At Bailey’s Septic, we’ve helped homeowners across Berks County keep their systems running properly for decades. Here’s a detailed look at what should never enter your septic tank and why being careful about what you flush is the easiest way to protect your investment.
Household Items You Should Never Flush
Many items that are labeled “flushable” are anything but. They may disappear down the toilet, but they don’t break down in your septic tank. Instead, they can clog pipes, block filters, and cause backups.
Avoid flushing:
Baby wipes and cleaning wipes: Even “flushable” wipes can take years to break down and often get tangled in pipes.
Paper towels and tissues: These products are designed to stay intact when wet, which makes them a clogging hazard.
Feminine hygiene products: Tampons, pads, and liners absorb water rather than breaking down, leading to blockages.
Cotton balls, dental floss, and Q-tips: These bind together and create dense clumps that are difficult to remove.
Condoms and diapers: Both are made from materials that can’t degrade in a septic system.
A good rule of thumb is this: if it wasn’t designed to break down like toilet paper, it doesn’t belong in the toilet.
Chemicals and Liquids to Keep Out of Drains
It’s not only solid waste that causes trouble. The liquids you pour down the sink or tub drain can seriously affect the bacteria inside your septic tank. Those bacteria are essential for breaking down waste, and when they’re harmed, your entire system suffers.
Never pour these down your drains:
Bleach and household cleaners: Harsh chemicals kill beneficial bacteria, slowing the treatment process inside your tank.
Paint, solvents, or thinners: These contain toxins that can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater.
Cooking oils and grease: When grease cools, it solidifies inside pipes and creates blockages. Instead, collect it in a sealed container and throw it away.
Medications and pharmaceuticals: Even small amounts can disrupt the natural balance inside your septic system and pollute nearby water sources.
Drain cleaners: These products can erode your plumbing and harm the internal components of your septic system.
When in doubt, stick with mild, biodegradable cleaners. They’re safer for your system and the environment.
Septic-Safe Habits That Protect Your System
Once you know what not to put into your septic system, it’s easy to make small changes that have a big impact. Here are a few healthy habits every homeowner should follow:
Use only septic-safe toilet paper. It dissolves quickly and helps prevent clogs.
Limit the use of garbage disposals, which can overload your tank with solids.
Spread out laundry loads throughout the week instead of running multiple back-to-back cycles.
Schedule septic pumping every two to three years to keep your tank performing at its best.
Fix leaky faucets or running toilets promptly to prevent excessive water from overwhelming the system.
By following these steps, you’ll reduce stress on your system and extend its lifespan.
Protecting Your Septic System with Bailey’s Septic
Your septic system is out of sight, but it should never be out of mind. Paying attention to what goes down your drains is the simplest way to keep it working properly. If you’ve noticed slow drains, unpleasant odors, or standing water near your drain field, it may be time for a professional inspection or pumping service.
Bailey’s Septic proudly serves homeowners throughout Berks County with dependable septic services. Contact us today to schedule service or to learn more about how to keep your system running clean and clear.
