What Not to Flush: A Friendly Reminder from Your Local Septic Company

In this blog post, our professionals from Septic Blue will walk through the common items that can cause harm and how you can keep your septic system healthy with regular care.

Why Flushing the Wrong Items Is Dangerous

When non-biodegradable materials or harmful chemicals are flushed, they don’t break down in the septic tank like toilet paper and waste do. Instead, they accumulate, clog pipes, and disrupt the natural bacterial balance inside the tank. This not only leads to blockages but also puts additional strain on the system. Over time, you may find yourself needing emergency septic pumping or costly septic cleaning services to restore your system’s health. A little prevention goes a long way in avoiding these expensive headaches.

Wipes Are Not as “Flushable” as You Think

Despite their labeling, flushable wipes should never be flushed into a septic system. Unlike toilet paper, they don’t disintegrate quickly and can tangle together to form stubborn clogs. These wipes are one of the most common culprits of septic system backups. A professional septic company will tell you that wipes are better disposed of in the trash than risking a full septic service call.

Fats, Oils, and Grease Belong in the Trash

Pouring leftover cooking oil or grease into the toilet is a recipe for disaster. These substances may seem harmless in liquid form, but once they cool and solidify, they stick to the walls of your pipes and the interior of your septic tank. Over time, they build up, blocking water flow and creating a sludge layer that requires urgent septic pumping. Instead, collect grease in a container and throw it away with your regular garbage.