Don'tcha Put it Down the Drain!

Septic systems are not garbage cans! They are designed to treat household wastewater, and can only “digest” certain things. What you flush down the drain has a major impact on how well your septic system works. Many common household products and chemicals can harm or clog your septic system if flushed down the drain.

Septic systems rely on naturally occurring bacteria to break down organic materials within the septic tank. Even small amounts of household products can kill the good, helpful bacteria in your tank leaving nothing to break down the solid waste. Be sure to limit the use of anti-bacterial soaps and detergents in your household as these products are designed to kill or inhibit bacterial action. 

To keep the essential bacteria alive and digesting do not put the following products down the drain:

• Anti-freeze
• Anti-bacterial soap
• Bleach-based cleaning products
• Drain cleaner
• Gasoline
• Paints
• Paint Thinners
• Nail Polish Remover
• Pesticides
• Pharmaceuticals
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Varnish

Also, products that do not break down naturally or anything that takes a long time to break down should not be flushed down the drain. These products can clog pipes, fill the septic tank up more quickly, and decrease the overall effectiveness of the system. Soap and detergent scum can also plug the soil pores which could cause the system to fail.

For a clog-free septic system, never flush the following products down the drain:

•  Baby Wipes
• Cat Box Litter
• Cigarette Butts
• Coffee Grinds
• Condoms
• Dental Floss
• Diapers
• Egg Shells
• Fat, Oil and Grease
• Kitchen Scraps
• Paper Towels
• Tampons and Applicators