Everyone knows that baby wipes are not supposed to be flushed, despite the labeling that says they are "flushable." However, there are many other common household products that are flushed every day, but they should be disposed of in other ways due to the damage they may cause. Though they might seem like they flush away easily, they do not disintegrate like toilet paper and eventually cause blockages!
As an experienced septic company, Greensboro Septic Pros have seen the results of improper flushing practices. In this article, we will list what should be flushed, what must be thrown away into the garbage, and how your plumbing and septic systems can benefit from it.
Paper Towels and Facial Tissues
Paper towels and paper face tissues can withstand moisture more than toilet paper. They do not break down quickly, but rather stay intact. When they are flushed, they may combine with other materials and form clogs in pipes. A good septic company will never tell you to flush any of these items, and will instead tell you to trash them.
Hygiene Products Never Belong in the Toilet
Cotton balls, cotton buds, sanitary pads, tampons, dental floss or disposable cleaning pads should never be flushed. These objects absorb water or remain intact for longer periods of time. They can get trapped in the plumbing and block normal flow.
And the first step in regular septic maintenance is that no unnecessary waste should get to the septic system at all. Understanding this can make a difference in the long term.
Kitchen Wastes brings Even More Problems than You Think
Cooking grease, oils, grounds of coffee, rice, pasta or food scraps are thrown into the toilet by many people, with the hope that they will wash away. Rather, these materials accumulate over time and form clogged deposits. As the grease becomes hard when it cools, coffee grounds and food particles form hard clumps.
As part of our regular routine inspections, Greensboro Septic Pros keeps reminding homeowners that the toilet is intended for use with toilet paper and human waste only, not household waste.
Never Flush Chemicals or Medicines
Old medicines, bleach, paint, pesticides, cleaning products or solvents can cause problems, and even result in clogged pipes. They can disrupt the natural balance inside your system and limit the helpful bacteria needed to break down waste.
Timely septic tank pumping will help to remove solids that have built up in the tank, but it will not solve the damage caused by harmful chemicals that have entered the tank. Here, it is always preferable to use safe disposal techniques.
Why Prevention is Always Easier
While professional septic cleaning services can clear up sludge and other build-ups in the system, the suitable way to protect the system is to prevent unnecessary materials from entering it.
However, if unusual smells, slow drains, or multiple backups start to occur, then be sure to get a septic cleaning done soon, so that a small problem can be avoided and the need for a major repair is avoided.
Keeping you in charge of your plumbing System is what we offer
To protect your plumbing, the first step is to understand that toilets are not trash bins. With proper flushing practices, a homeowner's systems will continue to be more reliable for many years to come.
At Greensboro Septic Pros, we’re here to help homeowners get trusted advice and reliable support to keep their septic systems running efficiently. For more information, please, contact us quickly.
