Septic Tips

Here are some things (not a complete list) that should not ever go into the septic tanks and leaching fields!

• Water from gutter or floor drains.
• Non-Biodegradable Products - chemicals and solids (tampons, cigarette butts, condoms, or other similar items, hair, bandages, rags, strings, coffee grounds or cereals).
• Paper towels and handy wipes; no matter what the box or manufacturer, etc. says!
• No anti-bacterial soaps - Biodegradable soaps only! Do not use what is called "biocompatible soaps".
• Heavy or long-term use of Mr. Bubbles, spray toilet cleaner or any other excessively strong cleaner.
• Water conditioning backwashes / discharge from water softener, & purifier, sanitizer or conditioners.
• Dehumidifiers and air conditioner discharges.
• Chlorine and chemicals in excess (1 part chlorine 5 parts of water is a good spray bacteria cleaner).
• Hot tubs and jacuzzi discharges.
• Water from excessive loads of laundry. Loads should be spaced out (one day of doing all laundry is a No No!).
• Water from leaking fixtures including sneaky leaky toilets. Remember to dye test the toilet often to check for leaks in septic system.
• Dirt and inert products (muddy clothes and vegetables should be dusted off before washing) this applies to common senses in maintaining all types of septic systems.
• Disposable baby wipes / diapers / hand and facial wipes - NO MATTER WHAT MANUFACTURER SAYS, DON’T PUT THEM IN; DISPOSE OF THEM IN A GARBAGE CAN!
• Hard toilet paper - use only soft toilet paper which will come closer to breaking down in your septic tanks than hard toilet paper.
• Dead fish or small animals - REMEMBER, it’s a septic tank, not a cemetery.
• Discharge from garbage disposals. If you must use a garbage disposal, limit use to tiny pieces of food. Regular use of a garbage disposal will increase need for pumping tanks by 20%.
• Bath products or hair conditioners with heavy oils.
• Latex, plastic or metallic objects - (If you haven’t, wouldn’t or couldn’t eat it - Don’t throw it in septic tank system!).