Don’t wash money down the drain or flush it down the toilet. Numerous things that people dispose of every day via their plumbing are harmful to septic systems. The septic system is a complex array of parts designed to treat and safely dispose of human waste. If you flush the following down the drains and/or toilets, you may be calling Express Septic Services for service or replacement sooner than you’d like.
Food
Even if you have a garbage disposal, food should not be washed down the drain. You may have noticed a restaurant dishwasher scraping leftover food into the trash before washing dishes. The reason why is foodstuffs can clog drains quickly, especially oil and starchy foods. Again, even though you have a garbage disposal, do not wash the following down the kitchen sink’s drain:
- Bones
- Celery
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Grease
- Oil
- Pasta
- Pits
- Vegetable peels
The above can clog your drain and septic system quickly but honestly? You’re better to avoid washing any food down the drain. Purchase a drain screen for your kitchen sink and scrape the food leftover on each dish into the trash before you wash it or place it in the dishwasher. Once you’re done washing the dishes, empty the sediment caught by the drain screen into the trash, as well.
Other Septic System Don’ts
It’s wise to use drain screens in your tubs and showers, too. These screens will catch hair, skin oil and cells, and soap residue before they wash down the drain. Think clean for your plumbing. The only thing that should go down the drains is water. Anything you can do to avoid anything else from washing down the drain extends the life of your septic system and how often you must have it pumped.
You should also be careful about what you flush down the toilet. Only use toilet paper that is septic-safe. Any other toilet paper will clog your system. Don’t flush feminine products, facial tissue, paper towels or anything else other than septic-safe toilet paper down your toilet. Don’t use harsh cleaning chemicals or detergents, either. Bleach and other harsh chemicals will kill the good bacteria in your septic tank.
The bottom line is this: If you take care of your septic system it will take care of you. For septic service and repair, call Express Septic Services today. We help customers throughout the Greenville, Anderson and Spartanburg, SC, areas.
