Proper septic tank maintenance is critical if you want to avoid hefty repair costs down the road. An essential part of your septic tank maintenance involves understanding what should and shouldn't be thrown down the drain. As a rule of thumb, only toilet paper, poo, and pee should be flushed down your toilet. While some items may seem safe to depose in your tank, they may end up causing huge problems down the road. Here are a few things you shouldn't be flushing down your drain.
Liquid Antibacterial Soaps and Drain Cleaners
When using the washing machine, it's advisable not to use anti-bacterial soaps. In addition, when there's a clog within your drain line, the last thing you should do is use chemical drain cleaners. You should know that the waste in your tank decomposes with the help of naturally occurring bacteria. These bacteria help break down the solid waste into liquid, eventually flowing to the leach field. Anti-bacterial soaps and chemical drain cleaners limit the activity of the bacteria. In so doing, your tank will fill up more quickly, meaning that you'll spend more on septic cleaning over time.
Your Cat's Litter
Many people assume it's okay to flush cat litter down the toilet since it already has poop. But, this is a mistake you should avoid. First, you should know that cat waste clumps onto the litter when it becomes wet. That's why removing cat waste is much easier without changing the litter. The litter's hardening property makes it not good for your tank. This is because as it hardens up, it can lead to the formation of clogs in your tank.
Food Waste
When cleaning your kitchen utensils, you should ensure that food particles don't flow down the drain. One way to prevent this is to place a drain strainer under the sink to trap the food you wash from the dish. Avoid washing fat or greasy plate and pots in your sink if possible. Once they flow down the drain, they'll solidify, causing your tank to clog. If you're using a garbage disposal, ensure it's safe for your septic tank. If this isn't the case, consider replacing it.
If you rely on a septic tank to treat the waste from your home, it's essential to know what should or shouldn't enter your tank. You'll avoid spending on costly repairs and maintenance when you change your flushing habits.
Reach out to a septic repair service for further assistance.
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