More solids in wastewater will require more frequent septic tank pumping. In addition, your septic system is not able to effectively treat all materials.
Follow these tips:
- Your septic system is not a trash can! Don't put dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, or other similar items in the system.
- Do not overuse the garbage disposal. It adds considerably more solids to the system. Consider composting kitchen waste instead.
- Do not put grease or oils down the drain. This can increase the scum layer in the septic tank.
- Do not dump unwanted pesticides, fertilizers, or insecticides down the drain. Take them to a household hazardous waste collection center instead.
- Do not dump paints, thinners, solvents, or other materials down the drain. Take them to a household hazardous waste collection center instead.
- Do not dump or flush excess medications down the drain. Visit the Don't Flush Drugs website for helpful information, including locations of where to safely dispose of these items.
- A septic system can handle typical amounts of cleaners used for routine cleaning. Do not overuse cleaning products, and do not dump excess cleaning products down the drain.
- Do not use septic system starters, feeders or additives. These products are not necessary. No product will allow a homeowner to skip regular septic tank pumping. In addition, additives may actually cause more solids to flow into the drainfield - doing more harm than good! Save the money you would spend on these products and use it to have your tank pumped regularly.