What NOT to Put Into Your Septic System

Every day we are asked by both residential and commercial customers, what additives we suggest for their septic systems. Our response is always “It is more about what NOT to put into your septic system.”

1. Toilet Paper:

Yes… you can still use toilet paper. Our recommendation is to stay away from brands such as Charmin, Cottonelle, and other thick roll brands. These toilet papers are soft and they feel nice but they do an excellent job of stopping up a septic system.

The picture above is a prime example of thick paper usage. This tank had ~8” of paper across the entire top of the tank. Really heavy papers are too thick to dissolve properly and settle to the bottom of the tank. As the paper builds up at the top of the tank, it dries out and begins to harden. While usage continues, the paper continues to build up at the top of the tank eventually rising to the top of the sewer line. Since the paper has hardened, it blocks liquid from flowing into the tank through the sewer line causing the system to back up into the house or drain slowly.

So what do we recommend?

We recommend looking at sheet count. The less sheets in a roll of toilet paper, the thicker the paper. Our suggestion is to try and use paper with at least 400 sheets per roll. This is nearly double the amount of Charmin, Cottonelle, and the other thick brands. Using more sheets per roll paper could potentially save you a backed up sewer line in the future.

2. Flushable Wipes:

On the back of all flushable wipes packages is the above disclaimer. Take special note of the "Flushing OK if:" section. It is very important that these rules be followed if you want to use flushable wipes. Flushable wipes, in the opinion of our company, may be the worst thing you can put into your system. There is no hope for them to dissolve or sink to the bottom. These will stay in the tank until removed by septic pumping. Residents will have the same consequences as the toilet paper situation, except with flushable wipes they are much harder to remove from the tank. Without following the instructions on the package, and not getting the system pumped out yearly when using flushable wipes, the resident risks having the wipes travel through the system and damaging their leach field (lateral lines) causing $5,000 - $10,000 in damages.

So what do we recommend?

If at all possible stop flushing the wipes and throw them away, or resort to toilet paper. If that is not possible, follow the instructions on the back of the package and have your system inspected and pumped yearly.

3. Grease and Kitchen Scraps:

The third and final thing we recommend keeping out of your septic system is grease. Another item that floats and does not dissolve or settle to the bottom of the tank. Grease will harden into a firm ball which we see clogs sewer lines very easily.

The good bacteria that is in your septic tank is what treats the solids coming into the tank separating them into sludge and water. This good bacteria is unable to treat most kitchen foods and grease. Causing them to stay in the tank until removed by septic pumping. If not removed, raw kitchen scraps and grease will interfere with the treatment system, which can cause leach field (lateral lines) damage and a backed up system.

So what do we recommend?

Do not pour grease down the drain, and stop using a garbage disposal if possible. Scrape your kitchen scraps into the trash can and depose of grease properly.