What Not to Flush: Protecting Your Septic System

With a septic system, only human waste and toilet paper should ever go down the drain. Everything else, including “flushable” wipes, grease, and harsh chemicals, damages the system.

Never flush or drain these

• “Flushable” wipes: they don’t break down and are a top cause of clogs.
• Grease, fats and cooking oil: they solidify and coat the system.
• Feminine products, paper towels, cotton, dental floss.
• Harsh chemicals, drain cleaners, paint, solvents: they kill the good bacteria.
• Coffee grounds, egg shells, food scraps (go easy on the garbage disposal).
• Medications: dispose of these properly, not down the drain.

Why it matters

A septic tank relies on living bacteria to break down waste. Chemicals kill them; non-degradable items build up as solids. Both push you toward more frequent pumping and, eventually, drain-field problems.

Good habits

Spread out laundry loads, fix running toilets, use septic-safe products, and keep the garbage disposal use light. Pair that with routine pumping and your system will last for decades.