‘Tis the season for merriment, gatherings, and holiday feasts! As you prepare to celebrate with family and friends, it’s crucial to keep in mind the impact your festivities can have on your septic system. At Quality Septic, Inc, we want to ensure that your holidays are filled with joy and not unexpected septic system mishaps. Join us as we explore what not to flush down your septic system during this festive season.
Greasy Leftovers
While it’s tempting to flush down those leftover holiday cooking oils and fats, resist the urge! Grease can solidify in your septic system, leading to clogs and potential backups. Instead, dispose of cooking oils in a sealed container and throw them in the trash.
Excessive Toilet Paper
With more guests in your home during the holidays, toilet paper usage tends to increase. However, it’s essential to remind everyone to use toilet paper sparingly. Excessive toilet paper can lead to clogs in your pipes and septic tank. Consider placing a friendly reminder in your bathroom to use only a reasonable amount.
Flushable Wipes
Despite their name, “flushable” wipes can wreak havoc on your septic system. These wipes don’t break down as easily as toilet paper and can accumulate in your tank, causing blockages. Encourage guests to dispose of wipes in the trash instead.
Food Scraps
Holiday feasts often result in a surplus of delicious food scraps. However, resist the temptation to flush down food remnants, coffee grounds, or other kitchen scraps. These items can overwhelm your septic system and disrupt the natural decomposition process.
Harsh Chemicals
The holidays may inspire a deep cleaning of your home, but be cautious about what chemicals you use. Harsh cleaning agents and chemicals can harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank, disrupting the system’s balance. Opt for septic-safe cleaning products to maintain a healthy environment.
Expired Medications
As you clean out your medicine cabinet, avoid flushing expired or unused medications down the toilet. Pharmaceuticals can contaminate groundwater and harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic system. Safely dispose of medications through a local take-back program.
Decorative Items
Holiday decorations can add a festive touch to your home, but they should never find their way into your septic system. Avoid flushing down items like cotton balls, cotton swabs, or other decorative materials, as they can contribute to clogs.
Excessive Water Usage
With guests and festivities, water usage tends to spike during the holidays. However, excessive water can overwhelm your septic system. Space out activities like laundry and showers to prevent overloading the system.
By being mindful of what goes down the drain during the holidays, you can keep your septic system in tip-top shape and avoid unpleasant surprises. Quality Septic, Inc is here to assist you with any septic system concerns or questions you may have. Wishing you a joyful and worry-free holiday season!
