To keep your toilets and drains working properly there are a few things you should know. Your apartment is on a septic system. Not a municipal sewer system (city sewer). Some of you may not be aware of what is appropriate to flush and what not to flush so these guidelines will help us all and keep everything flowing as it should.
These items should never be flushed down the toilet:
Disposable wipes– While this product may say “flushable” on the package, they are not. They do not break down in a septic system and over time, will clog your pipes, fill the tank and eventually make their way into the drain field and could cause the entire system to be useless. If you need to use this product, PLEASE dispose of them in your household garbage. Not down the drain.
Condoms– These are made of latex (rubber) and do not break down in a septic system. They also float and make their way into the drain field. Please dispose of these properly in the garbage, not down the drain.
Tampons, Q-Tips, Etc– These will cause a blockage in your pipes and do not break down in the tank. These should be disposed of in the garbage. Not down the drain.
Grease – All grease created from cooking or any other source must be put in a container and disposed of in your household garbage. Never, ever, put down the drain. Grease forms large “cakes” and will eventually block your pipes and will absolutely cause problems in the septic tank.
| Here are some additional items to remember to never flush: Coffee grounds Disposable diapers Sanitary napkins or tampons Kitty litter Hair combings Dental floss Cigarette butts Condoms Fat grease or oil Paper towels or bandages |
Your septic system works by a biological process that occurs in the tank. Flushing any kind of chemicals (including bleach. especially bleach) down the drain will prevent that process from taking place and cause an inconvenience for you and an expensive repair bill. Your cooperation in following these guidelines will provide you with smooth running drains and a properly working septic system. Thanks for your cooperation!
Learn More…
This video is from Canada, but it’s basically the same system as far as how it functions. As you can see, bacteria plays a major role in the operation of your septic system. For this reason you want to avoid putting chemicals or bleach down your drains. The bacteria can not survive contact with these materials and if you kill the hardworking bacteria the system will no longer function.
A great video by “This Old House” TV show further illustrates how your septic system works and what happens if you put the wrong things into the system.
More info on what is safe to put down the drain.
Kevin Hicks 