Safeguarding Your Septic System: The Top 8 Household Items to Avoid

Your home is your haven, and every part of it, including your septic system, plays a vital role in maintaining a comfortable and safe living environment. However, the septic system, often out of sight and out of mind, can be vulnerable to seemingly harmless everyday items. RCI Septic Service understands the intricacies of septic systems and the importance of proper maintenance. This article sheds light on the top seven household items that, although common, can wreak havoc on your septic system's functionality and longevity. Being aware of these items and understanding why they pose a threat is your first line of defense in protecting your septic system and avoiding unnecessary and costly repairs.

1. Non-Biodegradable Products: A Clogging Nightmare

Items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, and diapers are a septic system's worst enemy. Unlike toilet paper, these products don't break down and can clog your system's pipes and tank. RCI Septic Service in Londonderry, NH, frequently encounters issues stemming from these non-biodegradable items. They can lead to backups, overflows, and costly repairs, emphasizing the importance of disposing of them properly – in the trash, not the toilet.

2. Cooking Oils and Grease: The Silent Foes

Pouring cooking oils and grease down your drain might seem harmless, but they solidify and accumulate in your septic system, causing blockages. Over time, these substances can create a layer on top of your septic tank, disrupting the delicate balance needed for the system to function properly. Never dispose of oils and grease down the drain or through a garbage disposal. Instead, dispose of oils and grease in a container and always throw it in the trash.

3. Harsh Chemicals: Disruptors of the Natural Process

Household chemicals like bleach, drain cleaners, and pesticides can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank. These bacteria are essential for breaking down and treating waste. Excessive use of harsh chemicals can lead to system failure, necessitating professional intervention. RCI Septic Service recommends using septic-safe cleaning products and minimizing chemical use to maintain a healthy septic system.

4. Medications: Unseen Contaminants 

Flushing old or unused medications might seem like a safe disposal method, but it's harmful to your septic system and the environment. Medications can disrupt the bacterial balance in the tank and contaminate groundwater. We suggest residents use local medication take-back programs for the safe removal of medications from the home.

5. Excessive Paper Products: The Hidden Burden

While toilet paper is designed to break down in septic systems, other paper products like paper towels, tissues, and napkins are not. These items can quickly fill your septic tank and lead to clogs in the system. We do not advise flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet to ensure your system operates efficiently.

6. Cigarette Butts: Small but Damaging

Cigarette butts are another common but harmful item for septic systems. They don't degrade and can introduce toxins into your septic system, leading to contamination and blockages. If you are a cigarette smoker, dispose of cigarette butts properly in a safe fire-proof manner, not down the toilet or into drains.

7. Coffee Grounds: The Deceptive Granules

Coffee grounds might seem harmless, but they don't break down in your septic system. Over time, they accumulate and can cause blockages in your pipes and tank. At RCI Septic Services, we recommend composting coffee grounds or disposing of them in the trash, not the sink.

8. Paint: Harmless on Walls Only

After painting a room in your home, or even doing some touch up work, most people wash their brushes and rollers in the sink. Even small amounts of paint can lead to big problems. Paint does not break down in your septic system and can clog drainage pipes. If you cannot simply throw out the used rollers and brushes, we suggest cleaning them outside under a hose.

RCI Septic Service is dedicated to helping residents of Londonderry and beyond maintain healthy and efficient septic systems. By avoiding these seven household items in your drains and toilets, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure the longevity of your septic system. Remember, what goes down can add up, so choose wisely for the health of your septic system and the environment.