Septic System Survival Guide: To Flush or Not To Flush

Tips to help you extend the life of your septic system in Northwest Pennsylvania.

A well-maintained septic system can last 40 years. A neglected one? You might be looking at a replacement in 15 years. Most tanks in the Erie and Meadville area need to have the tank pumped every 3 to 5 years, but the real secret to longevity is what you do between pumping.

Think of your septic tank like a sourdough starter. It’s a living ecosystem of bacteria working 24/7 to break down waste. If you poison the bacteria or overwhelm them with solids, the whole system fails.

Two house rules that might save your system.

• “If you can’t safely drink it, don’t pour it.”
• “When in doubt, throw it out.”

What should I avoid pouring down my drain?

You should avoid pouring the following down any drain if it is connected to a septic tank.  Garbage disposals are safe to use with a septic tank; however, you should limit how much you use it and what you add to it. You want as little solid waste as possible in your system.

• Fats, grease, and oils: They don't just clog pipes; they create a hard scum layer in your tank that bacteria can't eat.
• Coffee grounds, eggshells, nutshells: They're still solids, and solids are not your septic tank’s friend. Try to only add mushy foods when possible.
• Harsh cleaners: Harsh bleach and drain cleaners (like Drano) kill the "good" bacteria your waste system needs to survive.
• Paints, solvents, pesticides, or other toxins: These will mess with the balance in your tank and can pollute your groundwater.
• Epsom salts: A little is okay, especially in baths, but don’t overdo it.

What should I avoid flushing down the commode?

Let’s be honest, the drain isn’t a trash can. The only things that should ever be flushed down your pipes should be human waste and toilet paper. That’s it. No exceptions.

Well... maybe some exceptions, but here’s the breakdown. If it isn’t human waste or a septic-safe toilet paper, toss it in the trash. You’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to deal with a sewage backup or clogged drains at the most inconvenient time.

The “Maybe” List:

• Extra-thick toilet paper is not always safe to add to your tank. Some of the thicker TP takes longer to break down and if your tank is already full, this could push it over the edge. Always look for “septic safe” on the label and keep it simple.

The “Absolutely Not” List:

• Leftover food
• “Flushable” wipes of any type (Spoiler: most flushable items are not safe to flush!)
• Tampons, pads, Q-tips, cotton balls, or anything with string
• Paper towels, cleaning wipes, or napkins
• Cigarettes, dental floss, or cat litter

For more do-not-flush wisdom, check out Penn State’s Guide. 

What are septic-safe cleaners?

You want to clean your home and not destroy your septic system in the process? We recommend simple and natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. There are several cleaners designed to go into your waste tank. To make this easier, we created a list of our top favorite natural cleaners to use with your septic system.

Signs Your Septic System’s in Trouble

If you notice a strong odor or sewage smell, toilets bubbling, slow drains, or mysterious puddles forming in your yard, your septic system might have a problem, and you might need a septic repair. Mansfield Sanitation Services, LLC can help!

Preventative action can prolong a septic system’s life.

Don’t wait until it’s an emergency. We offer professional septic inspections for homes and businesses in Erie, Titusville, and Meadville, PA. It’s a lot easier to diagnose a problem than to dig up a frozen yard in February due to a septic emergency.

Regular cleaning and pumping will help to prevent structural damage or a full septic system replacement. The cost to pump a septic tank is cheaper than replacing a leach field or septic pump.

Contact us for your commercial or residential septic project!

Sewer Tie-In Wrapped Up Just in Time Septic Safe Cleaners