We all have daily habits that we do without even thinking. Grabbing coffee first thing in the morning, tossing laundry in the washer before heading out, or rinsing dishes and letting the water run. These little routines make up our day, but some of them can cause big problems, especially for your septic system.
Many homeowners don’t think about what happens after they flush the toilet or pour something down the drain. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, some of these every day habits can lead to serious septic tank problems, clogs, and expensive repairs.
Let’s go over five common habits that can damage your septic system and what you should do instead.
1. Flushing Things That Don’t Belong
It’s easy to think that if something flushes, it’s gone. But your septic system isn’t designed to handle anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Flushing anything else — like paper towels, wipes, feminine hygiene products, or cotton balls — can clog your pipes and disrupt your septic tank’s ability to break down waste. Even products labeled “flushable” can cause problems.
Keep These Out of Your Toilet:
- “Flushable” wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper towels
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Cat litter
- Dental floss
Stick to septic-safe toilet paper and make sure everything else goes in the trash. A simple change like this can save you from expensive repairs down the road.
2. Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain
Cooking grease and oils might be liquid when hot, but as they cool, they solidify — coating your pipes and creating blockages in your septic system. Over time, grease can also build up in your tank, making it harder for the system to break down waste properly.
Better Ways to Dispose of Grease:
- Pour cooled grease into a container and throw it in the trash.
- Wipe down greasy pans with a paper towel before washing.
- Use strainers in your sink to catch food waste and prevent buildup.
Pouring grease down the sink might be one of the most common habits that can damage your septic system, but it’s a habit you can easily break. Keeping grease and oils out of your drains is one of the easiest ways to avoid septic tank problems.
3. Using Too Much Water at Once
Your septic system isn’t connected to city sewer systems — it has to process everything on its own. If you use excessive amounts of water in a short period, your system can get overloaded. This means wastewater doesn’t have time to separate properly, which can push solid waste into your drain field and cause major issues.
How to Prevent Water Overload:
- Run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine instead of partial ones.
- Space out laundry loads throughout the week.
- Fix leaky faucets and running toilets to reduce unnecessary water use.
- Take shorter showers to minimize water entering your system.
Using water wisely helps your septic system function properly and extends its lifespan.
4. Using Harsh Chemicals and Drain Cleaners
Many household cleaners, especially drain cleaners and toilet cleaners, contain chemicals that kill the bacteria in your septic tank. These bacteria are crucial for breaking down solid waste. Without them, your septic system won’t work the way it should.
Even worse, chemicals like bleach, paint thinners, and motor oil can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment.
Septic-Safe Cleaning Alternatives:
- Use septic-safe cleaners that don’t harm bacteria in your septic tank.
- Try natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda.
- Dispose of chemicals properly instead of pouring them down the drain.
Keeping the bacteria in your septic tank healthy is key to keeping your system running smoothly.
5. Treating Your Garbage Disposal Like a Trash Can
A garbage disposal unit can seem like a convenient way to get rid of food waste, but it’s not great for septic systems. In fact, using your disposal as a trash can is one of the most common habits that can damage your septic system. Food scraps add extra solids to your septic tank, making it fill up faster. Certain foods — like coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables — are especially problematic because they don’t break down easily.
Avoid Putting These in Your Garbage Disposal:
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Cooking grease and oils
- Fibrous vegetables (like celery and potato peels)
Instead, scrape food waste into the trash or compost bin to keep your septic system from working harder than it should.
How to Keep Your Septic System in Good Shape
Avoiding these habits is a great start, but your septic system still needs regular maintenance to stay in top shape. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule Routine Septic Tank Maintenance: Over time, solid waste builds up and needs to be pumped out. Booking a professional septic tank maintenance service helps prevent problems before they start.
- Protect Your Drain Field: Driving over it, planting trees too close, or letting the soil get compacted can cause major damage. If your drain field isn’t working like it should, consider drain field rejuvenation.
- Use Septic-Safe Products: Harsh chemicals can throw off the balance of bacteria in your septic tank. Stick with septic-safe cleaners, toilet paper, and household products.
- Be Mindful of What You Flush and Pour: Small changes — like using a trash can for non-flushable items and disposing of grease properly — go a long way in preventing septic system issues.
Trust Us to Keep Your Septic System Operating at Its Best!
Many homeowners don’t realize that every day habits can lead to serious septic problems. Pouring grease down the drain, using too much water at once, and other habits can all be things that will damage your septic system. The good news? Small changes can make a considerable difference.
Your septic system plays a crucial role in your home, but it needs a little care to stay in good shape. By avoiding these common habits that can damage your septic system, you can prevent clogs, backups, and costly repairs.
Tidy Tank Septic Service provides expert septic tank services in McHenry County, Lake County, and surrounding areas. If your system is due for a pump-out or you need drain field rejuvenation, our team is ready to help. Schedule a service today!