Every homeowner should take care to protect their pipes. However, those that run on septic systems need to be especially diligent to avoid clogs and damage. Simple mistakes can quickly lead to buildups, leaks, and overflows. In addition to scheduling regular inspections and pumping, daily mindfulness is key to long-term septic tank maintenance. To prevent problems, here are a few common oversights to avoid.

Septic Tank Maintenance Dont’s

1. Dump Grease Down the Drain

Before you clean a cast iron pan, scrape out all the bacon fat, olive oil, butter, and other grease, and throw it in the garbage. As a convenient alternative, let it sit in the fridge until the fat congeals before tossing it into the trash or compost bin. Grease clings onto pipes and septic tanks and causes blockages and leaks. Over time, it can even obstruct drain field lines.

2. Use Your Garage Disposal as a Catchall

Many people use their garbage disposal for the convenience it offers. However, you should only let the tiniest organic scraps in to avoid problems. Coffee grounds, egg shells, meat, bones, and fruit and vegetable peels should never go down the drain, as they can cause septic tank clogs and blockages.

3. Flush Kitty Litter

Some boxes of cat litter claim you can conveniently flush the used debris down the toilet. However, you should still avoid doing so. Even if it partially breaks down, the portion that doesn’t harms the septic tank in the long-run. 

4. Flush Any Paper Products But Toilet Paper 

Paper towels, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, and disposable diapers never belong in the toilet. These items cannot break down in the septic tank and will inevitably lead to blockages. Even though some baby wipes may have a ‘flushable’ label, they cannot disintegrate as effectively as toilet paper.

You can also keep your system protected when you schedule regular septic tank maintenance. In Downtown North Pole, AK, the seasoned team at Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing offer specialized services to locals, like drain cleaning and septic pumping. With over 25 years of experience, you can count on these professionals to provide quality work. To learn more about how they can assist, visit the family business online. To schedule an appointment for septic tank maintenance, call today at (907) 488-9855.