Out of sight, out of mind is the approach many homeowners have when it comes to the waste they flush down the drain. Unfortunately, this mindset often lands septic tank owners in hot water when their septic system experiences a breakdown that may have otherwise been avoided.

If you’re not mindful of what you flush into your septic tank, then you could literally be flushing money down the drain. Septic tank pumping and other repairs can be expensive, and being negligent about flushing habits can even have serious environmental consequences.

If your septic tank could, here’s what it would tell you not to pour or flush down the drain.

Feminine care products, paper towels, and wet wipes

Your home’s septic tank can’t take the same abuse that public portable toilet rentals can! Flushing fibrous items such as feminine care products, paper towels, and wet wipes is a major no-no. These items are difficult to break down, and can wreak serious havoc on your septic system. Even other personal care items such as cotton balls, dental floss, and q-tips should not not be flushed. These items aren’t always biodegradable, and may lead to a clog.

Cooking grease

Would you ever drink bacon grease? Even the most hardcore bacon fans can agree that doing so would be pretty gross. Likewise, it’s important to avoid pouring liquid grease or fatty food items down your kitchen drain. Fatty foods can clog your arteries, and they can also lead to stubborn plumping and septic system clogs. Keep grease and fatty food waste in the trash where it belongs.

Medication

Several recentreports have revealed that traces of prescription and over the counter medication have been found in the public water supply of large metropolitan areas. Improperly disposing of medication by flushing it down the drain can contribute to this unfortunate environmental issue and may even contaminate the surrounding ground water.

Similarly, household cleaners, drain cleaners, and other kinds of potentially toxic waste products should not be dumped down the drain. These chemicals have disrupt the chemical balance of your septic tank and while contributing to pollution. For help disposing of your chemicals and outdated or unused medication, contact your local hazardous waste disposal center for more information.