"Flushable" wipes and other things that should never go into your toilet

If you own a septic system, it is important to be mindful of what you flush down the toilet. While it may be tempting to think of the toilet as a convenient way to dispose of all types of waste, doing so can cause problems with your septic system and potentially harm the environment. One common misconception is that "flushable" wipes are safe to flush down the toilet. While these wipes may be marketed as being safe for septic systems, they can actually cause serious problems. Flushable wipes do not break down in the same way as toilet paper and can easily clog pipes and damage the drainfield in a septic system. In fact, many septic professionals report that flushable wipes are one of the leading causes of septic system issues. In addition to flushable wipes, there are a number of other items that should not be flushed down the toilet. These include:

• Personal hygiene products, such as tampons and sanitary pads

• Condoms

• Medications

• Dental floss

• Cotton balls and swabs

• Paper towels and facial tissues

• Diapers

• Cat litter

• Grease and oil

While these items may seem small and insignificant, they can cause serious problems when flushed down the toilet. For example, medications and personal hygiene products can interfere with the natural treatment process in a septic system and potentially contaminate the environment. Similarly, grease and oil can clog pipes and damage the drainfield. So what should you do with these items? Personal hygiene products, medications, and other non-biodegradable waste should be disposed of in a trash bin. If you have medications that are no longer needed or have expired, it is important to dispose of them properly to prevent them from entering the water supply. Many pharmacies and community organizations offer medication take-back programs to safely dispose of these items. In conclusion, it is important to be mindful of what you flush down the toilet. While it may be convenient to think of the toilet as a garbage disposal, flushing items that are not biodegradable can cause serious problems with your septic system and potentially harm the environment. If you have any questions or concerns about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet, don't hesitate to contact Alfieri Septic Service for expert advice and assistance.