3 Ways to Keep Things Flushing Smoothly This Summer

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Jun 08, 2022

3 Ways to Keep Things Flushing Smoothly This Summer

You probably don't think about your septic tank unless it is necessary. Things like 'I wonder why my toilet won't flush' or 'I wonder why I can't get a decent shower in the morning.' We here at Septic Blue of Raleigh would like to encourage you to contact us when you have any of these questions because it could mean you have an urgent septic tank pumping need.

Watch What You Flush

Summer is a time for having fun in the sun. But it's also the season when you need to be careful about what you flush down the toilet.

Don't flush anything except human waste and toilet paper. It may seem obvious, but many people flush everything from feminine hygiene products to wet wipes and dental floss — items that should never be flushed down the drain. Flushing these items could lead to significant plumbing problems such as clogs or backups. Even if you think something is biodegradable or flushable, check with your local water utility before flushing it down the toilet.

Food waste can cause clogs and backups, leading to overflows and sewage backups into your home. Let's discuss what some of the most common items that go down the drain are so you can avoid needing a septic tank repair by Septic Blue of Raleigh:

  • Fats, oils, and grease (FOG). These are found in cooking oil, butter, baked goods, and other foods. They can solidify and clog pipes when they cool or mix with soap scum and other debris.
  • Paper towels, facial tissue, and napkins are fibrous materials that will swell up in pipes during flushing or washing operations.
  • Greasy pizza boxes, plastic utensils, and other trash. These items can clog pipes because they don't break down easily in sewers or septic systems.

Preventative Maintenance Is a Priority

A septic tank should be pumped every two to three years on average, depending on the size of the tank and usage. If you have a large family or forget to flush frequently, your septic tank may need to be pumped sooner than others in your neighborhood.

The most important thing to remember when pumping your septic system is that you may not be able to flush right away after the pump is complete. There will still be water in the lines that need time to drain out before flushing returns to normal. It's best to wait at least 24 hours before flushing again so that no more wastewater gets pumped into your leach field.

Avoid Using The Garbage Disposal Whenever Possible

If you're like most people, you probably use the garbage disposal to get rid of food scraps and other items that go down the drain. But doing so can cause your septic tank to clog, so it's best to avoid using it whenever possible.

When you put food down the garbage disposal, it gets ground up and pumped into your septic system. This means that all those little bits of food aren't going through a filter — they're just getting pumped into your tank, where they can cause problems.

It's important to remember that this means more work for you when you need to clean out your pipes, but it also requires more work from your tank. A clogged septic tank can make everything miserable, from flushing toilets to taking showers.

Septic Blue of Raleigh

As the weather gets warmer, it's important to remember that your septic system can easily be put under too much pressure. Whether you have a swimming pool, more people visiting your house for BBQs, or other reasons for your septic system to be put under strain, it's crucial to stay vigilant and keep tabs on what makes it work best. Our pros at Septic Blue of Raleigh are happy to get you started in the right direction.