Five Things You Should Never Flush Down Your Toilet
You might not think twice when you flush something down the toilet, but the items that are channeled through septic systems in Canyon Lake, TX can affect their efficiency and may even cause damage. Using your toilet as a secondary garbage can is a recipe for an overloaded septic system, major pipe obstructions and costly repairs and replacements. As a general rule, the only things that should be flushed down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Find out more about what you should avoid flushing to ensure that your septic system stays in good condition for years to come:
- Dental floss: Flushing dental floss down the toilet might not seem like a big deal, but it can create big issues for your septic system over time. Most dental floss won’t dissolve in water, so small pieces can build up over time in your system. Since floss is stringy, it can easily become tangled with other debris in your system and develop into a major obstruction. Even flushing floss once in a while can increase the likelihood of a clog developing, so it’s best to avoid flushing floss altogether.
- Hair: Hair is a notorious drain clogger, so it’s no surprise that it can cause problems for septic systems in Canyon Lake, TX when it’s flushed down the toilet. Like floss, hair can easily become entangled with a variety of debris and create a major obstruction that can eventually block the flow of water entirely. These obstructions are most likely to develop at pipe joints and bends in your plumbing system.
- Wipes: Lots of wet wipes are marketed as being “safe to flush,” but it’s still a good idea to avoid flushing them. Most wipes won’t dissolve in water and can quickly accumulate in your pipes and lead to a serious obstruction.
- Pills: Lots of people flush expired pills down the toilet without thinking twice—after all, they’ll dissolve, right? The issue with flushing medications down the toilet is less about creating a clog and more about threatening the safety of water. As this medication dissolves and is processed through septic systems in Canyon Lake, TX, the active ingredients can damage soil and eventually threaten the water supply.
- Cigarette butts: You shouldn’t use your toilet as a secondary ashtray. Cigarette butts won’t dissolve in water, and they can contribute to drainage obstructions. Unsurprisingly, they can also damage soil and water when they are flushed down the toilet.
At Countryside Construction Inc., we understand how important it is to protect septic systems in Canyon Lake, TX from damage with preventative maintenance. We can help inform you about the steps that you can take to keep your septic system in the best condition possible and provide you with comprehensive maintenance and repair services. We have been in business for decades and we have developed extensive experience working with a variety of commercial and residential customers. Regardless of what your specific needs and concerns may be, we would be happy to work with you to develop a plan to get your system working the way it should. To get started with a consultation, give us a call today.