A common mistake many homeowners make is assuming that their toilets and drains can handle anything that will fit or flush down. However, residential septic tanks simply were not made to handle every type of waste. In fact, the only things that should end up in your septic tank are toilet paper, personal water use, and human waste. To save yourself a significant amount of money on sewer line cleanings and repairs, follow these tips from your friends at Quality Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Only Flush Flushable Items
As we mentioned before, septic tanks were not designed to handle every type of waste, so even if a product is marketed as “flushable”, it likely still won’t break down correctly in your tank. Things like feminine products, baby wipes, or flushable wipes should always be disposed of in the trash can and never flushed. Additionally, it is a mistake to use your toilet as a trash can, so you shouldn’t flush tissues, paper towels, or other household items. Finally, sometimes kitty litter is advertised as flushable, but it does not dissolve easily and therefore should not be in your sewer system.
Keep Your Kitchen Drain Clean
In addition to flushing things you shouldn’t, homeowners also often try to push food down their kitchen drains. We get it, when you’re doing the dishes after dinner, it’s easier to rinse the food down the drain than to take it all to the trash. However, the food and other particles do not belong in your sewer system and will cause clogs. We recommend installing a strainer to catch the food and ensure that only water goes down the drain.
Invest in Routine Maintenance
Finally, the best way to ensure your sewer lines are clean is by investing in regular sewer line maintenance every six months. Sewer line cleaning is a solid preventative measure to ensure your pipes are in good condition and free from blockages. If you see any signs of trouble (such as clogged drains or gurgling sounds), you should schedule a cleaning right away.
Don’t let a clogged toilet or slow-draining kitchen sink cause you to panic. Call the experts at Quality Plumbing & Heating for our thorough sewer line cleaning services. Since 1968, our licensed plumbers have been providing top-notch sewer drain repairs to residents in Kokomo, IN, and beyond. Request service online today or contact us at (765) 450-4008.