Never flush medications, chemicals, paint, oil, or non-biodegradable items that kill the beneficial bacteria your septic system needs to break down waste. Excessive household cleaners, bleach, and antibacterial products also disrupt the biological process.
Limit garbage disposal use since food scraps add unnecessary solids to your tank. Avoid flushing cat litter, cigarette butts, dental floss, or feminine hygiene products that don’t break down and can clog pipes.
Too much water from long showers, multiple loads of laundry in one day, or running dishwashers and washing machines simultaneously can overwhelm your system’s capacity and push solids into the drain field before they’re properly broken down.