Septic owners know more than most people about what happens where their wastewater goes. After all, you would have to since most of the time your septic system is quite literally in your own backyard. If you have been caring for your septic system for awhile or are new to septic ownership, then you know that on occasion, you might experience septic backups. Most of the time, septic backups simply mean that your tank is too full and needs to be pumped. However, there are other things that can be causing your septic backups, including some of the following:
- Flushing the “flushable”. When you have a septic system, you need to be especially careful what you flush. Ideally, nothing but toilet paper and waste should enter your septic system. This means that even though items such as flushable wipes, tampons, and other personal hygiene products claim to be flushable, they should not be treated as such when you have a septic system.
- Killing the good bacteria. Most septic owners know to avoid bleach and products containing bleach, but other things kill off the good bacteria in your septic system as well, which can quickly lead to septic backups. Things like antibiotics and antibacterial soaps are both good examples.
- Using your garbage disposal frequently. Your garbage disposal can introduce a lot of solids into your septic system at once, overwhelming it. Instead, scrape food scraps into the garbage or compost them before they go down your drain and save the garbage disposal for emergencies.
At American Waste Septic, we want to help you prevent your septic backups and treat them should a septic backup occur. Contact us to learn more today.