Paper Towels Unlike toilet paper which dissolves in water, paper towels are designed to absorb it. This means that they will not degrade once they enter your septic system, which causes unnecessary build-up. So next time you run out of toilet paper, it might be worth it to simply hop in the shower.
Paper towels do not break down in water, which means they will never break down in your septic system. Makeup removal wipes are an even further step in the wrong direction. These wipes largely resemble baby wipes, with added chemicals for removing even the most stubborn waterproof makeup.
Although paper towels are made of paper that will eventually dissolve in water, this paper is made of higher quality wood pulp, which allows for durability. Paper towels are designed to be absorbent and strong, and don't dissolve quickly - which will result clogging of pipes.
Cottonelle UltraComfortcare is clog-free, septic-safe, and sewer-safe. Cottonelle uses renewable plant-based fibers, which makes this toilet paper biodegradable and great for your septic system. They do not contain any harsh ingredients or chemicals, so should not disrupt the delicate balance in your septic system.
Do not put cigarette butts, paper towels, sanitary tampons, condoms, disposable diapers, anything plastic or similar non-biodegradables into a septic tank system. Avoid washing food scraps, coffee grinds, and other food items down the drain. Avoid using a garburator to dispose of kitchen wastes.
Anaerobic bacteria begin eating the sludge. The bacteria digest it, releasing simple gases and liquids. Separation: Once the anaerobic bacteria have eaten the sludge, liquid from the tank slowly flows through the septic pipes. The pipes have holes, allowing the water to leak into the surrounding ground.
Septic system failure can contaminate groundwater and surface water and lead to costly repairs for the homeowner. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet.
How often should your tank be cleaned? In general, a septic tank should be pumped every 2 - 5 years, however, there are other factors to consider.
Paper towels do not disintegrate, no matter where they are in the sewer system. Paper towels expand when wet. When introduced into the sewer system, they expand to their full absorption size and stay that way, creating the potential for a clogged sewer service line or main.
Food-soiled paper towels go in the green cart (organics) for composting. Any other paper towels, especially those used with chemicals for cleaning, go in the black cart (trash).
Although paper towels, napkins, and facial tissue appear to be the same material, but they do not disintegrate in water like toilet paper. Any items flushed other than toilet paper can create costly clogs in your home pipes, our community sewer pipes, and our water reclamation facilities.
Food Waste
Sending food items down your drains is never a good idea. If your home relies on a septic tank, even using a garbage disposal can end up causing problems for your system. While any food waste is risky, the following items are particularly hazardous: Coffee grounds.
White Vinegar - The acidity of household vinegar is helpful for breaking down hard water stains in the toilet bowl. Pour a cup of vinegar into the bowl and let sit overnight, then scrub in the morning.
Find a medium-sized glass jar and fill it with 3/4 tap water. Add 6-8 sheets of toilet paper. Seal the jar and shake it vigorously for 10 seconds. If, after shaking, the paper has broken down fully, it is considered to be safe for most any well-maintained septic tank or plumbing system.
In general, a septic tank should be inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5 years.
Even if you flush a small amount without any issues, it's important to keep in mind that paper towels don't dissolve as easily as toilet paper and can clog pipes or form bulky masses in your septic tank.
In some cases, yes. Too much of a good thing can cause problems. A septic system relies on the correct balance of bacteria to do its job. An overpopulation of bacteria can deplete the oxygen in the septic tank and turn the environment septic.
Generally speaking, “regular” toilet paper is not the best choice for a septic system because the fibers are thicker and longer, taking more time to break down.
You can replenish good bacteria in your septic tank by adding three rotten tomatoes or 1/4 ounce of yeast every three months. Put three overripe tomatoes in the garbage disposal while running the faucet. Or pour 1/4 ounce of yeast in the toilet and flush it down.
The answer to this question is yes and no. A small amount of bleach won't harm a septic system. However, a large amount of bleach can be very harmful. Adding three-quarters of a cup (or less) of bleach to a load of laundry is not going to damage your septic system.
quantity of soda and coffee into a septic system could have a negative impact on how the septic system functions.