Serving the Ithaca, Elmira, Corning, Big Flats, Hector, Watkins, Waverly, and Owego NY areas
Blog Post
3 Ways to Avoid a Septic System Backup
Clean Earth Septic Service • May 15, 2020
We've been working in residential and commercial septic tank pumping for years, so trust us when we say, "we've seen it all!" After seeing some problems over and over again, there are emergency calls that no longer surprise us. When a customer tells us they've been using certain products, we can almost guarantee that's where the backup stems from.
During this COVID-19 pandemic, we've seen lots of backups. While you might be running low on septic safe toilet paper, the last thing you want to do is begin flushing wipes/paper towels/or tee-shirts. (Yep... we've seen it all!) Keep reading to learn how you can avoid a septic backup during these "uncertain" times or contact us today to request a quote.
Watch What Goes Down the Drain
Grease can wreak havoc on your septic tank, making the waters thick and destroying the natural balance of healthy bacteria your tank needs to break down solids and waste. One of the biggest causes of excess grease in your tank is from improper handling of cooking waste. Whether you're making bacon, draining the drippings from your Thanksgiving turkey or simply washing your greasiest cooking pans, make sure excess grease goes in the garbage - not down the drain. Fact: The day after Thanksgiving is one of our busiest days for emergency septic service
due to grease problems! With restaurants being closed, we know that many families are cooking from home more often during this pandemic. Be sure to dispose of your grease waste properly, and if you have a garbage disposal, continue reading!
Avoid the Garbage Disposal
If your home has a septic system, your garbage disposal is its worst enemy. In many newly built homes a garbage disposal won't even be installed if the home is on septic. The reason for this is because a garbage disposal allows chunks of food and debris to enter your septic tank. If you have a septic system we recommend you go without your garbage disposal. Buying some extra garbage bags to dispose of the waste you'd put down the drain is a lot less expensive than replacing your septic system! To avoid food waste going down the drain, use your sink strainers and avoid peeling fruits or vegetables over the sink. Be sure to dispose of egg shells in the trash can -- not the sink. If you do use a garbage disposal, be sure to run HOT water during and for a few minutes after you run the disposal.
Never Flush a "Flushable" Wipe
We've said it before and we'll say it again... There is no such thing as a flushable wipe. If you own a septic system you need to be especially carefully about flushing baby wipes, makeup remover wipes, and even toilet paper if it's not marked "septic safe." When in doubt, throw it out. Don't flush something if you're not 100% sure it's going to breakdown. Feminine products and paper towels fall into this category too. Paper towels are designed to hold and absorb water -- not to break down like toilet paper. We know that desperate times call for desperate measures, but if you've gotta use paper towels... put them in a special trash bag.
If you avoid these three things and take proper care of your septic system, you can rest assured back-ups won't be a problem. If you're purchasing a home with a septic system and you're not sure about the state of your septic tank you can always purchase an inexpensive septic additive to keep the bacteria healthy. Ready to get your septic tank cleaned? Contact us today
to schedule your Owego, Corning, or Elmira NY septic service.
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