What Causes Your Septic System to Clog?

Who wants to deal with the inconvenience of pooling in the yard, sinks that won’t drain, and toilets that don’t flush? Unfortunately, clogs in your septic system can put a real damper in your daily routine. Stop wasting time and money on repairs by avoiding wastewater blockages altogether. Here is a quick list of 4 items that are known to cause clogs in your septic system.

1. Plants and heavy items close to the leach field
   Trees, bushes, flowers, vegetables and other plants should never grow near your underground pipes. The roots will find ways to get to the nutrient-rich wastewater inside the lines and break through them. You might also want to mark off the area where your system is located so you remember to keep machinery, vehicles or any other heavy items off of this zone. The ground may seem tough, but soil can compact under pressure crushing pipes in your leach field.
2. Garbage Disposals
   Although food is biodegradable, it does not break down in a septic tank. The garbage disposal does chop large chunks into smaller pieces, but these bits of food still make their way into your leach field lines. Eventually, they build up causing clogs. The best way to dispose of food is to throw it in the trash or feed it to an animal.
3. Flushing Inappropriate Items
   Product labels often say “septic safe,” but they are lying. Human waste and toilet paper are really the only things you should be flushing. Anything else will not break down in the septic system correctly resulting in clogs.
4. Using Harsh Chemicals
   Toxic cleaning products are also harmful to the natural workings of your septic system because they kill the good bacteria required to break down wastes. Use organic cleaning products instead.

Oh My Clog
Incorporate this advice into your household and add Wind River’s regular maintenance services for a trouble-free septic system. Along with routine septic pumping, there are other preventative measures we can take, such as installing a filter or applying a bacterial additive. These actions will further enhance the performance of your system and its ability to avoid obstructions. We’d love to help you maintain all your wastewater facilities, so Contact Us to learn more about our services.