What Not to Flush: A Septic-Safe Household Checklist

The rule of thumb

The EPA puts it simply: don’t flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper. Everything else either doesn’t break down or can harm the bacteria that make your system work.

Never flush

• Wipes, including ones labeled “flushable”
• Paper towels and tissues
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers
• Dental floss
• Cat litter
• Cigarette butts
• Medications

Keep out of drains

• Cooking oil, grease, and fats
• Coffee grounds
• Paint, solvents, and harsh chemicals
• Chemical drain openers. The EPA recommends avoiding them for clogs.
• Large amounts of bleach or antibacterial cleaners

Water habits that help

• Spread laundry over the week instead of doing it all in one day
• Fix leaky faucets and running toilets
• Use high-efficiency toilets and fixtures. The EPA notes toilets account for 25 to 30 percent of household water use.
• Direct gutters and runoff away from the drain field

Protect the drain field

• Don’t park or drive on it
• Don’t build over it
• Plant trees at an appropriate distance so roots don’t reach the lines

Seeing warning signs? Read 7 signs your drain field is failing.