Living with a septic system in the 951 area means you are essentially running your own mini-wastewater treatment plant. Unlike city sewers, which can occasionally handle a bit of “trash,” your septic tank is a delicate biological environment. Flushing the wrong items can lead to immediate clogs or long-term system failure.

At Davis Plumbing, we want to help you avoid an emergency septic pump. Here is the ultimate “No-Flush List” for every septic owner.

1. “Flushable” Wipes and Paper Towels

Despite what the packaging says, flushable wipes do not dissolve in water. They stay intact, sink to the bottom of the tank, and can jam your septic riser or outlet pipes. The same goes for paper towels and heavy napkins—throw them in the trash, not the toilet.

2. Grease, Fats, and Oils

Cooking grease is a major enemy of your septic system design. Once it cools, it hardens into “fatbergs” that can block your inlet pipes and coat the soil in your drain field, preventing water from being absorbed. Always scrape your pans into the trash.

3. Feminine Hygiene Products

Tampons and pads are designed to absorb liquid, not break down in it. They take up massive amounts of space in your tank and are the #1 cause of mechanical failures if you have a septic ejector pump.

4. Household Chemicals and Medication

Your tank relies on living bacteria to process waste. Pouring bleach, paint thinner, or old medications down the drain acts like a poison, killing the “good” bacteria and stopping the treatment process. This often leads to foul odors and a need for professional septic system maintenance.

5. Cat Litter

Even “flushable” cat litter is a no-go. It is designed to clump when wet, which is exactly what you don’t want happening inside your pipes or tank.

Keep Your System Running Smoothly

The only things that should ever go down a septic-safe toilet are human waste and toilet paper. If your system is already acting sluggish due to years of “mistakes,” it’s time for a professional septic tank inspection.

Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393 for honest advice and expert cleaning in Riverside County.