How Kids and Pets Impact Your Septic System -

How Kids and Pets Impact Your Septic System

Many homeowners don’t realize how their daily activities can affect their septic systems. This is especially true for families with children and pets. While these family members add joy to our lives, they can also accidentally harm septic systems. One common issue that we will mention in this blog, is the use of “flushable” wipes, which often go unnoticed as a problem.

Quick Review

A septic system is an underground system that treats household waste. Anything that goes down the drains or that is flushed, will enter this system. It has a septic tank and a drain field. The septic tank breaks down waste and the lighter materials like oils and grease naturally separate from the wastewater. The solids settle to the bottom and the wastewater enters the drain field where it is filtered by the soil.

Kids & Septic System Stress

The lightweight design of these cubes allows for easy handling by one or two individuals, depending on their usage frequency. We, at Call of the Wild Sanitation, recommend bringing the cube over to the landing the night before the scheduled cleaning. This is because some of our technicians begin their day in the early morning hours and it is not feasible for them to wait for the renters to transport the cube from the island.

Excessive Water Use

Kids love playing with water – whether it’s in the bathroom, kitchen or outside with hoses. However, too much water can overwhelm a septic system, leading to potential backups or system failures. Encourage responsible water use by teaching children to turn off faucets when not in use and to take shorter showers.

Flushing Inappropriate Items

Children might flush things that shouldn’t go down the toilet, like toys, too much toilet paper, and even “flushable” wipes. Unlike toilet paper, which breaks down easily, many of these items do not decompose easily and can clog pipes.

Pets & Septic Systems

Pets can also affect your septic system, but in different ways than kids. Here are some common problems.

Pet Waste

Disposing of pet waste in the toilet is a bad idea, especially for homes with septic systems. Pet waste often contains more nitrogen than human waste, which can disrupt the bacterial balance within the tank. Instead, put the pet waste in a ‘doggy septic system’ or dispose of it in the trash.

Washing Pets

Washing pets in sinks or bathtubs can introduce extra fur and dirt into the pipes, which can accumulate and cause clogs. Use a mesh trap or something similar to catch the hair before it goes down the drain.

“Flushable” Wipes

Many people are wrongly led to believe that “flushable” wipes are safe for septic systems. Even though they are advertised as septic-friendly, they can cause major problems.

Decomposition

Septic systems treat waste based on nature’s decomposition process. Unlike toilet paper, flushable wipes don’t decompose easily. They take longer to break down and can block pipes and key access points within the septic system.

Clogs

Using these wipes can cause serious blockages that often need professional help to fix. These clogs can damage your septic system and lead to expensive repairs.

Environmental Impact

Besides affecting your septic system, flushable wipes can also harm the environment by increasing the amount of waste that fails to decompose within the water systems.

Protecting Your Septic System

Children, pets and flushable wipes can cause problems for your septic system, so it’s important to take steps to keep it safe.

Educate Your Family

Teach everyone in your household about what can and cannot be flushed or drained. This includes educating kids about the importance of proper waste disposal. There are some nice signs that you can buy to put in your bathroom to help.

Install Filters

Consider installing filters in your drains to catch hair and other debris before it enters your septic system. This is especially helpful when washing pets.

Be Water Wise

Encourage water-saving habits, like turning off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth or consider installing high efficiency shower heads. This will help reduce the strain on your septic system.

Avoid Flushable Wipes

Despite their convenience, it’s best to avoid flushable wipes altogether. If you choose to use them, make sure to dispose of them in the trash rather than flushing them down the toilet.

Regular Maintenance

Schedule regular pumping of your septic tank to ensure it remains in good working order. Here at Call of the Wild Sanitation, we have technicians that can identify potential problems before they become major issues.

Conclusion

Kids and pets are loved family members, but they can affect your septic system’s health. By knowing the possible problems and taking steps to prevent them, you can keep your septic system working effectively and efficiently for years to come. Keep in mind that even though flushable wipes seem easy to use, they can harm your septic system and the environment. Learning about and taking care of your septic system will help protect your home and the planet.

Check out our other blog posts to learn more about septic systems and portable toilet rentals!