Most drain and septic problems we get called for aren't bad luck — they're buildup from things that should never have gone down the drain in the first place. The good news is that protecting your system is mostly about a few simple habits. Here's what to keep out.
Grease, Fats & Cooking Oil
This is the big one. Hot grease pours like a liquid but cools into a solid that coats your pipes and chokes your system. Never pour it down the drain. Let it cool, pour it into a can or jar, and throw it in the trash.
"Flushable" Wipes
They say flushable, but they don't break down like toilet paper. Wipes are one of the most common causes of clogs and backups we see. Toss them in the trash, not the toilet — even the ones marketed as septic-safe.
Coffee Grounds
Grounds don't dissolve. They clump together and settle in pipes and tanks, building up over time. They belong in the compost or the trash.
Harsh Chemicals & Drain Cleaners
If you're on a septic system, chemical drain cleaners do real damage. They kill the good bacteria your system relies on to break down waste, and they can corrode pipes. For a clog, a plunger or a call to us is far safer than a bottle of caustic chemicals.
Paper Towels, Cotton & Feminine Products
None of these break down in water the way toilet paper does. They're designed to absorb and hold together, which is exactly what you don't want in a drain line. Trash only.
Food Scraps (Even With a Disposal)
Garbage disposals make food disappear from the sink, but it doesn't disappear from your system — it just moves the load downstream. Starchy and fibrous foods especially can cause buildup. Scrape plates into the trash or compost first.
The Simple Rule
If it isn't water, toilet paper, or human waste, it shouldn't go down the drain. Stick to that and you'll avoid the vast majority of clogs, backups, and emergency calls.
Already Dealing With a Slow Drain?
If water's already moving slowly, don't reach for the chemicals. Give us a call — we'll clear it the right way and check that nothing's built up further down the line.