Still, nothing beats regular checks and not flushing weird stuff... that’s just asking for trouble.
Couldn’t agree more there. I’ve seen folks try to “fix” a dead tank with every additive under the sun, but if you’re dumping paint or wipes down there, it’s just a ticking time bomb. Additives might help in a pinch, but they’re not magic. Regular pump-outs and keeping harsh stuff out—that’s the real secret.
PAINT, WIPES, AND GREASE... OH MY
- Gotta say, I’ve pulled more “flushable” wipes out of tanks than I care to remember. They’re about as flushable as a brick.
- Paint? That’s a whole new level of septic sabotage. Might as well pour concrete down there.
- Additives are like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. Sure, they might help a little, but if you’re still tossing junk in, you’re just making my next job harder (and your bill bigger).
- Regular pump-outs aren’t just for show. Think of it like changing the oil in your car—skip it and things get ugly fast.
- Had a call once where someone thought bacon grease was “liquid so it’ll be fine.” Spoiler: it wasn’t fine.
Honestly, the best advice is boring—treat your tank like it’s got a sensitive stomach. If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t flush it. And if you’re not sure? Trash can’s right there...
NOTHING LIKE A SEPTIC SURPRISE
“Flushable” wipes are a total scam. I learned that the hard way after a backup last year—never again. I’m still not convinced about additives either. If regular maintenance keeps things running, why mess with extra chemicals? Grease is the worst, though... it just sits there and clogs everything up. Honestly, half of this stuff seems like common sense, but people still do it.
Honestly, I get where you're coming from—those “flushable” wipes are anything but. But I’ve actually had some luck with certain septic-safe additives, at least the ones that are more enzyme-based and not full of harsh chemicals. My plumber swears by them for keeping things balanced, especially since we use a lot of natural cleaners. Still, nothing beats just not pouring grease down the drain... that stuff is a nightmare. It’s wild how people still don’t realize what ends up in their tanks!
Still, nothing beats just not pouring grease down the drain... that stuff is a nightmare.
That’s spot on—grease is probably the worst offender for clogging up laterals and causing backups. I’ve seen tanks where the scum layer was basically just a solid grease cap. About those enzyme-based additives, have you noticed any difference in pump-out frequency or tank odor since using them? I’ve read mixed things about their effectiveness, especially if folks are already careful with what goes down the drain. Curious if you’ve tracked any changes over time.
