What Not to Flush in a Septic System: Howell & Livingston County Homeowners’ Guide

Ryan Manser
Aug 15, 2025
4 min read

If you own a home in Howell or Livingston County, MI, keeping your septic system in top condition is essential. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is flushing the wrong items down the toilet or drains. Unlike municipal sewer systems, septic tanks are a closed ecosystem that rely on healthy bacteria to break down waste. Flushing prohibited items can clog pipes, damage your tank, and even lead to costly system failures.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what not to flush, why it’s harmful, and tips to maintain a healthy septic system for years to come.

Why Proper Septic Care Matters

Your septic system is a critical component of your home infrastructure, and improper use can lead to:

Sewage backups in your home
Drain field failure
Costly repairs or full system replacement
Environmental contamination and unpleasant odors

Preventing these issues starts with understanding what items should never enter your septic system.

Items You Should Never Flush

1. Wipes of Any Kind (Even “Flushable” Wipes)

Despite marketing claims, flushable wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They can accumulate in your septic tank and pipes, causing blockages that may lead to backups and expensive repairs.

2. Feminine Hygiene Products

Tampons, pads, and other hygiene products are non-biodegradable in a septic environment. They absorb liquids, expand, and create stubborn clogs that interfere with proper wastewater flow.

3. Paper Towels and Tissues

Unlike toilet paper, paper towels and tissues resist breaking down in water. Frequent flushing can cause rapid sludge buildup, reducing the time between necessary septic tank pumping.

4. Cooking Grease, Oils, and Fats

Pouring grease or oil down the drain may seem harmless, but when cooled, it hardens inside your pipes, forming blockages that restrict wastewater flow and damage your system.

5. Harsh Chemicals and Household Cleaners

Bleach, drain cleaners, and antibacterial soaps can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank. Without these microbes, waste cannot break down effectively, putting your system at risk.

6. Cat Litter

Even “flushable” cat litter does not dissolve properly in water. It accumulates in the tank, reducing capacity and increasing strain on the system.

7. Medications

Flushing prescription or over-the-counter medications can disrupt the bacterial balance in your tank and contaminate local groundwater. Always use approved drug take-back programs.

8. Coffee Grounds and Food Scraps

Food waste, including coffee grounds and eggshells, does not break down efficiently and can contribute to sludge buildup in your septic tank. Dispose of all food scraps in the trash or compost bin instead.

What Can You Flush?

The only items safe to flush into your septic system are:

Human waste
Septic-safe toilet paper

All other items should go in the trash to protect your septic system and avoid costly repairs.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Septic System

Maintaining your septic system goes beyond what you flush. Follow these best practices:

✅ Conserve water: Fix leaks and install low-flow fixtures to reduce strain on your system.

✅ Regular inspections and pumping: Most tanks need to be pumped every 3–5 years, depending on household size and tank capacity. Learn more: Septic Tank Pumping Services

✅ Avoid harsh chemicals: Stick to septic-safe cleaning products.

✅ Be mindful of what goes down your drains: Fats, oils, grease, and non-biodegradable items should never enter the system.

Signs Your Septic System May Be Failing

Even with careful use, septic systems can fail. Watch for these warning signs:

Slow drains in sinks, tubs, and toilets
Sewage odors around your home or yard
Standing water or soggy areas above your drain field
Gurgling noises in plumbing

Learn more: Signs Your Leach Field Is Failing

Professional Septic Services in Howell & Livingston County

At Anything Outdoors Septic & Excavation, we help homeowners protect their systems with expert services, including:

Septic Tank Pumping & Cleaning
Septic Inspections & Repairs
Drain Field Maintenance
Advanced Systems like RioVation Aerobic Treatment

Our experienced team ensures your septic system remains safe, efficient, and long-lasting.

FAQ: What Not to Flush in a Septic System

Q: Can I flush flushable wipes if I have a septic system?

A: No — even “flushable” wipes can cause clogs and buildup. Always throw them in the trash.

Q: Are feminine hygiene products safe for septic tanks?

A: No. Pads and tampons should never be flushed.

Q: Is it okay to use bleach with a septic tank?

A: Small amounts are typically fine, but frequent use can harm beneficial bacteria. Opt for septic-safe cleaning products.

Q: How do I know if my septic tank is having problems?

A: Look for slow drains, sewage odors, or standing water near your drain field.

Protect Your Septic System Today

Avoid costly repairs and system failures by understanding what not to flush. If you’re a homeowner in Howell or Livingston County, trust Anything Outdoors Septic & Excavation for reliable, professional septic services.

Call us at (517) 295-7757 or fill out our online form to schedule a service or consultation today.