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18, Sep 2025

Confessions from the Septic Truck

When most people think about septic tank cleaning or septic tank pumping, they imagine a straightforward job: removing waste, inspecting the system, and making sure everything runs smoothly. And while that’s true most of the time, you’d be surprised at what ends up in septic tanks. At Septic Blue, our technicians have seen it all. From strange objects to unexpected discoveries, our work proves that a septic tank can sometimes be like a time capsule—or a mystery box.

Here are a few of the weirdest things we’ve found while performing septic maintenance (don’t worry, we’ll keep it anonymous).

Toys That Never Grew Up

It’s not unusual for small items to find their way into toilets—especially in homes with kids. Action figures, toy cars, dolls, and even building blocks have turned up in tanks we’ve pumped. While it might seem harmless, flushing toys can cause serious clogs and damage to your system. What goes down the toilet should always be limited to human waste and septic-safe toilet paper—nothing more.

Jewelry with a Story

Believe it or not, we’ve also found rings, earrings, and bracelets that somehow made their way into septic systems. Sometimes it’s an accident, like a ring slipping off while washing hands, but other times it’s a mystery. Unfortunately, jewelry doesn’t just disappear—it often contributes to blockages or sits in the sludge until the next cleaning. For homeowners, this is a reminder to be cautious around sinks and toilets when handling valuables.

Unwanted Household Items

From kitchen utensils to toothbrushes, we’ve seen our fair share of household goods where they don’t belong. These items often get flushed accidentally or tossed down drains during hurried cleanups. While it may seem convenient in the moment, the result is damage to your plumbing and extra strain on your septic tank. Regular septic tank pumping helps remove debris before it causes lasting harm, but prevention is always the best strategy.

A Shoe (Yes, a Whole Shoe)

One of the strangest discoveries came when our crew pulled up what looked like a muddy boot—but it was actually a shoe sitting at the bottom of the tank. How it got there is still a mystery, but one thing is certain: septic tanks aren’t built to handle footwear. Large, non-biodegradable items can block pipes and reduce the efficiency of your system, which is why regular inspections are so important.

Things That Should Never Be There

Over the years, we’ve also discovered things that should never, ever enter a septic system—paint, motor oil, harsh chemicals, and even medical waste. These materials don’t just threaten your septic system; they can also harm the environment and contaminate groundwater. Proper septic maintenance includes being mindful of what goes down your drains and ensuring hazardous items are disposed of properly.

Why Strange Items Are a Problem

While these stories might sound entertaining, the truth is that foreign objects in a septic system can cause serious damage. They can clog pipes, interfere with the natural bacterial balance, and shorten the life of your system. That’s why professional septic tank cleaning is so important. Pumping out solids, removing debris, and keeping the system balanced ensures your septic tank works properly for years to come.

The Lesson for Homeowners

The takeaway from these “confessions” is simple: only flush what your system is designed to handle. When in doubt, throw it in the trash, not the toilet. Pairing good habits with routine septic maintenance will save you from costly repairs and keep your system working efficiently.

Trust Septic Blue for Honest Septic Service

At Septic Blue, we take pride in keeping septic systems clean, safe, and reliable. While we may encounter the occasional oddity, our real mission is helping homeowners protect their investment and avoid messy surprises. From routine septic tank pumping to emergency cleanings, we’ve got the experience and equipment to handle it all.

Call Septic Blue today to schedule your next septic service—and keep the weird stuff where it belongs (outside the tank!).

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