How Kids Can Negatively Affect Your Septic System

Having your own septic system comes with several advantages. Aside from being a cost-effective way of plumbing, septic systems are low-maintenance and easier on the environment. Also, septic tanks can last for over 20 years, depending on your usage and how well you maintain them. However, kids can negatively affect your septic system by dropping different types of objects in toilet drains. If you don’t help them understand what they should flush and what they shouldn’t, you can end up with clogged pipes and unending septic system problems. The average cost of replacing your septic system ranges from $4000 to $7000. With this in mind, it’s important to keep your septic system in good shape to avoid costly repairs.
Proper septic system maintenance starts with teaching your kids the septic rules they need to be aware of. Some homeowners end up incurring huge costs in septic system repairs because they assume their kids already know what to flush down the toilet and what not to flush. Your kids need to know what shouldn't go down the pipes, otherwise, you'll be forced to deal with a clogged septic tank from time to time. 
Young kids can drop things like toys, socks, pacifiers, and other objects down toilet drains and flush them into your pipes. Larger objects will likely get stuck in your pipes and cause obstruction. The smaller items can make it to your septic system, but they will cause a range of problems. Let your kids know that the only flushable things are toilet paper and human waste.  
If your kids have flushed items like toys down the toilet, it's a good idea to call an experienced septic plumber to inspect your septic system to avoid expensive repairs down the road. At Septic Blue, we have a team of dependable septic plumbers who are experienced with septic system inspection.     
Your teenage girls also need to be aware that feminine hygiene products such as pads and tampons should not be flushed down the toilet. These products can cause nasty clogs and even damage the working parts of your septic tank. They should dispose them in the appropriate trash bin instead of flushing them down the drain.
Although it is young kids who are notorious for dropping objects in toilet drains, some adults flush wipes and diapers down toilets. Keep in mind that wipes (even those labeled flush) and diapers aren’t flushable. Just like toys and menstrual products, these items can lead to costly damages to your septic system. Set a good example for your kids by tossing wipes and diapers in the appropriate trash bin. 
Teaching kids about the items they shouldn’t flush may not always be easy, but it is necessary. You’ll be able to prevent many septic system problems and save money.