Septic Systems Aren't Designed To Handle Feminine Hygiene Products

Septic Systems Aren't Designed To Handle Feminine Hygiene Products

Septic Systems Aren't Designed To Handle Feminine Hygiene Products

23 February 2021
 Categories:
, Blog


It might seem like an exercise in futility to persuade a household's female residents to quit flushing feminine hygiene products. Convincing guests could be even more difficult since nobody really wants to approach this delicate topic. Nevertheless, residents of a home with a septic system for treating wastewater must be vigilant. Technicians providing residential septic tank services can confirm the importance of this guideline. They see the evidence upon opening the tank. 

Biodegradability Issues

Some tampons, sanitary napkins and mini pads are technically biodegradable, but the process takes a long time. Consider that the intent is to catch and absorb liquid. They are not supposed to fall apart when wet. Even worse, many napkins and pads have plastic and adhesive on the back.

These products accumulate in septic tanks. Those that float can block filters and baffles. Eventually, most sink to the bottom and cause the container to fill up sooner than normal. If ladies flush these items frequently enough, a backup could occur. Then you have to clean up a mess and call for emergency pumping by a septic service.

Caught by Roots

Another problem connected with flushing these products is that they get snagged by roots that are growing into sewer pipe cracks. Those cracks may be tiny, but the roots cause havoc. This is another reason why sewer backups occur.

Approaching the Subject

One problem is that even in the 21st century, some ladies feel a little embarrassed about needing these products. Those who are still in their teens and even younger may wish nobody knew. Flushing eliminates the evidence. However, to prevent septic system issues, disposing of these items a different way is essential.

Every bathroom should have a wastebasket next to the toilet. Ideally, each of these containers will have a lid and a foot pedal. Small opaque plastic bags or paper bags can be placed in a basket on top of the toilet tank. Now, all the female household residents and the guests can easily and discreetly dispose of their feminine hygiene products.

Contacting a Septic Service

When it's time for routine pumping, residential septic tank service technicians can offer more details on how to properly care for the system. After digging around an underground tank, they can inspect for root growth. The workers can then manually remove roots and add herbicide to prevent more from reaching the tank. Anyone needing routine maintenance or emergency assistance may contact a septic service company.

About Me
Septic 101: A Blog That Doesn't Stink

Ah, the septic tank. It's that metal or concrete tank that lies somewhere underneath your backyard, just taking up waste and waste water. You probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about your septic tank until it stops doing its job. Then, with sewage water in your backyard and a terrible odor exuding from your drains, it is hard to think about anything other than your septic tank. As strange as it may sound, we have a passion for septic tanks and all things septic-related. We think you will benefit from learning more about this apparatus, so we designed this website. Read the articles here, and you'll come to understand just why your sewage is backing up or why your drains smell, which is the first step towards fixing the problem.

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