Many people unknowingly flush liquids and supposedly "septic-safe" materials into their drain lines and septic tanks that can cause serious damage to their systems, costing thousands of dollars to repair. Avoid the following septic system hazards:

▪ ultra-thick brands of toilet tissue contribute to the semi-solid scum layer at the top of the septic tank. It swells in wastewater and can flow out to clog drainfield lines.

▪ garbage disposal grinds which substantially increase the accumulation of solids. ▪ disposal of items not biodegradable in the system (plastics etc.).

▪ disposal of excessive amounts of grease and fats, which are biodegradable but need particular types of bacteria to digest them.

▪ disposal of cigarette butts, Q-tips, and sanitary napkins which are also biodegradable but are not readily decomposable.

▪ household chemicals such as bleach, detergents, caustic drain openers that overrun and actually destroy the natural bacteria necessary in breaking down organic waste in a septic tank.