Wastewater from your home flows out of sight and out of mind. If you are committing a few faux pas with your drains, you'll be standing in a showerful of effluent and sludge in no time.

Keep reading to discover 3 ways you could be ruining your septic system.

1. Abusing the Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is made to aid with excess food particles in the sink. You should not, however, load it with things just to avoid putting it in the trash. Any kind of fat, grease, or oil will clog your pipes over time and not break down in the septic tank. 

Before running the garbage disposal, always turn the cold water on first. Never put nonbiodegradable substances like glass or plastic in it. Also, avoid copious amounts of fibrous foods like fruit peelings and potatoes. The starches build up over time on the blades and prevent them from functioning efficiently.

Finally, the disposal blades work best when sharp. Grinding things like peach pits or bones will dull the blades faster, leading to built-up food particles in your pipes.

2. Skipping Regular Maintenance and Septic Pumping

Your septic tank needs to be pumped every 3–5 years to ensure its proper function. Septic pumping removes the sludge, scum, and effluent from your septic tank. A yearly visit from a professional will let you know if these levels are within reason and if pumping is in your immediate future.

There are products made to try to extend the time between septic pump services. These are not a substitute for regular maintenance and can even disturb the ecosystem within the tank. The average price of a yearly checkup is $260–$420.

3. Flushing Non-Flushables 

There are many products on the market that carry the label "flushable." Items like baby wipes, cleaning supplies, kitty litter, and tampons don't go well with septic tanks. They may not clog your pipes, but your tank will have trouble breaking them down. This adds to the sludge levels in your tank and may necessitate more frequent pumping.

Also, harsh chemicals can alter the ecosystem of your tank. As a general rule, stick to toilet paper and septic-safe cleaning products.

Unmaintained, septic tank toxins pollute groundwater and nearby lakes or streams. This can destroy marine life and spread diseases to your family. A properly functioning septic system doesn't harm the environment around it.

Consult a professional to perform septic pumping on a regular basis.