Every pet owner knows that cleaning up after their feline friend is an essential part of cat ownership. Our pets complete the home with unconditional love they give! However, when it comes to disposing of kitty litter, many people make the mistake of flushing it down the toilet. While this may seem like a convenient option, it can have serious consequences for your septic tank system. The Dangers of Flushable Kitty Litter for Your Septic Tank must be a real fear. Your septic tank system will be ruined or you will have very little “service” from it.
Why Kitty Litter is Bad for Your Septic Tank
Septic tanks rely on a delicate balance of bacteria to break down waste. When you flush kitty litter down the toilet, you disrupt this balance and introduce materials that the bacteria cannot process. This can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Clogged pipes: Kitty litter is absorbent and can swell when wet, making it prone to clogging pipes. This can lead to sewage backups and overflows, which can be costly to repair.
- Overwhelmed septic tank: Septic tanks have a limited capacity to handle solid waste. When you flush kitty litter, you add more solids to the tank, which can cause it to overflow. This can contaminate your groundwater and lead to environmental problems.
- Harm to bacteria: The bacteria in your septic tank are essential for breaking down waste. Kitty litter can contain chemicals and other substances that can harm these bacteria, making them less effective at processing waste.
What happens when you flush flushable kitty litter into your septic tank system
When you flush flushable kitty litter into your septic tank system, several problems can arise. Although the term “flushable” may suggest that it can be safely disposed of in the toilet, it is important to understand the potential consequences. In detail,Here’s what will happen:
- Clogged pipes: Flushing kitty litter can lead to clogged pipes. This will clog every pipe from the point of entry (Your toilet, shower, slop sink, bathroom sink of kitchen sink) Kitty litter is designed to clump and absorb moisture, making it prone to swelling when wet. This can result in blockages within the pipes, leading to sewage backups and overflows. Repairing these issues will be expensive and inconvenient. The only way to clear and clean a drain line that has kitty litter in it will be only done by expensive sewer jetting or hydro jetting. This will take many many hours and clean out installs into the pipe where and when needed. This also means that the removal of sheet rock will happen along with cutting of wood in walls or floors. There is no liquid drain cleaner that you can put down the drain that will dissolve a cement like kitty litter in the drain line. All liquid or crystal drain cleaners will make the kitty litter even harder to remove. We have had to replace sections of the drain pipe to get the line flowing again. We call this “Ice Welding”. The kitty litter will be so hard, It will be as hard as Ice or Welding.
- Overwhelmed septic tank: Septic tanks have a limited capacity to handle solid waste. By flushing kitty litter, you add more solids to the tank, which can exceed its capacity. When the tank becomes overwhelmed, it may overflow, potentially contaminating groundwater and causing environmental problems. Your kitchen and bathroom traps will be clogged along with the house trap if you have one. Then comes to your main line leaving your home and just before your septic tank. Most of the time a clean out will have to be installed or the whole main line may have to be replaced. This is just the start and the price to do this is expensive and we are not even done yet. Next your septic tank covers must be opened and the septic tank must be inspected and pumped clean to a like new state. Your septic tank filter will have to be replaced and if you do not have one, A septic tank filter must be installed to stop any kitty litter from going into your “D-Box” and Drainfield. Your “D-Box” must be excavated, pumped and sewer jetted clean. Your drainfield now has to be sewer or hydro jetted clean then inspect it with a sewer camera to make sure all of the kitty litter is removed. The total system and all the drains in the home must be inspected by a sewer camera. It could be called a drain camera also. It must be done to confirm all of the kitty litter was removed. Any warranties on the septic tank system will be void at this point. Kitty litter into a septic tank system is considered abuse.
- Harm to bacteria: Septic tanks rely on a delicate balance of bacteria to break down waste effectively. Kitty litter can contain chemicals and substances that can harm these bacteria, making them less effective at processing waste. This disruption can lead to inefficient decomposition and a compromised septic system. After your total system was cleaned( All drains, septic tanks, D-Box,septic tank filters and drainfields) You must use the BioForce Combo Special down your toilet. This will reintroduce the good septic tank bacteria back into your system and start your septic tank back up correctly. We suggest one gallon the first week and a second gallon the second week. Then 1 gallon for the next 2 months. At the 4th month, Start the BioForce Bacterial Waste Liquefier one packet once a month.
Septic tank problems with kitty litter can be avoided
To avoid these issues, it is crucial to find alternative disposal methods for kitty litter that are safe for your septic tank. Consider using scoopable litter, which can be scooped out of the litter box and disposed of in the trash. Alternatively, there are biodegradable or compostable litters available, made from materials that can break down naturally without harming the septic system. The Dangers of Flushable Kitty Litter for Your Septic Tank are expensive to fix!
Remember, proper maintenance of your septic tank is essential for its longevity and efficient functioning. Take care to avoid flushing any materials that can disrupt the delicate balance within the system and follow the recommended disposal methods for kitty litter.
Reference: SepticTankBacteria.com
Alternatives to Flushing Kitty Litter
There are several eco-friendly and safe alternatives to flushing kitty litter down the toilet. Here are a few options:
- Scoopable litter: This type of litter is designed to be scooped out of the litter box and disposed of in the trash.
- Biodegradable litter: This type of litter is made from plant-based materials that will break down naturally in the landfill.
- Compostable litter: This type of litter can be composted and turned into nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Protect Your Septic Tank
By avoiding flushing kitty litter down the toilet, you can help to protect your septic tank and the environment. Remember, your septic tank is an important part of your plumbing system, so it’s important to take care of it.
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We do not just sit behind a desk and sell septic bacteria products, With having over 40 years of working in the septic tank system field and have gotten our hands dirty by troubleshooting failed septic systems to installing them. I know how septic systems work and can give you a real-world answer to any questions you may have. We know what tank bacteria works,how it works and why it works. We solve failed septic system problems by wearing Dickie uniforms and not a suit and tie.
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Some interesting reading on septic bacteria:
Reducing the Environmental Impact of Septic Tanks for Homeowner Environmentalists
Pot use and its effects on Septic Tank Bacteria.
Septic Tank Bacteria and the Transgender Community: (2023)
Homeowners guide on how to locate their Septic Tank and Drainfield.
The Yeast and Sugar Myth: What You Need to Know About Septic Tanks
The Dangers of Flushable Kitty Litter for Your Septic Tank by SepticTankBacteria.com