Interesting Things We Find in Septic Tanks

Working in septic, you never quite know what you're going to find when you open a tank.

Most homeowners assume septic systems only contain what they flush. But over the years, we've discovered that septic tanks sometimes become a resting place for all sorts of things that were never meant to be there.

Some of these discoveries are harmless. Others can cause serious problems for the system.

Here are a few of the more interesting things we've found during inspections and service calls.

The "Flushable" Wipes That Aren’t

Despite what the packaging says, wipes do not break down the way toilet paper does.

We've pulled handfuls of wipes from pumps, filters, and tanks where they've wrapped around components and caused systems to malfunction.

If it doesn’t dissolve quickly in water, it probably shouldn’t be flushed.

Grease and Cooking Oil

Grease might go down the drain as a liquid, but once it cools inside the system it can solidify and create blockages.

We've seen tanks with thick layers of grease floating on top that eventually clog pumps and pipes.

Toys and Household Items

Every once in a while we find things that clearly didn’t belong in the system at all.

Small toys, plastic objects, and other household items occasionally make their way into septic tanks — usually thanks to curious kids or an unfortunate accident.

Dental Floss and Hair

Dental floss and hair might seem harmless, but they can wrap around pumps and moving parts inside the system.

Over time, they can create a tangled mess that prevents components from operating properly.

Medication

Flushing medication might seem like a convenient way to dispose of it, but it can affect the natural bacteria that help treat wastewater inside the system.

Those bacteria play an important role in the treatment process.

The One Thing Septic Systems Actually Want

The truth is, septic systems work best when they only receive a few basic things:

• wastewater• toilet paper• normal household waste

Everything else has the potential to create problems.

A Few Of Our Favorite Encounters

1. The Plot Thickens

One inspection we performed revealed several condoms in the tank. When we mentioned to the homeowner that they shouldn’t be flushed, he quickly replied, “I don’t use those.” At the next inspection, he casually mentioned that he had gotten divorced. Septic work sometimes comes with unexpected plot twists.

2. The Toy That Took the Ride

Every once in a while we find things that clearly don't belong in the system at all.

One inspection turned up a small stuffed rabbit that somehow made its way through the plumbing and into the tank. We’d have loved to clean it up and send it home… but it was beyond saving.

Kids are curious — and septic systems occasionally become part of the adventure.

3. That'll Cure Her

Want to embarrass your teenage daughter? Just mention that the septic tech found dozens of tampons in the tank. Tampons are the absolute worst.

A Simple Rule

If you're ever unsure whether something should go down the drain or toilet, it's usually best to throw it away instead.

Your septic system will appreciate it.

And honestly, so will your septic technician.

Coleman Aerobic Septic

Serving homeowners throughout Granbury, Hood County, Somervell County, and Erath County for more than 23 years.

Septic work isn’t glamorous — but keeping your system running properly is what we do best.