Wet-wipe sales have exceeded $2.2 billion in 2017. It’s a massive market, and for a good reason:
Toilet paper is a pain in the…
Well, you know.
Toilet paper, even the luxury “ultra soft” brands, are still uncomfortable if you need to do some vigorous wiping. Once you’ve tried wet wipes and felt their soothing, moisturizing touch, it’s hard to go back to the uncomfortable chafing of toilet paper.
What’s the problem with wet wipes though?
It’s all about the word “flushable.” There are even lawsuits about its meaning. Wet wipes are marketed as being flushable, but the truth is that if what you’re flushing down the toilet isn’t immediately dissolvable in water then it’s likely to contribute to a clog somewhere down the line.
Wipes build up with other waste, like congealed food fat, to form massive lumps called “fatbergs” that block entire municipal sewer systems.
Now, imagine if you have a septic tank how these wipes will build up over time. Are you diligent about not putting left over cooking oil or bacon grease down the drain? The natural decay of waste inside your septic tank can’t occur with these “undigestible” wipes and fat sitting in your tank.
Then when you wash a ton of laundry at once or have a water leak that goes on for a while before you find it, all that additional water going into your septic tank creates a problem. All those solids start getting stirred up and float up to your drain lines. Those undissolved wipes will easily clog the lines.
Wet wipes, however nice they are, are not good for any sewer or septic system.
There is an answer though.
It’s cheaper than buying wipes or toilet paper, and it’s better for your septic system:
The Bidet.
They only take about 10 minutes to install. You can have warm or cool water, and water pressure can vary from a gentle stream to “full-on riot suppression hose,” leaving you feeling just as clean as if you stepped out of the shower.
What do I recommend?
If you just want the basics, check out the
Luxe Neo 185.
Or if you want front and back nozzles (ladies) and hot water hose, then the Luxe Neo 320 is for you.
8 Tips To Protect Your Septic System
1. Wet Wipes are bad.
Seriously though, consider getting a bidet. It’s the logical conclusion to the quest for a clean rear end.
2. Your septic tank contains living organisms. Don’t put anything in your sink or toilet that can kill them.
Most household cleaning products will not affect your septic tank. Drain cleaners, however, can kill the bacteria in your tank and temporarily disrupt its operation. Avoid flushing large amounts of toilet bowl cleaners. Use non-toxic cleaners. They’re better for you and your septic system. They’re cheap. Why not?
3. Paint and other hazardous chemicals can permanently damage your septic tank.
Remodeling and need to wash your paint brush? DO NOT let paint, varnishes, and paint thinners go down your drain. Even small amounts can damage the septic system. That $5 paint brush isn’t worth it!
4. Having a garbage disposal means you will need to have your septic system pumped more frequently.
The more solids you add to your tank the sooner it will need to be pumped. Some states even require you to install a larger septic tanking when building a new home, if you will be installing a garbage disposal.
5. Don’t plant your garden or any trees near your drainfield.
Grass is fine, but roots from trees or shrubs can clog and damage the drain lines.
6. Your toilet is not a trash can.
What you put in your septic system greatly affects its ability to do its job. Don’t use the toilet to dispose of plastics, paper towels, facial tissues, tampons, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts, dental floss, disposable diapers, condoms, kitty litter, or anything that doesn’t immediately dissolve in water.
7. Install a Lint Trap on your washing machine.
Lint from washing clothes does not readily degrade and can clog your drain lines. They’re cheap and easy to use! Click here for some options.
8. Have your tank inspected every 3 years, or once a year is even better.
If you’re moving into an older home with a septic tank, be sure to have it inspected to check the state of the septic system. Failing septic systems can cost 10 times more than if you had simply done routine preventative maintenance.