Suffolk County Government Crest

Suffolk County Stormwater Management Program

Edward P. Romaine, County Executive

Department of Public Works

Department of Economic Development and Planning

In order to prolong the life of your system and reduce the amount of time between maintenance calls, here are some do's and don'ts of what you can flush down the drain.

The Do’s and Don’ts

Examples of what not to flush into your septic system:

  • Cigarette butts
  • Disposable diapers
  • Condoms/Contraceptives
  • High quantities of anti-bacterial products
  • Sanitary Napkins
  • Plastics
  • Trash
  • Pharmaceuticals

Septic Tank Additives are neither recommended nor necessary for proper operation

*Products such as these CANNOT readily decompose and may cause sludge and scum to be discharged into your absorption system, which can cause premature failure of your system.

Examples of what your septic system can take in normal or low amounts:

  • Household Detergents
  • Kitchen Wastes
  • Laundry Wastes
  • Household chemicals
  • Anti-bacterial hand soaps

Backwash from water softeners may be discharged in low volumes

*Overuse or misuse of these products may kill the bacteria living in your septic system, leading to untreated effluent leaving the system and contamination of your property.

Below is an appendix of household products that contain harmful chemicals that can kill the good bacterial colonies living in your septic system. You should avoid flushing these products at all costs.

Back to Septic System Maintenance