Septic-Safe Home Checklist

Start with the two big ones

• Book an inspection at least every three years. (EPA)
• Have the tank pumped every three to five years, or as often as your septic pro recommends. (EPA)

No cleaner or monthly product replaces pumping. Everything below helps between visits.

Kitchen

• Scrape plates into the trash or compost before you rinse them.
• Keep cooking grease and oil out of the sink. Let it cool, then put it in the trash. (EPA)
• Keep coffee grounds out of the drain. (EPA)
• Use the garbage disposal lightly, or not at all. EPA says limiting it cuts down the fats, grease and solids that reach your tank.
• Run the dishwasher only when it's full.
• Pick dish products that list every ingredient.

Where Natural House fits: Dishy dishwasher pods are made with a plant-based surfactant, natural enzymes, soda ash, baking soda, corn sugar, a probiotic Bacillus blend and citrus extract, with no phosphates. Sinky keeps the disposal and sink drain clean with baking soda, citric acid, a probiotic Bacillus blend and a plant-based surfactant. Sinky is for routine cleaning, not a reason to send more food down the disposal. Scrubby dish and hand soap is made with potassium cocoate, a soap made from coconut oil.

Bathroom

• Flush only human waste and toilet paper. (EPA)
• Put every wipe in the trash. University of Maryland Extension's advice is simple: only toilet paper goes in the toilet.
• Keep feminine products, dental floss, diapers, paper towels and cat litter out of the toilet. (EPA)
• Never flush medicine. Ask your pharmacy about a take-back program. (EPA, University of Arizona Extension)
• Skip tablets that release cleaner into the tank with every flush. (University of Arizona Extension)
• Fix a running toilet fast. One leaky toilet can add up to 200 gallons of water a day. (EPA)
• Scrub more, pour less. A brush and a small amount of cleaner do the job. (University of Arizona Extension)

Where Natural House fits: Flushy is a pre-measured toilet bowl cleaner packet made with baking soda, citric acid, a probiotic Bacillus blend and a plant-based surfactant, with citrus and mint extracts for scent.

Laundry

• Spread laundry through the week instead of doing it all in one day. (EPA)
• Use the amount of detergent the label calls for, not extra.
• Go easy on chlorine bleach and save it for occasional jobs. University of Arizona Extension counts frequent use of detergents with bleach added as excessive.
• When you replace a washer, choose a water-efficient model. Less water in means less water through the tank. (EPA)

Where Natural House fits: Oxy Boost has one ingredient, sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, an oxygen-based stain lifter. University of Vermont Sea Grant lists oxidized bleaches among less hazardous choices than common household cleaners.

Cleaning cabinet

• Use household cleaners in moderation. (Cornell Cooperative Extension)
• Choose products that list every ingredient on the label or the website.
• Never pour paint, paint thinner, solvents, motor oil, antifreeze or pesticides down a drain. Take them to a household hazardous waste collection. (EPA)
• Skip chemical drain openers. Try boiling water or a drain snake first. (EPA)

Yard and drainfield

• Don't park or drive on the drainfield. (EPA)
• Point roof drains and sump pumps away from it. (EPA)
• Keep trees and shrubs away from it. Roots can tangle and damage drainfield pipes. (EPA)
• Check with your local permitting office before you build anything on or near it. (EPA)

Once a month, once a year

• Once a month, if you use Septy: flush one packet.
• Once a year: write down when the tank was last pumped and inspected, and book the next visit if it's due.

Where Natural House fits: Septy is one packet a month with four ingredients: baking soda, washing soda, salt and active Bacillus spores. One canister is 12 packets, a full year. Use it alongside your pumping schedule, never instead of it.

Frequently asked questions

What can go down the toilet on a septic system?

Only human waste and toilet paper, according to EPA. Wipes, paper towels, feminine products, floss, cat litter, grease and medicine all go in the trash or to a take-back program.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

EPA says most household tanks are pumped every three to five years, with an inspection at least every three years. Your septic pro may suggest a different schedule for your tank and household.

Can I use a garbage disposal with a septic system?

You can, but lightly. EPA recommends limiting the disposal, because it sends extra fats, grease and solids to the tank and can mean pumping more often.

Do I need a monthly septic product?

It isn't required. Extension services say a healthy tank already has the bacteria and enzymes it needs, and that pumping and good habits matter most. Some families like a simple monthly routine. Septy is one packet a month and never a replacement for pumping.