DO NOT FLUSH CAT POOP DOWN YOUR TOILET

Pets are affectionate animals. And those of us who adore animals eagerly welcome them into our homes. Although you may be willing to share most things with your dogs, you should keep your septic system private.

WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER FLUSH CAT LITTER OR POOP
Even though it seems a brilliant idea, you should not flush your cat's litter or excrement down the toilet. It may ruin your plumbing, block your pipes, and destroy your septic system. Your septic system is meant to treat only human waste and biodegradable tissue and relies on a delicate balance of bacteria. Flushing your cat's litter increases the solid waste burden in the septic tank's biological mix. This additional burden may not only disturb the tank's microbiological equilibrium but can also damage the ecosystem.

Toxoplasma, a parasite that may cause significant human health issues, can be found in cat excrement. Those with compromised immune systems and pregnant women are particularly at risk. Wastewater treatment systems are mainly intended to manage human waste and are not designed to handle Toxoplasma. Sadly, wastewater treatment systems do not eradicate this parasite before it is released into the environment and rivers. The harm may also spread into streams when new parasites are introduced, and Toxoplasma can impact fish, shellfish, otters, and other marine creatures, resulting in brain damage and even death.

Even if you remove the cat excrement from the litter, Elizabeth Drain Service advises against flushing it. Putting cat litter, even organic or all-natural kitty litter such as maize, pine, or wood chips, into the septic system over time unnecessarily strains the system. This might result in catastrophic septic system collapse. It is never a good idea to flush cat litter.

WHAT'S IN YOUR CAT LITTER?
Most cat litter is constructed of bentonite clay, which hardens when wet. As you add water, the mixture becomes cement-like. If you've ever waited too long to clean up the litter box, you know how fast the litter can clump and develop into a solid force that is tough to deal with. Consider the consequences if the trash freezes in your pipes: the treatment might be pricey. Depending on how clogged the lines are, they may need water jetting, or if entirely blocked, the only remedy may be to remove and replace the pipes.

Elizabeth Drain Service warns against flushing any unapproved material, even your cat's litter, down your drains since it may affect your septic system and marine life. Properly disposing of your cat's excrement is always a good idea. Leaving waste from cats or dogs in your yard may transmit illness. So, what should a pet owner do? The most straightforward approach to dispose of your dog's waste is to place it in a biodegradable bag and throw it away.

Not only do our dogs deserve our love and devotion, but so is your septic tank. Find out more about septic tank maintenance here. The experts at Elizabeth Drain Service have been taking care of septic systems. Contact us at 908-304-9983 or make an appointment online now.

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