Every superhero has a weakness. For us at PumperJack, it’s not an arch-nemesis with a flashy costume, it’s what people put down their drains.
We fight the good fight every day, keeping septic systems running strong across the Finger Lakes. But even the best systems can get taken down by a few familiar villains. Here’s what you should never flush or pour, and why they’re our version of Kryptonite.
❌ Wipes (Even the “Flushable” Kind)
They might say “flushable” on the label, but don’t let that fool you. These wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They clump, clog, and jam up pumps, causing backups and expensive repairs. To us, they’re like a brick wall in the pipe.
❌ Grease and Cooking Oil
When grease cools, it hardens. Inside your septic system, that means serious blockages. Over time, it builds up in the tank, shortening the time between pumps and stressing your system out. Grease might seem harmless when hot, but it sabotages in slow motion.
❌ Medications
Flushing expired or unused meds can contaminate your leach field and groundwater. Septic tanks aren’t equipped to break down complex pharmaceuticals. Keep it clean — dispose of meds through safe collection programs, not your toilet.
❌ Harsh Cleaners & Chemicals
Bleach and industrial-strength drain cleaners kill the good bacteria your septic system needs to break down waste. Without those microbes, your tank turns from a biological engine into a dead pit of sludge.
❌ Feminine Products, Dental Floss, Cotton Swabs
These small but mighty foes tangle, block, and cause issues deep in your system. If it doesn’t break down like TP, it doesn’t belong.
💡 A Good Rule of Thumb:
👉 If it’s not pee, poop, or toilet paper… don’t flush it! 🚽
👉 If it’s not water or septic-safe, don’t pour it. 🫗
At PumperJack, We’ve Seen It All
And we’ve pumped it all. But we’d rather help you prevent problems than clean up disasters. Keeping your system running smooth is a partnership and that starts with knowing what not to flush.
We may not wear capes, but we do keep your tanks healthy, your homes clean, and your systems working like they should.
Need us to check on your system? Have a question about what’s safe?
📞Give PumperJack a call. We’re not afraid of a little grime, just don’t feed us wipes.
