Beyond The Flush RSS

Should toilet paper go into an outhouse pit? Yes. Toilet paper is sanitary waste, adds carbon, and can support better breakdown in the pit.

More water does not mean a cleaner septic system. Adding extra water can create more wastewater, disturb the settling process inside the tank, and add stress to the drain field. One drop in means one drop out — so water use matters.

Lush green stripes on your leaching bed may look healthy, but they can be a warning sign. In this Septic Superstitions post, we explain why green stripes may be your septic system’s way of asking for help.

Renting out your cottage or cabin is a great way to share your slice of paradise — but your septic system has limits. Here’s what to do before the guests arrive.

Sawdust seems like a practical, natural addition to an outhouse, but it is not the best choice. The trouble is that it adds bulk to the pit and only temporarily covers smell at the surface without doing much to address the cause.