Our septic systems are designed to handle human waste, dishwasher, shower, and washing machine effluent. And that’s it! Nevertheless, a certain amount of detergents, chemicals, fats, food, toilet paper, etc. will inevitably enter the system. These products do not breakdown readily and consequently, your system will eventually need to be pumped out. Keep in mind that 95 percent of any system’s performance depends on what is sent down the drain.