What Causes Grease In Septic Tank? (Best solution)

Fat, oil and grease are really bad for your plumbing and septic system. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) come from cooking oil, lard, meat fats, salad dressing, mayonnaise, gravy, margarine, butter, sour dressing, etc. If poured down the drain, FOG can accumulate in the plumbing and cause all manner of problems.

Fats, oils and grease can accumulate from obvious foods such as cooking grease, butter, margarine, meat scraps, cooking oil, etc., as well as less obvious things like salad dressings and tanning and bath oils. FOGs are hard for your septic system to break down; even worse, they can cause blockages in your plumbing and sewer line before even making it to the tank.

What causes grease buildup in septic tank?

Why Grease, Oil and Fat Buildups Occur in Septic Tanks and Sewer Lines. If they are not properly removed, usually by conducting a regularly scheduled cleaning, it can cause a thin layer of grease to form in the septic tank, grease trap, or sewer line.

How do you get rid of grease in a septic tank?

You can try boiling some water on the stove and pouring that in your drain to see if it dissolves the clog, but the best way to get rid of grease buildup on drains is to hire a plumber to blast it off with a powerful jet of water that scrubs the sides of the drain clean.

What eats grease in a septic tank?

Green Gobbler ENZYMES for Grease Trap & Sewer – Controls Foul Odors & Breaks Down Grease, Paper, Fat & Oil in Sewer Lines, Septic Tanks & Grease Traps (1 Gallon) Learn more about free returns.

How do you get rid of septic sludge?

How to Reduce Sludge in a Septic Tank Without Pumping

Install an aeration system with diffused air in your septic tank.
Break up any compacted sludge.

Add a bio-activator or microbe blend.
Maintain the aeration system.
Add additional Microbes as required.

Where is the grease trap on a septic tank?

So, if grease traps are vital for commercial establishments, what about grease traps for residential septic systems? Placed ahead of the kitchen sink(s) and in front of the septic tank, they could be effective at prolonging the life of households with septic systems that see high levels of FOG.

Will grease break down in septic system?

Septic systems are designed to break down tissue and waste and nothing else. This is primarily why Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG) should be kept out of the system. FOGs are usually not broken down by the bacteria in the septic tank but instead float to the top of the tank to form the scum layer.

Is baking soda and vinegar safe for septic systems?

Will baking soda hurt a septic system? Baking soda and other common household solutions such as vinegar are not harmful to your septic system. Harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can disrupt the good bacteria in your septic tank and should not be used as part of a septic treatment.

What enzymes break down grease?

Lipases break down fat molecules like oils and grease. Amylases break down starch molecules like eggs, sugars, sauces, ice cream, gravy.

Fat, oil and grease are really bad for your plumbing and septic system

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are derived from a variety of sources, including cooking oil, lard, beef fats, salad dressing, mayonnaise, gravy, margarine, butter, sour dressing, and other condiments. If FOG is dumped down the drain, it may build up in the pipes and create a variety of issues. As FOG accumulates in plumbing, it interferes with the flow of water through the system, which can result in the backup of untreated wastewater into the system. Manholes that are blocked with FOG have the potential to overflow onto yards, parks, storm drains, and roadways, resulting in the pollution of both surface and groundwater sources.

How FOG affects the septic system

Septic systems are intended to break down just tissue and waste; they are not intended to break down anything else. This is one of the primary reasons why fat, oil, and grease (FOG) should be kept out of the food supply chain. Most of the time, FOGs are not degraded by the bacteria in the septic tank, but rather float to the top of it and create the scum layer. The scum will climb to the outlet and begin to force some of the FOG out of the tank if the scum builds up too much in the tank. It is extremely damaging to the aerobic stage of wastewater treatment, which is found in the leach field, when it is present.

Scum is also associated with the gases that are discharged into the system, since some of the sludge particles may be transported up into the scum layer by the gas bubbles as they rise through the system.

Having airspace enables vegetative molds to speed the entrapment of rising sludge particles, resulting in the formation of a leathery scum layer that is difficult to remove by pumping.
The wastewater must be allowed to sit in the septic tank for a period of time in order for the suspended particles to settle into the sludge layer and the FOG to float in the scum layer.

However, if the scum layer becomes too thick, the amount of time that wastewater may be retained in the septic tank is significantly reduced.
As a result, if this wastewater ends up reaching the soil before it has been thoroughly cleaned, the pathogens contained within it may cause pollution.

Measuring the scum depth

In addition to breaking down tissue and waste, septic systems are also meant to break down other materials. Keeping fat, oil, and grease (FOG) out of the system is chiefly responsible for this. Most of the time, FOGs are not degraded by the bacteria in the septic tank, but rather float to the top of it and create the scum layer there. The scum will ascend to the outlet and begin to force some of the FOG out of the tank if the scum builds up too much and becomes too thick. It is extremely damaging to the aerobic stage of wastewater treatment, which is located in the leach field, when it is present.

A connection may be made between Scum and the gases that are discharged into the system because some of the sludge particles may be transported upward into the scum layer by the gas bubbles.
The presence of airspace stimulates vegetative molds to speed the entrapment of rising sludge particles, resulting in the formation of a leathery scum layer that is difficult to pump out of the system.
In order for the suspended particles to settle into the sludge layer and the FOG to float in the scum layer, the wastewater must be allowed to sit in the septic tank for some time.

However, if the scum layer becomes too thick, the amount of time that wastewater may be retained in the septic tank is drastically decreased.

Consequently, wastewater will be driven out of the tank before it has a chance to do so. As a result, if this wastewater ends up reaching the soil before it has been thoroughly treated, the pathogens that are there may cause pollution.

Grease traps

Restaurants generate a significant amount of grease in their kitchens, which can result in a significant number of clogs and other associated concerns. Thousands of dollars are spent yearly by restaurants and other food facilities to deal with plumbing difficulties that are directly connected to FOG, according to industry estimates. The installation of grease traps in all restaurants is mandated by the government as one of the techniques for combating this problem. Grease traps are designed to catch grease before it exits the kitchen and are often positioned directly below the sink in the kitchen or on the exterior of the kitchen.

In-kitchen passive grease trap

As wastewater from the kitchen passes through the unit, these interceptors capture the grease that rises to the top of a tiny baffled tank where it is collected. The grease that has accumulated in passive grease traps in the kitchen will have to be physically cleared from the area. As a result, they should be cleaned on a regular basis (daily or weekly depending on their size and amount of FOG generated). If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, FOG will build up in the traps and be driven into the septic system.

Pre-cast in-ground concrete grease traps

Pre-cast concrete grease traps function in the same way as in-kitchen interceptors, with the exception that they operate on a much larger scale. Pre-cast in-ground grease traps with capacities ranging from 750 to 2000 gallons are the most prevalent. As a result of their size, they are capable of withstanding more FOG, but this also means that they are more expensive to acquire and install. These grease traps are great for large restaurants and are often cleaned on a regular basis by grease pumping firms.

Automatic grease trap

The primary distinction between automated grease traps and the other two types of traps is that automatic grease traps are meant to automatically remove FOG on a timetable that is specified. Because of the automated cleaning mechanism, these traps are quite effective. They are successful at removing at least 98 percent of the FOG present in the wastewater. Because they have the characteristic of automatically eliminating FOG, they are often smaller in size and may thus be readily accommodated in the kitchen space available.

Conclusion

It is not recommended to dump oil or grease down the sink. When cleaning the dishes, scrape away any fat and oil from the plates before starting to wash them. Instead of putting cooled leftover fats down the drain, you may place them in a plastic container and keep them in the freezer until they are ready to be disposed of. Once the container is completely filled, close the lid and throw it away in the garbage.

Septic System Dangers: Grease Buildup – Septic Maxx

Grease and fat can easily cause your septic system to collapse if they are dumped into it in excess. Residential septic tanks are designed to handle both common sewage and domestic waste, which is why most people have them. The effectiveness of a residential septic system is dependent on a variety of factors, including the number of people living in the home, the amount of water consumed, and the kind of items that are flushed down the toilet. Grease and fat are among the chemicals that might cause problems for your septic system and should be avoided at all costs to avoid septic system failure.

In this case, there are three distinct layers: Sludge is a type of waste that has not yet been broken down and is found near the bottom of the water table.

The top layer of your septic system, also known as the scum layer, is where light particles and waste, such as oil and fat, enter your system.
Given that grease and fat have a tendency to thicken greatly over time, it is possible that the scum layer will be pushed into the liquid layer, causing the liquid layer to seep out of the septic system’s exit pipes.
How to remove oil and fat from a surface: If you notice that oil and fat have accumulated in your septic tank, you will need to get it cleaned out immediately.

Grease and fat may be removed from a septic system by pumping and disposal, but this should only be done by a professional septic tank servicing firm to ensure safety.

The removal of oil and fat from your septic system must be done as soon as possible; else, your septic pipes may have to be dug up and replaced.

Effects of Cooking Oils

Grease traps have long been used in restaurants and industrial kitchens to prevent sewer blockages caused by fats, oils, and grease (FOG). A buildup of FOG in pipes, sewage lines, septic tanks, and drainfields can result in blocked lines. Residents of residential properties should take note of this and never pour grease down the drain. Even though installing a grease trap in most Zimmerman MN homes is probably not a good idea, being cautious of what goes down the drain is a good idea. Septic professionals in Minnesota, such as CSI Custom Septic, Inc., have repaired septic systems that had been contaminated by enormous volumes of septic tank scum.

Grease Trap Installation

AN AGrease Trap is a plumbing device that intercepts grease and oils before they can enter the system and clog it. This particular form of plumbing receptacle has been in use since the 1800s, according to Wikipedia. The concept is rather straightforward. A drain box, which is positioned between the kitchen sink drain and the septic tank, is used to collect liquid fats such as bacon grease and cooking oils. As the temperature of the grease cools, the fats solidify and float to the top of the pan.

Using this method, the negative effects of FOG on municipal sewage systems and independent septic tanks and systems may be reduced significantly.

How Fat | Grease | Oil Damage Septic Tanks

Have you ever heard of the term aFatberg? When it comes to your septic system, oil grease is a major no-no, and you should avoid it at all costs. It is possible that when you pour grease down the drain, it will not only clog the pipes, but it will also have an influence on the chemical composition of the entire septic tank and system. Almost 50% of all sewer overflows are caused by a buildup of fats and oils in the sewer system. Everything that goes down a drain in your home will eventually end up in the septic tank, which is located underground.

Scum Layers are formed when fats, grease, oils, and other particles rise to the surface of the water.

A portion of the Liquid Effluent Layer accumulates in the middle layer before flowing out to the Drainfield.

Bacteria that live within the tank may not be able to keep up with the big fatberg that is growing at the top of the tank’s water column.

The expense of repairing or replacing a damaged drainage system can quickly add up. If you want to avoid serious damage to your septic system, it is preferable to just pour cooking fat into a container and toss it in the garbage instead of risking it.

MN Septic Professionals

It is not worth taking the chance of ending up with Blocked Drainfield. Call CSI Custom Septic, Inc. to set up an appointment with a Certified Septic Professional (CSI Septic, Inc. We provide high-quality septic services, such as inspections, repairs, and system replacement, among other things. Contact CSI Custom Septic, Inc. in Zimmerman, Minnesota, for a Free Estimate on Quality Septic Services by calling 763-218-4769.

Septic System Dangers: Grease and Fat

It is not worth taking the chance of having your drainfield blocked. CSI Custom Septic, Inc. may be reached to book an appointment with a Certified Septic Professional. In addition to inspections, repairs, and system replacements, we also provide septic tank cleaning services. For a Free Estimate on Quality Septic Services in Zimmerman, MN, call CSI Custom Septic, Inc. at 763-218-4769 or visit their website.

Grain buildup in your home’s pipes is similar to the health concerns about oil and fat in the human body. Grain may solidify inside of your home’s pipes, causing a blockage even before it reaches the septic system. This is similar to what happens when you have an obstruction in your heart: the grease makes it more difficult for the water to flow out of your home and into your domestic septic system. Despite the fact that a clog in this location will not cause harm to the septic tank at this time, it will cause the pipes to backup on a regular basis. In the event that you make extensive use of grease and oil in your house, you should consider installing a grease trap to capture some of the grease before it reaches your pipes or septic system. Solids are not properly broken down, and they are not eliminated from the tank and into the leach field as is required by design. But, a modest amount of grease, oil, or fat will not hinder the natural breakdown process inside the home septic system

However, an excessive amount might create a great deal of trouble. Solids from other sources in the tank, such as normal household trash and toilet paper, can form bonds with the grease and fat, making it more difficult for it to breakdown and biodegrade. A hard shell of grease can form in a tank, preventing wastewater and other elements contained within the tank from being able to escape the system effectively.

Maintaining Your Residential Septic System is Important. To avoid problems with grease and fat, as well as other problems that can lead to septic system failure, it is important to get your system tested on a regular basis. A preventative maintenance program administered by a competent septic system repair and inspection firm is essential to ensuring that the system operates correctly. In addition to Massachusetts Title V inspections and Rhode Island Town inspections, All-Clear SepticWastewater provides preventive maintenance program services, repairs, assessments, and more to clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

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Tips on How to Avoid Sewer Clogs from Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)

FOG is a term that refers to fats, oils, and grease that enter the sewage system when they are thrown down drains in homes, apartments, restaurants, businesses, and public buildings. FOG is typically present in the following foods as a result of cooking:

Pastries
Butter, lard, shortening

Cooking oil, fat and oil from roasted meats
Food waste Gravy
sMayonnaise

Dressings for salads, sauces, and sour cream

Why is FOG a problem?

Sewer overflows on your property might occur as a result of a blockage. It happens much too often that fats, oils, and grease are inappropriately disposed of during the preparation of meals and the cleanup of the kitchen. When poured down the drain (sink or floor), FOG can accumulate and cause sanitary sewage systems to get clogged. Because of this buildup, not only does the wastewater collecting system’s capacity decrease, but it also has an adverse influence on its efficacy. In extreme circumstances, a blockage might result in the following symptoms:

Flooding into houses and businesses

Sewer overflowing onto roads and property, eventually flowing into local waterways, contaminating them
Sewage backups into homes and businesses

How can you help?

The most straightforward solution to the grease problem, as well as the most effective strategy to help avoid raw sewage overflows, is to keep grease out of the sewer system. It is simple to reduce the amount of FOG produced at home by education and the adoption of specific practices. It is largely through pre-rinsing dishes and cleaning pots and pans that fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is generated in the kitchen. FOG accumulation occurs when cooked FOG is allowed to drain into the wastewater system and cools in the system, causing it to cool and adhere to the pipes.

FOG accumulation also raises the expense of operating Sussex County wastewater treatment facilities, which has an impact on rates. It can also cause public health issues by contaminating drinking water supplies. Tips for keeping your drains clean of fat include:

To alleviate the grease problem and to help avoid overflows of raw sewage, the most straightforward solution is to keep grease out of the sewer system. At home, it is simple to reduce the amount of FOG produced by knowledge and the adoption of particular practices. It is largely through pre-rinsing dishes or cleaning pots and pans that fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is produced in the kitchen. FOG accumulation occurs when cooked FOG is allowed to go down the drain, where it cools in the wastewater system and adheres to the pipes. Clogs and backups in homes and businesses, as well as wastewater overflows and spills onto private property, public roadways, and local surface waterways, are all caused by the building of sediment. FOG accumulation also raises the expense of operating Sussex County wastewater treatment facilities, which has an impact on rates. It may also cause public health issues by contaminating drinking water sources. Keep your drains fat-free by following these suggestions:

The most effective technique to deal with grease and fats is to scrape them off or pour them into containers, then dispose of them using the garbage disposal system (if available). Fats and grease should never be flushed down the sink drain or flushed down the toilet. An ongoing nationwide effort titled “Can the Grease” is being carried out across the United States to urge people to dispose of FOG in the right manner. Grease traps or interceptors are needed in all commercial kitchens, including restaurants and other commercial kitchens.

Please get in touch with us if you require any other information.

What is a grease trap or grease interceptor and how does it work?

Traps and interceptors designed to prevent fat, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering building and public sewage lines are called grease traps and interceptors. It is up to you whether you want them inside or outside your kitchen, depending on the use. In general, they are designed to hold FOG-laden discharge for an extended period of time, allowing the grease in the water to cool, harden, and separate from the remaining waste. Once the grease has separated, it may be disposed of in the appropriate manner.

Do I need to have a grease trap or interceptor at my restaurant or food service establishment?

The use of grease traps and interceptors is intended to prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering building and public sewage systems. Depending on the use, they may be installed either inside or outside of your home. In general, they are designed to hold FOG-laden discharge for an extended period of time, allowing the grease in the water to cool, harden, and separate from the residual waste. Afterwards, the grease may be disposed of in the right manner. Grease Interceptor Grease Trap Grease Interceptor Grease Trap

How much does a grease trap or interceptor cost and who do I call to get one installed?

They can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the size and use. For pricing information, please contact a licensed plumber in the area.

Who determines if I need a grease trap or interceptor?

It is quite likely that you will require the installation of a grease trap or interceptor in your food service facility if it handles food and washes dishes. The decision will be based on the type of usage and will be reached after consultation with the engineer and county officials.

Who is responsible for installing a grease interceptor?

Everything from a coffee shop that serves milk and other dairy items to a restaurant where deep-fried dishes are prepared is likely to emit FOG. The installation of a device to prevent FOG from entering their side sewer and the public sewage line is the responsibility of all food service companies.

What if I don’t install a grease trap or interceptor?

It is possible that your restaurant will experience a maintenance issue such as a clog in the building sewage line if it handles any food that contains fat, oil, or grease. Because of the obstruction, a sewage backup scenario might occur, resulting in an increased risk of health problems for the establishment. If the fault is with the building’s sewage line, the establishment is directly liable for any cleanup expenditures and property damage that result from the problem. Additionally, an establishment may be obliged to lock its doors until an inspector certifies that all health concerns have been rectified.

Additionally, the establishment will be required to install a grease trap or interceptor, or to upgrade an existing device, in order to intercept food and FOG emissions.

How often should I clean my grease trap/grease interceptor?

A grease trap or interceptor should be maintained on a regular basis in order to comply with the 25 percent Rule, which states that no more than 25 percent of the trap or interceptor’s volume should be accumulated with food and FOG. Food and FOG that collect in the trap or interceptor at a rate more than 25 percent increase the likelihood of that device failing and releasing food and FOG into your building sewage and the public sewer system, which is a health hazard. In the case of equipment that are designed to retain more than 25 percent fog, there will be an exception to the 25 percent Rule, which will be included in the manufacturer’s specification.

Some organizations will require more frequent cleaning of their traps or interceptors compared to others.

How do I clean and maintain my grease trap/grease interceptor?

Maintenance on grease traps is often carried out by maintenance personnel or other workers of the facility in question. GI maintenance, which is typically conducted by approved haulers or recyclers, consists of extracting the full volume (including liquids and solids) from the GI and properly disposing of the waste in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and/or municipal rules, regulations, and ordinances. Grease interceptor and trap maintenance, when carried out correctly and on a regular basis, may significantly minimize the amount of FOG that is discharged into the wastewater collection system.

When best management practices are implemented, an institution will often see a reduction in the frequency with which grease interceptors and traps must be maintained, resulting in financial savings.

Additional information:

Frequently Asked Questions concerning the Discharge of Fats Prohibitions under the Federal Oil and Gas Act The Operation of a Grease Trap What a Grease Interceptor Is and How It Works Maintenance of the Grease Trap and Interceptor

Enzymes help cut through fats, oils and greases in septic tank, drain line and sewer applications

Bio – Products, PackagingMarketing ExpertsAll Rights Reserved – Lenzyme – 2010 – 2020Fats, oils and greases, collectively they are called FOG. To wastewater treatment professionals, they usually mean trouble. There are many misconceptions in the marketplace about methods and products for dealing with FOG. A better understanding of biological treatment versus chemical treatment can help you make wise decisions on behalf of your customers and your business. The main reason FOG is troublesome is that it is not water-soluble, it eventually separates from water. Grease is lighter than water, so it floats to the top. If not treated, grease molecules combine to form a hard grease layer. Or, worse yet, the grease combines with other materials such as soap residue, paper, and solids. When this happens in a septic tank, a very hard crust can form on the surface of the water in the tank. If left untreated it could flow out to the drainfield and cause drainfield backups. In a plumbing system, grease traps, drain lines, and sewers can become clogged. Usually, an overload of FOG is what causes stoppages in flow.Understanding Enzymes:Enzymes are one kind of remedy for FOG problems. An enzyme is a catalyst (something that makes a chemical reaction go faster). They are not living cells like bacteria. Instead, they are a special kind of protein, and in a way, they behave like energy. Consider a cornfield. As corn grows into a mature plant, it produces corn oil and sugars. It does this by taking carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil, then putting them together with the help of the sun’s energy, in a complex process called photosynthesis. The sugars and oil become food products, which people consume almost daily. Eventually, the materials end up in the septic tank. How does nature convert the sugar and oil back into carbon dioxide and water? With enzymes. The reverse biological process happens with the enzymes providing impetus. Enzymes are not consumed in chemical reactions, they simply help the reactions along. For example, the starch digesting enzyme amylase, from barley malt, is used in the fermentation of beer. The fermentation process lasts for days, and the enzyme is active throughout. At the same time, an enzyme is slowly depleted as the reactions proceed, just as a battery in a flashlight wears down each time the switch is turned on. Batteries come in many sizes and strengths, and the same is true of enzymes. Some last just minutes, some last for days.Enzymes help cut through fats, oils and greases in septic tank, drain line and sewer applicationsBy Glenn GajeskiPublished in the “Pumper Magazine” – AprilBut as the temperature falls farther down the line, the grease molecules come back together. The grease has not been reduced only repositioned. Many things can cause grease to break apart. Chemical drain openers cause reactions that can increase the temperature. Other chemicals, called solvents and surfactants, can actually dissolve grease molecules. But once these chemicals wear off, or the temperature drops, the grease molecules combine again.The Anatomy of Grease:Enzymes can work effectively on grease. To see how, it helps to understand how grease molecules are put together. Fats, oils, and grease are in the group of chemical substances called lipids or triglycerides.They are composed of three parts fatty acid to one part glycerol. Of course molecules are tiny, one triglyceride molecule does not do much on its own. One fan sitting in Lambeau Field (home of the Green Bay Packers) would look inconsequential. But add 75,000 fans doing “the wave,” and you have what seems like one big living object. So it is with triglycerides. Once they begin to attach to each other, they can become a big grease clog. Service professionals report finding grease chunks the size of boulders in some larger grease traps. Fat molecules keep attaching to each other until something disrupts the process. For example, if hot water is poured on a chunk of grease in a drain, some of the outer molecules will dissolve off and become free-flowing again.Therefore, some of the grease is actually eliminated. How much depends on many factors, pH, temperature, and how long the process goes on. Even if bacteria do not completely consume the fatty acids and glycerides, they will not reform into grease molecules or grease clogs. This is the biggest misconception about enzymes. Many claim that the grease is just pushed further down the line to form a problem elsewhere. Although this may be true with some cleaning methods and chemicals, it is not true of enzyme and bacteria treatments. Once the enzyme lipase has destroyed the connections, the grease will not form again down the line. In fact, the enzymes help the wastewater treatment process by starting biological treatment far upstream. The uneaten fatty acids and glycerides will remain water-soluble and will flow with the wastewater to the final treatment location. This is not to say that enzymes are a cure-all. For example, some wastewater treatment plants cannot handle high loads of water-soluble fatty acids and glycerides. But most treatment plants would rather have those substances than untreated FOG. This bioremediation process using enzymes and bacteria is done everyday by huge municipal wastewater treatment plants all over the world.How Enzymes Attack:Enzymes attack grease in a much different way. The enzyme lipase actually attacks the grease molecule and destroys the connections between its components. The lipase enzyme breaks the molecules into the three fatty acid units and the one glyceride unit. These have no way of connecting with other grease molecules to form hard grease deposits. At this point, the bacteria present will start to feed on the fatty acids and the glycerides, converting them back to their basic components of carbon dioxide and water.The broken up fats in the water are able to bypass the grease trap, move downstream, and cause grease blockages. Solvents and surfactants are not the same as enzymes they only change how the grease looks and feels. Enzymes actually change the character of the grease into water-soluble components, which will never reform as grease anywhere downstream. Surfactants can be beneficial in that they help enzymes work. Enzymes and bacteria only work on the surface of a substance. When a surfactant is used, more surface area is exposed. A surfactant will turn a chunk of grease floating in water into many droplets. This gives the enzymes and bacteria more surface area to attack and digest the grease.Solvents and Surfactants:The way enzymes work is far different from the way solvents and surfactants work on grease. In simple terms, a solvent turns hard grease into a liquid state without changing its actual character. It does this by temporarily breaking the bonds of molecules (not the fatty acid and glycerides of the molecules) so they dissolve in water. The water then carries the grease downstream until the solvent wears off, at which point the grease reforms. Surfactants (short for “surface active agents”) emulsify two substances together so that they look like one.When a surfactant is used on grease in water, it does not break the fat molecules into pieces but instead separates them from each other so that they mix with the water. The best example of this is the Dawn dish soap commercial that starts by showing a thin layer of grease on top of dishwater. When a drop or two of the detergent is added, the grease magically “disappears.” The dish soap is a surfactant. What you don’t see is that the grease layer returns when the surfactant wears off. Wondering what they use to clean waterfowl that have been caught up in oil spills? You guessed it soaps and strong surfactants. One reason restaurants have trouble with grease in their drain lines is because their dish and laundry cleaners are high in surfactants.Choose the Right Tool: There are many methods and many products for dealing with FOG. Each used in the right conditions can do the job correctly. Most wastewater treatment plants use some form of biological treatment to clean the water of organic material, including FOG. Biological treatment involves both enzymes and bacteria. Enzymes help provide the bacteria with food. Although enzymes are not magic, they are biological facts of nature that can be valuable allies in the war against grease.

What will dissolve grease in a septic tank?

The Best Way to Remove Grease from a Septic Tank

Cleaning Grease From a Septic Tank (with Pictures)

The use of concentrated liquid bacterial enzymes breaks down grease, paper, and fat oil in drain lines (septic tanks), grease traps (RV boat tanks), and sewer lines (drain lines). More! Controls the odors from the sewer! Second, what is the source of the grease accumulation in the septic tank? If this layer grows too thick, the wastewater will not be able to drain from the septic tank and proceed on to the leach field for the final step of processing before being released back into the environment.

Similarly, the question is raised as to whether grease is harmful to septic systems.

It will not decompose in the same manner that water and garbage will.

Backing up of your septic system due to clogged pipes can cause major harm to your system and warrants immediate attention. What may be used to dissolve grease in a drain? Make use of a pipe cleaner or a snake to clean your pipes.

Combine one pound of powder detergent and three gallons of boiling water in a large mixing bowl. Keeping the container close to the drain and pouring carefully will help to avoid scorching your hands
Drain openers made from baking soda and vinegar are also helpful. If you have a grease blockage, you may also use salt and baking soda to dissolve it.

3 Tips for Preventing Clogs in Your Sewer Line and Septic System

A clogged drain will inevitably occur from time to time, especially if you have children who aren’t careful about what they pour down the sink or flush down the toilet. When you see that your septic system is clogging up on a regular basis, it’s time to examine your septic system’s maintenance procedures to determine what is causing the problem. Clogged drains and sewage backups may be prevented by performing frequent tank cleaning and performing proper maintenance on your equipment and systems.

Put Only Toilet Paper in the Toilet

Toilet paper disintegrates far more quickly than other types of paper goods. Some varieties of paper towels are so strong that they are virtually as strong as cloth in some situations. They take a long time to disintegrate, and during that time, the paper continues to accumulate, eventually causing a blockage. If you flush paper towels or wet wipes down the toilet on a regular basis, your sewage drain is at greater risk of clogging, especially if there are any roots in the line that might trap the paper.

The accumulation of waste causes you to empty the tank more frequently than you would if you disposed of face tissues, wet wipes, and paper towels in the garbage rather than in the toilet.

Keep Grease out of the Sink Drain

Grease is detrimental to the health of your drains and septic tank. When grease is warm, it seems to be a liquid, but as soon as it is allowed to cool and solidify in your drain, it becomes sticky and difficult to remove. As it clings to the edges of your drain, it collects additional material that floats by, eventually causing a blockage. It’s rare that hot water from the faucet is sufficient to melt and harm an obstruction made of oil and fat. It’s possible to try boiling some water on the stove and pouring it down your drain to see if that helps to dissolve the clog, but the most effective way to remove grease buildup from drains is to hire a plumber who will blast it away with a powerful jet of water that scrubs the sides of the drain completely clean.

Grease floats in the tank, and when a large amount of grease accumulates, it can pour into the drain field, blocking the pipes and causing damage that could be costly to fix in the future.

Call for Help When Your Drains Become Slow

The first sign of a blockage in the sewage line or a full tank is when the drains in your home take an unusually long time to empty themselves. Calling professional drain cleaning or tank pumping as soon as you observe sluggish drains is preferable to waiting for more significant problems to manifest themselves. If only the kitchen sink is sluggish, it is possible that the cause is a blockage in the sink drainage system. When all of the drains and the toilet are running slowly, this is an indication of a sewer blockage that must be addressed immediately.

Having a problem with roots will necessitate the need to have the drain snaked out every time they reappear, otherwise the roots might cause the pipe to burst.

A plumber can check the level of sludge in the tank to determine whether or not the tank needs to be pumped.

In most cases, tree roots can be removed with a sewer snake, but in certain cases, a strong hydro-jet is required to completely clear the line of debris.

Gurney J. Bush can provide professional examination of any drain blockage, sluggish drains, or overflowing septic tank, as well as timely treatment to restore your drains to working order. Call now to schedule an appointment.

Septic System Wreckers: Grease and Fat

Posted onSeptic systems are designed to break down waste and toilet paper, and not much else, according to the manufacturer. Fats, oils, and grease (also known as FOGs) should not be flushed down the toilet or down the sink since septic systems are not intended to break down these substances.

FOGs cause plumbing and septic problems

It is possible for fats, oils, and grease to collect in the body from both visible sources such as cooking grease, butter, margarine, meat scraps, cooking oil, and so on as well as less obvious sources such as salad dressings, tanning oils, and bath oil. For one thing, FOGs are difficult for your septic system to break down; even worse, they can cause obstructions in your plumbing and sewage line before they reach the tank. Allowing these objects to enter your system may cause your system to lose its “life.”

Routine pumpings prevent FOG buildup

Pumping the septic tank on a regular basis may assist to keep FOG from building to a dangerously high concentration. It is possible that infrequent pumping will result in an excessive build-up of FOG in your septic tank, making a pumping operation more time-consuming and expensive, or in solidified FOG, which clumps together and cannot be readily removed from the septic tank. If you take a peek at the top of this page, you’ll see that the hardened oil is something we extracted from a septic tank.

The best preventive is being careful

The use of pumpings can help to minimize FOG development, but the most effective approach to avoid it is to avoid dumping certain objects down your drains in the first place.

Cooking oil should be poured into a garbage receptacle and thrown away. Before cleaning, use a paper towel to wipe away any grease from cookware and dishes. Bath oils should be used cautiously. Before showering, remove any remaining tanning oils with a towel.

We are septic experts

No matter if you’re experiencing septic issues as a result of FOG or simply want a routine cleaning, Van Delden is here to assist you. For more than 80 years, we have been constructing and maintaining septic systems. We provide skilled, comprehensive servicing for both traditional and Clearstream aerobic septic systems. Call us now at 830.249.4000 (Boerne) or 210.698.2000 (San Antonio) to schedule an appointment, or fill out our online form to do so. Over the course of 80 years, Van Delden Wastewater Systems has proven itself to be the premier Wastewater System provider, supplying San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country with services you can rely on today and in the future.

How to Prevent Grease Disasters Down the Drain

When bacon is sizzling away on the stove, there’s nothing more wonderful than the fragrance. It’s time to clean up after yourself after you’ve had a few (or eight) slices of pizza. You’re left scratching your head, trying to figure out what to do with the sticky, oily remnants in the pan. If you turn on the water, you could find yourself seeing the two liquids swirl together down the drain and into the unknown abyss of Sewer-World. But have you ever pondered what goes on down there in the background?

However, that momentary reprieve will soon turn into a terrifying reality down the line.

Anyone who has ever had a clogged drain at home knows how much of a nightmare it can be.

Septic tank cleaning services in Poughkeepsie, New York, will assist you in resolving any septic-related issues you may be experiencing.

Grease isn’t limited to the drippings from the bacon at breakfast any longer. It can also contain dairy products, meat fats, sauces, and food wastes, as well as butter, margarine, lard, shortening, cooking oils, and lard. All of these are things that should never be flushed down the toilet.

The science of the sink

When you pour heated oil down the drain, the grease sticks to the inside of the pipes and prevents them from flowing freely. The default idea is that pouring hot water down the drain while scrubbing the grease out of the drain would cure the problem. This, on the other hand, is a counter-productive strategy. What occurs is that the pipes and grease ultimately cool down to a safe temperature. In the end, this will cause the grease to adhere to the surfaces of the pipe’s walls. Although it may take some time, they will eventually accumulate and completely clog the pipe.

That is unquestionably a tragedy that no one wants to be involved in.

In recent investigations, it has been determined that this is the root cause of 47 percent of the over 36,000 sewage overflows that occur in the United States each year.

It is the collection of oil and grease in the pipes over a lengthy period of time that may cause difficulties.

How to properly get rid of grease

The most important factor in preventing pipe-related problems is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. In addition to prevention, there are various approaches that may be used to appropriately stop the building of waste. An efficient preventative maintenance technique involves pouring one quart of boiling water down the drain on a regular basis. In this way, the grease is liquefied and pushed even deeper down the pipes. By including baking soda and vinegar, you can aid in the breakdown of lipids (and also makes it smell better).

Allow the oil to cool in the pan before using.
Now is the time to scoop the hardened fragments into a garbage bag and throw them away.
Using this method, you may wash the pan quickly and without worrying about blocking the drain with remaining fat.

Store it in the freezer or refrigerator until it solidifies, and then discard it in the garbage once it has hardened.

Damage Control

Another reason we’re causing damage to our drains on a regular basis is that the vast majority of us use soaps that are based on animal or vegetable fats. The use of this type of soap might lead to the clogging of drains. There are, however, fat-free soaps available for purchase, which are typically found at natural health food stores. It’s tempting to let a little bit of oil drip down the drain every now and again, just to be safe. Keep in mind that, despite the fact that it may seem like a small quantity, those little flecks of oil will soon build up to a large amount.

Call Jones Septic Services at (845) 452-1123 immediately if you need assistance with any of your septic system issues. Our 24-hour service, fair pricing, and experienced personnel set us apart as the best in upstate New York and the surrounding areas.

No Such Thing as “Good” Grease for Your Septic System

Pouring down the drain meat drippings, butter, and other oils that congeal at room temperature is not a good idea, as most septic system owners are well aware. The fact that these FOGs (fats, oils, grease) might cause horrific jams in their pipes is enough to convince them that they should avoid using them in their septic system in the first place. However, what most septic system owners are unaware of is that all greases, even those that remain liquid even when temperatures fall below the freezing point of water, can cause serious damage to their septic systems.

Differences in Types of Grease

Generally speaking, the greases found in our houses may be divided into two categories: solidifying greases and liquid greases. As you may undoubtedly predict, solidifying greases solidify when exposed to room temperature or cooler temperatures. These include butter, extra-virgin olive oil, shortening, non-fractionated coconut oil, and other similar products. Even at extremely low temperatures, liquid grease retains its liquid state. Plant oils, fractionated coconut oil, and baby oil are just a few of the more prevalent types of oils available.

Solidifying Greases

Solidifying greases are those that solidify (or become semi-solid) at temperatures ranging from room temperature (76 degrees) to below the freezing point of water (32 degrees). People are aware of the possible plumbing disasters that might occur as a result of dumping hardening greases down the sink or down the toilet. Butter, hamburger grease (and any other type of meat grease), and other fats are well-known for causing difficulties with our plumbing systems. These greases may produce unsightly blockages in the pipes beneath your sink, as well as in pipes that are much deeper in your home’s plumbing, such as those that go to your septic tank.

There are many septic system owners who are under the impression that flushing hot water down the drain with these greases would avoid these difficulties.

You will eventually find yourself dealing with a major plumbing and/or septic problem.

Liquid Greases

Liquid greases are those that retain their liquid state even when temperatures below the freezing point of water are reached. Despite the fact that they do not solidify until in extremely cold conditions, most homeowners feel that dumping them down the drain is OK. These liquid greases, even though they may not form obstructions, can cause severe difficulties for your septic system. Sludge, scum, and effluent are the three distinct layers of wastewater that collect in your septic tank: sludge, scum, and effluent.

A layer of “scum” floats on the surface of the water and is composed of all of the substances that don’t sink, such as fats, oils, and greases, and accumulates at the top (FOGs).

Using the intake baffle, wastewater from your residence is sent to the tank for treatment.

While there is normally an effluent filter on the outflow baffle, the higher the concentration of FOGs in a septic tank, the greater the probability that these or other solids may make their way out into the drainfield.

As a result, any grease, whether solidified or liquid, will contribute to the FOGs present in your tank, making it critical to safeguard your septic system by reducing the quantity of FOGs that enter your tank.

Unexpected Sources of Grease

One of the most important aspects of keeping grease out of your septic system is understanding how the grease gets into your system in the first place. The obvious source of FOGs is pouring frying fat directly down the drain, but there are other less visible sources that can add considerably to the layer of FOGs in your septic system.

Garbage Disposals

When it comes to FOGs, the majority of individuals are already familiar with the most prevalent sources that can be found in the kitchen. When we cook with oil, we know that cleaning will entail some method of removing the grease from the food. The garbage disposal, on the other hand, is one of the most unexpected producers of FOGs in the kitchen. We have a natural tendency to clean up after a meal by scraping our plates and dishes into the sink and turning on the garbage disposal, which somehow manages to transport the debris away.

This is one of the primary reasons we advise against the use of a garbage disposal in a home that is connected to a septic system.

Toiletries

Despite the fact that moisturizing toiletries are quite beneficial to skin health, they are an unanticipated source of grease. It should come as no surprise that these cosmetics include FOGs, given their descriptive names such as bodybutter, oil, and cream. However, the majority of septic system owners are completely unaware of the possible greases included in their bath products. Although these products, particularly when used in the bath or shower, deposit significantly less moisturizer oil onto your skin than they do down the drain and into your septic system, they are still environmentally friendly.

Coconut oil, which is used in many popular bath products such as bath bombs, body butters, and moisturizing creams, solidifies almost immediately after leaving the tub.

Keeping FOGs Out of Your Septic System

Recognizing the risks associated with flushing grease, in any form, down the drain, is the first step in keeping FOGs from entering your septic system. Being conscious will assist you in being careful of where your grease is going. FOGs in the kitchen are among the most straightforward to prevent. Cooking grease should be drained into a disposable container (glass jars or aluminum cans work well) before being disposed of in the trash. Food scraps should be disposed of in the garbage or compost bin (as appropriate) and dishes should be wiped off with a paper towel to reduce the amount of grease that enters your septic system.

Check the labels of your favorite body washes to see what they include.

These high-oil products (coconut oil, shea butter, and so on) may contribute to the buildup of FOGs in your septic tank and may cause blockages in your pipes (particularly if they are combined with hair). Instead of moisturizing body washes or hand soaps, use body and hand lotions to your skin.

Keep Your Septic FOGs in Check with Routine Service Visits

Educating yourself on the dangers of flushing grease down the drain in any form is the first step in keeping FOGs out of your septic system. When you are conscious of your surroundings, you might be more cautious of where your grease travels. Some of the most difficult FOGs to avoid are those in the kitchen. Cooking grease should be drained into a disposable container—glass jars or aluminum cans work well—before being disposed of in the trash. Food scraps should be disposed of in the garbage or compost bin (as appropriate), and dishes should be wiped down with a paper towel to reduce the amount of grease that gets into your septic system.

Examine the labels of your favorite body washes to see what components are included.

Instead of moisturizing body washes and hand soaps, apply body and hand lotion.

Fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) can be disposed of in your household. Are Bath Bombs Safe to Use in Septic Tanks? Your Septic System and Garbage Disposal Systems