How To Clean Pipes In Your Sink With A Septic Tank?

Bring a pot of hot water just to the boiling point and then pour it down the clogged drain. The hot water will help to loosen any grease or soap causing the clog, while the rush of water can help to loosen hair clogs. If hot water does not work, the next method you can try is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

  • You can mix 1/2 a cup of baking soda with vinegar and 4 table spoons of lemon. The solution will fizz once the baking soda comes in contact with the vinegar. This mixture will dissolve the clog in the pipes and allow the drains to move freely into the septic tank. Another way is to use enzyme drain cleaners.

How do you clean a septic sink?

Lots and lots of bubbles that have the power to loosen and clear away most clogs. Pour half a box (or about 1 cup) of baking soda followed by a half cup of white vinegar down the affected drain. Stop up the drain and wait half an hour before flushing with hot (or boiling) water.

How do I clean the pipes in my house with a septic tank?

Simple Cleaning Agent — White vinegar is a better option, providing a natural cleaning agent that can help keep septic drains free from mold growth and odor. It is recommended that you pour one cup of vinegar down the drains weekly and let it soak for about a half hour, then flush it through the system with water.

Can Drano be used with a septic tank?

Will Drano® products harm my septic system? No, all Drano® products are septic safe drain cleaners and will not upset the bacterial action in septic systems. Use Drano® Max Build-Up Remover on a monthly basis to replenish the bacteria in the septic system that help break down toilet paper and organic matter in pipes.

How do you unclog a septic drain pipe?

Sprinkle the drain with baking soda, then dump vinegar into the pipe. Leave the mixture to sit in the pipe for an hour or two. Finally, flush the drain with hot water. If the clog is small, this could be enough to clear the pipe.

Is baking soda and vinegar OK for septic tank?

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 drain cleaner is safe for septic tanks?

All Drano products are septic safe, and Drano Max Build-Up Remover is designed to be used on a monthly basis to replenish your septic system’s bacteria. Like septic safe Drano products, all Liquid Plumr products are safe for use with septic systems and will not upset the balance of bacteria in your tank.

What is the best sewer line cleaner?

Best Overall: Drano Max Gel Clog Remover This commonly recognized product is popular for good reason—it’s a great all-around drain opener that’s effective and affordable, to boot. Drano Max Gel Clog Remover comes in 80-ounce bottles, and it’s safe to use on PVC, metal pipes, garbage disposals, and septic systems.

How do I know if my septic line is clogged?

Signs of Septic System Clogging: Water and sewage from toilets, drains and sinks backing up into your home. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining slowly. Gurgling sounds present in the plumbing system. Bad odors coming from the septic tank or drain field.

What do plumbers use to clean pipes?

Drain Augers or Snakes The standard drain cleaner tool plumbers use to demolish obstructions in pipes is a motorized drain auger, also known as a drain snake. An auger consists of a long, flexible coil of metal that works similar to a corkscrew. The end of the auger goes down the drain until it reaches the clog.

How many loads of laundry a day are safe to do with a septic tank?

Spread Out Laundry Loads These use less water which puts less stress on your septic system. Regardless of the type of appliance you have, you should still spread out your loads. Instead of doing several loads in one day, consider doing 1 load per day or space out 2 loads if you must do more in a single day.

Is it safe to pour boiling water down the drain?

Do NOT pour boiling water down your sink or toilet. This can melt PVC piping and pipe seals, causing serious damage.

Is Liquid Plumr safe for septic systems?

Yes. It’s safe to use Liquid-Plumr® products if you have a septic system. The ingredients degrade rapidly and will not harm the bacteria in your tank.

How do you get roots out of septic lines?

Flush 2 pounds of granular copper sulfate down the toilet for every 300 gallons of water that the septic tank holds. Copper sulfate kills and dissolves tree roots as they absorb the tank’s water. After entering a tank, the majority of copper sulfate settles in tank, and little passes into the leach bed line.

Septic-Safe Methods for Unclogging a Drain

A clogged drain is a source of frustration for any homeowner, but when a clogged drain occurs in a home with a septic system, one of the most pressing concerns is how to clear the drain without causing damage to the septic system itself. Many homeowners’ first instinct is to grab for a chemical drain cleaner, but if you have a septic system, these harsh chemicals should be the very last thing you use to unclog a drain to avoid damaging it. Drain unclogging procedures that are safe for septic systems are discussed in this section.

Why Chemical Drain Cleaners are Bad for Septic Systems

Despite the fact that chemical drain cleaners are appealing, they are a poor choice for unclogging clogged drains in houses that have septic systems, according to the American Chemical Society. The principle behind chemical drain cleaners is straightforward: send harsh chemicals down the drain, and the clog will be eaten away by the chemicals until it is tiny enough to flow through the pipes. The chemicals are physically melting the blockage away from the pipes. Chemical drain cleaners are among the household cleaners that are prohibited from being used with septic systems due to the presence of sodium hydroxide, sometimes known as lye, in one of its essential constituents.

All of these chemicals are not only detrimental to the bacterial environment of the septic system, but they are also very corrosive and will eat away at the tank’s structural integrity as well.

Septic-Safe Method1: Unclogging a Drain with Boiling Water

Sometimes the most straightforward option is the most effective. Small blockages in pipes may frequently be cleaned by gently pouring boiling water down the drain, which is quite effective. This approach is very effective for unclogging obstructions produced by oil, soap, or even tiny clumps of human hair. It is essential that the water is boiling for this procedure to be effective – not just hot, but boiling hot. This strategy, on the other hand, necessitates considerable caution. It is possible that pouring hot water upon a porcelain sink will result in the sink cracking.

Boiling water has the additional effect of softening the joints in PVC pipes, and as a result, we do not advocate using this procedure with PVC pipes.

Septic-Safe Method2: Unclogging a Drain with VinegarBaking Soda

As children, we used to make volcanoes out of baking soda, vinegar, and red food coloring, which we could see exploding from the ground. As adults, the same experiment (without the red food dye) may be used to unclog a clogged drain without causing damage to the septic system. Whenever baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, a chemical reaction happens, resulting in the formation of carbonic acid, which rapidly decomposes to produce carbon dioxide gas. As a result, what happened? Numerous bubbles with the ability to loosen and clear away the majority of obstructions are released into the air.

Repeat this process twice more. Close the drain and wait half an hour before flushing with hot (or boiling) water to clear the blockage. In addition to being septic-safe, this tried-and-true method of unclogging a drain is also totally safe for the plumbing inside your home.

Septic-Safe Method3: Unclogging a Drain Manually

After trying the first two techniques of cleaning a blocked drain and failing miserably, it may be necessary to don some dishwashing gloves and personally remove the obstruction. Carefully dislodge the clog with a plunger, a plastic drain cleaning tool, or a heavy-duty plumber’s snake to either loosen it enough to allow it to flow through the home’s plumbing or completely remove it from the pipes. The following methods should only be used as a last option, prior to hiring a plumber, and you must exercise caution to ensure that you do not mistakenly harm the afflicted drains by driving a snake into or out of the plumbing system.

Drain Maintenance

One effective method of dealing with blocked drains is to assist in preventing them from occurring in the first place. Fats, oils, and greases, which are responsible for a large number of kitchen drain blockages, should never be thrown down the drain. The fact that hair is the most prevalent cause of bathroom blockages suggests that using protective screens that prevent hair from entering the drain is a smart idea. A clogged drain that does not clear using these septic-safe procedures may indicate that your septic system is in need of repair or replacement.

To book a service visit, please contact us right away.

Septic System Life Hacks With Vinegar

Septic System Life Hacks Using VinegarIf you’re a homeowner who has a septic system, or even if you just want to keep the plumbing in your home running smoothly, we’ve compiled a fast list of septic system life hacks that you can use using vinegar to keep your system running smoothly. You can clean and unclog your drains with these inexpensive procedures while also maintaining your septic tank. If you haven’t already heard, chemical drain cleaners purchased at the shop can actually do more harm than good to your septic system.

You should always call one of our specialists if you need to have your septic system inspected or treated.

Cleaning The Dishwasher

Even the dishwasher need a thorough cleaning every now and again. Simply place 1 cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and run the machine for the whole cycle. Thus, soap accumulation on the inner machinery as well as on the glassware will be lessened. This should be done once a month.

Unclog Your Drain

This method is intended for use with slow-moving drains and mild obstructions. If you’re experiencing a severe drain clog, we recommend that you contact one of our knowledgeable specialists. In order to do this septic system life hack, you need need 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar.

Pour the baking soda down the drain and allow it to settle for a few minutes before continuing. After that, add the vinegar. Allow it to rest for a further 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bubbles have subsided. Then, flush the drain with hot water to clear it out.

Deodorizing Garbage Disposals

First and foremost, we should definitely point out that having a trash disposal in a property with a septic tank is not a smart idea in most cases. Garbage disposals are extremely hazardous to the health of your septic system, and they may cause blockages and backups in your system. In the event that you do have a garbage disposal, there are a variety of methods for keeping it smelling fresh. In thisGuide to Garbage Disposals, you may learn how to grind citrus peels with ice cubes, for example.

In this case, we recommend putting 1/4 cup baking soda in the disposal and running it for a few seconds to activate it.

After that, add 1 cup of vinegar to the mixture.

The chemical reaction will deodorize the drain while also dislodging any food particles that may have become lodged in the disposal as a result of using this procedure.

Drain Maintenance

This following hack is intended to be used as a preventative maintenance method for the drains in your home on a regular basis. Keep in mind that regular maintenance and prevention are half of the battle when it comes to keeping your septic system healthy. If you’re experiencing any severe difficulties, please contact us immediately via telephone. Don’t wait for an issue to worsen before taking action. In a similar manner to the unclogging approach described above, you may add 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar to your drains to help keep them free and clear.

If you run out of baking soda, you may also pour white vinegar down the drain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then flush with hot water once a week if you are running low on baking soda supplies.

Bonus Tip:DIY Cleaning Products

As a preventative maintenance technique for your home’s drains, this following tip should be followed as often as possible. You should bear in mind that regular maintenance and prevention are essential to maintaining your septic system in good working order. If you’re experiencing any serious difficulties, please call us right away. Make a decision now rather than waiting for an issue to worsen. You may use 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar to assist maintain your drains free and clear, similar to the unclogging approach described above.

If you run out of baking soda, you may also pour white vinegar down the drain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then flush with hot water once a week if you are running low on baking soda.

What Can Unclog a Drain & Be Safe for the Septic System?

Whenever you have a clogged drain and your home drains into a septic system, it’s critical to utilize a drain cleaner that is suitable for septic systems. Featured image courtesy of Bill Oxford/iStock/Getty Images Whenever you have a clogged drain and your home drains into a septic system, it’s critical to utilize a drain cleaner that is suitable for septic systems. Regular drain cleaners can interact with and destroy the microorganisms in your septic tank, which is why you should avoid them.

Although this may appear to be a positive development, bacteria is responsible for breaking down the sediments in your septic tank and allowing your system to function efficiently. The importance of maintaining the right balance in your septic system cannot be overstated.

Drano and Liquid Plumr

When confronted with a clogged drain, the majority of people immediately grab for the chemical drain cleaners. This is not always a smart idea if you have a septic system installed. An effective septic tank is fundamentally a bacterial ecosystem, and maintaining a healthy mix of bacteria is critical to the process of decomposition of organic waste. Septic tank bacteria balance is disrupted mostly as a result of chemical exposure, which includes numerous drain cleaners and other household products.

All Drano products are septic-safe, and Drano Max Build-Up Remover is intended to be used on a monthly basis to replace the bacteria in your septic system’s biological filter.

Natural Drain Cleaners

Using a plunger to attempt to unclog a drain is one of the safest methods of doing so. It is non-invasive and frequently effective in clearing tiny obstructions. The use of a plunger while dealing with a chemical drain cleaner, even if it’s a septic safe drain cleaner, should be avoided at all costs since it can cause the product to splash back on you. Using a plunger is recommended before using a drain cleaner, but it is not required. Many homeowners are adamant about avoiding using a septic-safe Drano or Liquid Plumr solution for a variety of reasons.

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An all-natural septic safe drain cleaner that is popular for more significant blockages is a combination of baking soda and vinegar.

Maintenance to Prevent Clogged Drains

You can do some simple maintenance on your septic system to maintain it in good working order and eliminate the need to unclog your drains. This will prevent blockages from accumulating in your pipes. The most straightforward approach to accomplish this is to avoid flushing anything down the drain that might clog a pipe, such as grease and oils. Because hair is a typical source of clogged drains, it’s a good idea to install protective screens over your shower and tub drains to collect any hair that may fall through.

For those who believe they will be unable to function without their disposal, there are various kinds on the market that are safe for use with septic systems.

As a result, regular home items such as bleach and certain soaps and detergents will aid to maintain the essential balance that can be thrown off by these products.

How To Unclog Your Drains At Home?

Drain obstructions are a frequent problem, but they may often be handled without the need for a professional’s assistance. Furthermore, you will not be need to employ dangerous chemicals in order to clean up your blockage. With a little patience and certain tried-and-true procedures, you can frequently unclog your own drain in a relatively short period of time with minimal effort. There may be additional considerations you should take into account when removing clogs from your septic system to ensure that back up does not negatively impact your septic tank or cause problems with septic tank pumping or solid wastes in theseptic tank.

  • First and foremost, attempt to physically remove whatever is causing the difficulty. Hair accumulated around a pop-up stopper or strainer is one of the most prevalent causes of blockages. You may be able to performdrain cleaning and remove the hair while also clearing thedrain clog, or you may be able to use a drain stick to clear obstructions in thedrain pipe produced by hair in a P-trap or an S-trap, depending on the situation. Sink trap cleaning may remove clogs caused by buildup or a foreign item
  • A plunger can clear clogs that aren’t too far down the pipes
  • And a plumbing snake can clear deep blockages
  • A chemical drain cleaner can break up persistent clogs. Select a product that is appropriate for your system as well as the sort of pipes you have. If you have a septic system, for example, you need make sure the drain cleaner is septic-safe. Drain cleaners should never be mixed, and you should avoid using any drain opening equipment after using a drain cleaner. Because the chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh compounds that can create chemical reactions, it is important not to allow them to come into contact with finished fixtures such as faucets, stoppers, or drain trim. A natural drain cleaner is a less harmful option. Aside from being softer on your pipes and other features, natural drain cleaners are less likely to have a negative impact on the environment than chemical drain cleaners. Natural drain cleaners that use particular enzymes or other septic safe drain cleaners are the most environmentally friendly. Drain Cleaner Made at Home: Pour 12 cup baking soda down the drain, ensuring sure it goes all the way down. Drain a 12 cup white vinegar into the drain and cover the drain with a stopper or a towel immediately to ensure that the bubbles remain in the drain. Remove the cloth or stopper and pour another 12 cup of vinegar into the drain, repeating the process for another 2 minutes. Once you’ve waited 15-30 minutes, flush the drain with a gallon of hot water. If the clog is really tenacious, you may have to repeat the procedure. Grease clogs are particularly susceptible to this treatment, which is why dish soap and hot water should be utilized. All you have to do is pour a generous amount of dish soap down the drain, followed by a pot full of boiling water
  • Pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide and one spoonful of baking soda down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Pour in enough boiling water to create foam, and the chemical reaction will take place, breaking up the blockage and clearing the sink drain/shower drains, kitchen drains, and other drains. Prevention is always preferable to cure. Never pour coffee grounds, grease, or anything else that has the potential to harden or clump down a sink or drain line. Make use of plenty of cold water if you are using a garbage disposal to flush down any food particles. Clean pop-up stoppers and strainers on a regular basis, and consider applying a treatment that is intended to decrease buildup and corrosion in pipework. This will help avoid clogged drains and gurgling, as well as the requirement for a plumber’s snake or auger to be installed.

When You Need a Professional Plumber’s Help

If you are unable to remove a clog, whether it is in your kitchen sink, main line, wastewater line, or anyplace else in your plumbing system, it may be necessary to bring in the pros at A-1 Sewer and Septic Service for assistance. As a family-owned business that has been serving the inhabitants of the Kansas City Metro Area since 1968, we have built a reputation for providing efficient service at competitive, up-front costs. We are accessible on your timetable and may provide same-day and weekend service if necessary.

Home Tips from Mosby: Rid-X Recipe to Clean Plumbing Fixtures

A: We have discovered a new application for Rid-X Septic Tank Cleanser: it can be used to maintain the insides of all plumbing lines clean in a safe and natural manner. It may be used for all waste systems in your home, including septic tanks, because Rid-X is a bacterial enzyme that decomposes waste in septic tanks. When used on a regular basis, it will “clean” the interior of the pipes by breaking down the solid waste that has accumulated inside them. Being organic, it is completely safe to use in any type of plumbing pipe and is an excellent prophylactic step.

  • 1 spoonful of powder per 16 ounces of warm water is recommended. Pour it down each bathroom and kitchen drain once you’ve mixed it up like tea. For the first year, do this once a month at each fixture, and then 4 times a year to maintain the pipes clean.

Rid-X is also available in a liquid form, which may be made by doubling the amount of the liquid and mixing it with 16 oz of warm water. Because the chemical is non-toxic to the pipes, using too much will have no negative consequences. We prefer the powder over the liquid because it produces a thicker liquid that drains more slowly, adheres to the surfaces where it is needed, and appears to provide a superior overall performance. Although the liquid will be beneficial, we prefer the powdered form.

  • It will “feed” or break down organic waste in the areas where it is most required after the formula is introduced into the system.
  • Simply combine the Rid-X and water in a sink, then drain and rinse the sink.
  • The enzyme is completely non-toxic to pipes and fixtures, and it really breaks down the oils, sediments, and wastes that accumulate within plumbing pipes in a safe and cost-effective manner.
  • The device is used both to remove a clog that has been effectively cleaned and as a preventative measure to lessen the likelihood of blockages occurring in the future.

The removal of hair that gets stuck in drains and the removal of any foreign items that go into the pipes will remain a constant reminder for the homeowner.

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How to Clean Pipes That Have a Septic System

Home-Maintenance Even if you don’t have to worry about causing septic system problems, cleaning up pipes may be a tedious task. When you consider the fact that many pipe cleaning chemicals can cause an upset in the delicate balance of the septic system, it becomes critical to pick a cleanser and approach that is both natural and environmentally friendly. When the length of the sources is equal to zero, this.parentNode.removeChild(sources); otherwise, this.onerror = null; this.src = fallback; )(, arguments.target.currentSrc.replace(), ‘, /public/images/logo-fallback.png’) ” loading=”lazy”> ” loading=”lazy”> This is an example of how you can clean pipes organically.

  1. Drain or flush one gallon of boiling water down the drain or down the pipe, which will kickstart the cleaning process by killing mold and mildew spores and loosening any built-up material and residue that has accumulated on the interior of the pipe. Pour one cup of baking soda into the pipe and allow it to settle for a few minutes before flushing with water. baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that not only cleans but also deodorizes, removing the unpleasant smell that pipes might emit from time to time. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the pipe slowly and steadily. As the vinegar and baking soda react, a bubbling fizzing activity will be created, which will fill the pipe and force the muck that has accumulated on the interior of the pipe to the surface. Make it possible for the baking soda and vinegar to work within the pipe by refraining from using it for at least an hour. This will allow the combination to make its way entirely through the pipe, cleansing and destroying mold and mildew totally out of the pipe. In a gallon of boiling water, combine 1 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon of water and gently pour down the pipe to thoroughly rinse out the interior of the pipe and to treat it with more of the vinegar’s natural antibacterial characteristics

Tip

  1. Using this natural and pH balanced cleaning procedure, you won’t have to worry about damaging your septic system or filling your house with toxic odours.

How to keep drain lines and septic tanks working well

Q:I just relocated from a house that was connected to the municipal sewer system to a rural retirement home that is connected to a septic tank. What information can you provide me on septic tanks? At my previous residence, I experienced clogging difficulties in my main drain pipe. What are some best practices to follow when it comes to drain lines in a home, and how can one ensure that they are always in good working order? A: Your drain lines should generally be free of obstructions as they transport water and solid waste to the sewer or septic tank, presuming they have been constructed correctly and with the appropriate degree of slope.

  1. Even though some people believe that having more slope is preferable, if you have too much slope, the liquids can outpace the particles as they go down the drain lines.
  2. Grease is the most difficult problem that municipal sewage workers and septic-tank pumpers have to deal with, and they would probably agree.
  3. You’ll be doing them — and yourself — a favor in the long run.
  4. This will aid in reducing the amount of grease that enters your plumbing drains and pipes.
  5. In certain cases, items containing active bacteria may be purchased, which will begin to consume the grease that may be covering the insides of your pipes.
  6. When it comes to keeping my own drain lines running, I do a couple different things.
  7. Upon entering the pipes, this water causes a violent flash flood — particularly in the horizontal drain pipe beneath my basement floor — and will carry almost everything out of the pipes.

Using hot water to dissolve grease is a very simple procedure that may be used instead of purchasing a bacteria product that consumes grease to accomplish the same result.

In an ideal world, the only things that would enter a septic tank would be waste from our bodies and any little food scraps that managed to get past the strainer in our kitchen sink.

Natural bacteria begin to devour the waste at this point.

In the majority of situations, a leach field is a network of pipelines through which wastewater is transferred to an area of well-drained soil that is particularly sandy.

Other bacteria and oxygen work together to detoxify the wastewater in this area.

As a result of its potent nature, bleach may kill the microorganisms that consume trash.

Pumping the septic tank every two or three years is essential for the health of the system.

You’ll need to be aware of the position of the opening that allows the technician access to the tank during the inspection. More than three decades have elapsed since Tim Carter began his career as a home-improvement specialist. Visit AsktheBuilder.com to ask a query or to find out more information.

How to Clear a Clogged Septic Line

If you have ever had to deal with a clogged drain, you are aware that the cleanup procedure is anything but enjoyable. Sewage line blockages are often caused by an obstruction in the pipes or when the septic pipe levels out and prevents gravity from conducting its work.

Symptoms of a Clogged Drain

In virtually all cases, when you have a clogged drain or pipe, you will feel at least one of two symptoms. An foul odor emanating from the sink, toilet, drain, or other plumbing fixture almost always indicates the presence of something as unpleasant impeding the course through the pipes. In sinks, it is almost always food that is the source of congestion. In toilets, it’s possible that someone flushed something they shouldn’t have, or that they truly emptied and should have used a mid-session flush instead of the first flush.

2. Water Going the Wrong Way

Water is intended to wash down the drain and not come back up, so it makes sense that it would. Some obstruction is causing your sink or shower to take an excessive amount of time to train. Even though a blocked line is typically caused by anything that has been flushed down the toilet, the source of the problem may be located deep inside the heart (and pipes) of the septic system itself. It is possible that tree roots are causing your septic system to back up. Obviously, if this is the case, you’ll want to consult with a specialist right away.

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It is possible for your pipes to freeze during the winter months if they are not buried at the right depth.

Tips for Clearing a Clogged Drain

Before you call a septic company, there are a few things you may do to try to unclog your drain on your own that may be successful.

1. Avoid cleaners with chemicals

Chemical-laden cleansers have a tendency to degrade the enzymes in your septic system, which are designed to aid in the degradation of waste. Instead, use a drain cleaner that is suitable for septic systems and does not include any harsh chemicals. A professional cleaner should always be kept on call in the event of an emergency.

2. Pour hot water down the drain.

The surge of hot water, particularly in kitchen sinks, is typically sufficient to dislodge or dissolve any clog in the pipes. Check to see whether boiling water might be of assistance before seeking expert assistance.

3. Use baking soda and vinegar.

If water alone is ineffective in dissolving the obstruction, a baking soda and vinegar reaction may be used to achieve success. Pour a couple spoonfuls of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar, then flush the toilet. The fizzy explosion aids in the breakdown of waste and the restoration of normal flow. The fact that you are unable to unblock the blocked drain by yourself might indicate that the problem has reached a deeper level. An impediment other than food might be blocking one or more septic system pipes, which could be collapsing.

Septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services are provided by Norway Septic Inc., a service-oriented company devoted to delivering outstanding septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to households and business owners throughout the Michiana area.

Septic systems are something we are very familiar with, and we can handle just about any septic problem, including a clogged drain or septic line, thanks to our 40 years of experience. If you have any reason to believe that there is an issue with your system, please contact us.

who should you call for septic issues?

Septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services are provided by Norway Septic Inc., a service-oriented company devoted to delivering outstanding septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to households and business owners throughout the Michiana area. “We take great delight in finishing the task that others have left unfinished.” “They pump, we clean!” says our company’s motto. If you believe that your septic system is having troubles, or if you require septic replacement components such as septic filters, please contact us right once.

Our affiliate connections to these items generate a small profit for us if you decide to purchase them via our links.

Clogged Drain or Clogged Septic Tank?

Robs Septicon is the author of this piece. Postings under Uncategorised A blocked septic tank can cause difficulties that are quite similar to those caused by a clogged drain. Knowing the difference between the two might assist you in taking care of your house. Here’s all you need to know about the situation. When a septic tank overflows, why do drains become clogged? The septic tank is a holding tank that is located underground. All of the wastewater from the house flows into the septic tank, which steadily fills up with garbage over time.

  1. Towards the top of the tank, there is a pipe that flows into the yard, into an area known as the drain field, where the tank is located.
  2. The dirt filters the water and kills the bacteria that are there.
  3. It is possible for the septic tank to fill up without any water draining out if the line feeding into the drain field becomes plugged.
  4. As the water rises via the main line, the capacity of fixtures in the house to drain correctly diminishes.
  5. The drains will become sluggish if the septic tank is just half blocked, as the water strains to make its way down into the septic tank.
  6. What Are the Signs of a Septic Tank Clog?
  7. It might be difficult to detect the difference at times.

Due to the fact that they are the most closely associated with the septic tank, the lower drains in the home will be affected first when the septic tank overflows.

In addition to being more sluggish, they may begin to produce unusual noises, such as gurgling sounds, as they age.

Local clogs often only impact a single fixture or a small number of fixtures that are linked to it.

If all of the other fixtures in the house are operating properly, this is an indicator that there is a blockage in the house rather than in the septic tank itself.

A blockage in a septic tank should not be repaired by someone who has just rudimentary expertise or who lacks the necessary instruments.

In certain cases, you may be able to address the problem yourself if you suspect that the blockage is in the pipe rather than in the septic tank.

Allow for an hour or two for the mixture to settle in the pipe before using it.

Depending on how large the blockage is, this may be sufficient to empty the pipe.

An auger is made out of a long, rigid cable with a pointed, twisting end at the other end.

A plumber may be required if neither of these approaches proves effective in clearing the clog from the drain.

Chemical drain cleaners have the potential to harm beneficial microorganisms in your septic tank, which might lead to another clog in the future.

Clogs in septic tanks can arise for a number of different causes.

Many septic tanks require pumping every three to five years, depending on the size of the tank.

Exactly What Should You Do If You Suspect You Have a Septic Tank Issue?

An inspection by a septic tank firm will allow them to determine whether or not the tank needs to be drained.

Rob’s Septic Tanks, Inc. can provide you with further information on clogs and septic tanks. We’ll be pleased to answer any questions you have and provide you with further information.

Are Baking Soda and Vinegar Safe for Septic Systems?

The answer to this question is an unequivocal “yes!” We get a lot of inquiries regarding cleaners and best practices in septic systems, and this one is simple — the answer is an unequivocal “yes!”

Baking soda and vinegar are safe

Using baking soda and vinegar as drain cleaners is both safe and effective, and, best of all, they are completely safe for your septic tank and drain field to use. Bleach and ammonia-based cleansers (which include most of the products in the cleaning aisle of big-box retailers) can be hazardous to the beneficial microorganisms in your septic tank. Instead of killing the beneficial bacteria in your tank, baking soda and vinegar help to keep your septic system running efficiently for far longer periods of time and with less maintenance necessary.

How to use baking soda and vinegar

Consequently, you may be asking how to clean with baking soda and vinegar in your home environment. Here are a few of our favorite ways to utilize these powerful and economical cleansers in your kitchen and bathroom, in no particular order: Drains that become clogged are a big nuisance. Even if your septic system is not backed up, it is crucial to keep an eye out for indicators of a problem. Baking soda may be used to clear tenacious filth from your pipes, which may be causing minor backups. A couple of teaspoons of baking soda and a cup or two of boiling water should suffice (you can also add white vinegar for a bit more punch).

It’s an excellent method to avoid the high cost of a plumber’s visit as well as the inconvenience of blocked drains – so give it a shot first!

These work as a toilet bowl cleaner as well

These natural cleansers are also effective as a toilet bowl cleaning, which is rather remarkable! For this reason, a combination of baking soda and liquid castile soap is recommended by the manufacturer. You may have heard of castile soap, but you may not be aware of the reasons behind its cult-like appeal. Many people swear by the cleansing abilities of castile soap, as well as the fact that it is non-toxic – despite the fact that it is a vegetable-based soap that is devoid of animal fats and synthetic additives.

To clean a toilet bowl, liberally sprinkle it with baking soda and flush it down the toilet.

When used as a scouring agent for sinks, showers, tubs, and countertops, baking soda is quite effective.

You won’t even miss the toxic conventional cleansers you used to use after adding basic white vinegar and liquid castile soap to your cleaning arsenal. The majority of them were steadily destroying your septic system while you were using them.

You don’t have to harm your septic tank

Cleaning our kitchens and bathrooms is a necessary, but it does not have to be done at the expense of your septic system. Thank you for reading, and please do not hesitate to contact us at any time if you have any septic tank inquiries or to arrange a septic tank pumping or cleaning. We’re more than delighted to assist you.

How to Unclog Your Septic Tank

Documentation Download Documentation Download Documentation In the event that you have slow drains, pooling water in your yard, or foul aromas near your septic system, it is possible that one of the pipes has become clogged. Fortunately, there are several methods for removing blockages from your sewage system that do not require the services of a septic service specialist. To begin, search for any apparent obstructions inside your septic tank and try if you can drive them out with a little force.

Following the removal of the blockage, be sure to properly maintain the septic system in order to keep it clean!

  1. 1 Check the inflow pipe by lifting the access cover of the tank that is nearest to your residence. The plastic or concrete cover in your yard that is closest to your house should be the first place you look. Carefully raise the cover of the tank up and away from the tank so that you can see what’s within. If you notice a white or green pipe at the end of the tank closest to your home, look for anything that could be blocking the pipe’s outlet. If there is, it is possible that the blockage is the source of the problem.
  • Assuming the water level is below the level of the entrance pipe, the blockage might be located in the drain pipe that runs between the septic tank and your residence. If the water level is higher than the inlet but there is nothing blocking the end of the pipe, the clog is most likely in the leach field
  • However, this is not always the case. It may be necessary to dig up the access lid with a shovel or raise it with a pry bar in order to get access.

If you are unable to locate the access lid for your septic system, consult your house’s as-built plans, which are blueprints prepared after your home is constructed, or a septic service if you are unable to locate the access lid for your septic system. 2 If the scum is trapped at the end of the input pipe, use a pole or a stick to push it out of the way. The scum layer is composed of solid waste that accumulates on the surface of the septic tank. Make use of a long, strong piece of wood or metal to slide the scum down or to the side of the entrance pipe as needed.

  • If you are working in your septic tank, you should always wear gloves to prevent bacteria and waste from getting on your hands. If water starts to flow out of the pipe after you’ve pushed the scum out of the way, you’ve successfully eliminated the clog.

Advertisement number three If the blockage is deeper inside the pipe, use the pole or stick to probe the end of the pipe. Insert the end of the stick or pole you’re using as far as it will go into the end of the pipe you’re working with. Make use of the end of your probe to scrape the edges of the pipe and draw any waste from the pipe into the tank. Even if the clog is at the very end of the pipe, you should be able to dislodge it and get the water flowing once again. If water does not flow out of the pipe, the blockage is likely to be deeper within the pipe itself.

  • Depending on where the pipe is located, you may or may not be able to insert your probe into the pipe.

4 Disinfect any instruments you used by mixing a 5:1 solution of water and bleach together. Stir up 1 part chlorine bleach and 5 parts clean water in a big bucket until the chlorine bleach is completely dissolved. Immerse your tools in the solution and allow them to soak for around 5 minutes to destroy any germs that may have remained on the surface. When you’re finished, drain the liquid back into your septic tank.

  • If at all possible, take a shower or bath as soon as possible after working on your septic tank
  • When you wash your clothes, use bleach or laundry sanitizer to ensure that no bacteria is left on them after washing.

5 If you were able to resolve the issue, replace the access lid on the septic tank.

Lift the lid and place it over the opening that leads into the septic tank to prevent it from closing. Slowly drop the lid down until it fully covers the hole and does not move around any more. In order to insert a mechanical auger into the clogged pipe if you haven’t already, leave the lid off.

  • Never leave the septic tank door open while you aren’t working on it to prevent anything from falling into the tank.

6 Make use of a reputable service. If your tank was completely filled, you should pump it within 5 days. It is conceivable that your tank will back up again even after you have removed the clog. This is especially true if your main tank is completely full to the entrance line. Inform septic service personnel that the scum level has reached the pipe by contacting them through telephone or email. It is best to schedule them within the following 5 days, otherwise you will increase the likelihood of septic fluid returning up the drainpipes.

  • Having a septic tank pumped typically costs between $75 and $200 USD, depending on the size of the tank and the amount of waste that has to be removed. Every 3–5 years, or whenever the tank becomes full, have your septic tank cleaned and emptied.
  1. In order to get to the inflow line, you must first remove the septic tank access lid that is closest to your residence. Because the intake pipe is more likely to be located on the access lid nearest to your home, if your septic tank has multiple access lids, select the one that is closest to your home. Using your hands, lift or pull the tank’s cover off and set it aside while you continue to work. Locate a white or green pipe that protrudes from the side of the tank that is closest to your house on the interior of the tank.
  • If you are unsure about the location of your tank’s access lids, consult your home’s as-built plans or consult a professional service.
See also:  Where Do I Prove I Have A Septic Tank?

2 Using a mechanical auger, feed the cutting blade into the end of the obstructed pipe until it is fully engaged. A mechanical auger is comprised of a long metal cable that is inserted into your pipes and equipped with a revolving bit that cuts through the obstruction. Begin at the end of the blocked pipe or at an access point for the pipe, such as a cleanout port, to unclog the blockage. Placing the cutting blade of the auger inside the obstructed pipe and pushing the line in around 1–2 feet (30–61 cm) can clear the obstruction.

  • It is possible to purchase a mechanical auger either online or from a local hardware shop. Investigate whether your local hardware shop provides equipment rentals to see if you can borrow an auger for the day without having to pay the whole price

3 Before you turn on the auger, make sure you have on your safety glasses and work gloves. Because mechanical augers feature spinning and moving elements, it is important to wear eye protection to avoid injuring yourself if you lose control of the machine while working. Wearing heavy-duty work gloves can help you prevent spreading germs and being harmed when handling the line. Ensure that the auger is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the switch is in either the On or Forward position.

  • It’s possible that you’ll require an extension cord to connect the mechanical auger. You should never use the auger without wearing gloves or wearing safety eyewear since you might suffer a serious injury. Because the auger would spin violently if you start it with the cutting end outside of the pipe, you should never do so.

4 Continue to feed the auger farther into the pipe, allowing it to break apart the blockage as it goes. Holding the auger’s line with both hands, guide it into the pipe until you encounter resistance if necessary. Try rotating the line in your hands to see how far it will travel within the pipe if the resistance feels substantial. It is possible that it has encountered a curve in the pipe. To drive the obstruction apart if this is not possible, use short, back and forth strokes to push and pull the auger.

  • If you successfully clear the clog, water will begin to flow through the pipe again while you are still inside it with the auger. Mechanical augers are available in a variety of lengths, so if the one you’re currently using isn’t long enough to reach the blockage, consider renting the next largest size.

Tip: Always keep at least one hand on the auger’s line while it’s operating to ensure that it doesn’t spin or twist while you’re trying to feed it. 5 Before removing the auger from the pipe, be sure it is turned off. Make sure that the auger’s power switch is in the Off or Reverse position so that you can easily remove it from the ground. With both hands, gently guide the auger’s line back into the container, then slowly bring it back through the pipe to the other end. Using a hose or paper towel, carefully remove the auger’s end from the pipe and clear off any dirt or trash that has become lodged on the end of the auger’s end.

  • It is not advisable to remove the auger from the pipe while it is still operating since it might cause injury. Remember not to touch the auger’s line with your bare hands because it has just passed through a pipe that contains garbage and potentially deadly bacteria.

6 The tools should be cleaned with a solution made up of 5 parts water and 1 part bleach. Stir the solution together by pouring 1 part chlorine bleach and 5 parts clean water into a bucket and mixing thoroughly.

Clean the end of the auger with a cleaning rag to eliminate any germs that may have remained on the surface and avoid contaminating other parts of the machine. When you’re finished, drain the solution into your septic tank.

  • Don’t flush the cleaning solution down the toilet since it contains bacteria from your septic tank that are dangerous.

7Remove the septic tank’s cover and replace it. Lift the lid off the ground by grabbing it by the handles or the sides of the container. Lift and carefully drop the lid back onto the opening going into your sewage treatment system until it is completely enclosed. Make sure the lid does not slip or shift in any way, or otherwise it may break loose and fall off the septic tank. Advertisement

  1. 1 Other than water and natural garbage, avoid dumping anything else down your drains. Water, human waste, and toilet paper are the only things that septic tanks are designed to handle
  2. Thus, any additional products can cause the entire system to get clogged. To avoid clogging pipes, place paper towels, wet wipes, food scraps, and other solid waste in the ordinary garbage instead of in the recycling container. Inform other individuals in your home on what they may and cannot flush down the toilet in order to prevent clogging of the pipes.
  • Using strong chemical cleansers down your drain is not recommended due to the possibility that they can destroy the natural bacteria in your septic tank that is responsible for decomposition of solid waste. You should never pour cooking oil down the drain because it might harden in the pipes and cause blockages that are difficult to clear.

As a reminder, you do not need to add any additional natural enzymes or bacteria to your septic tank in order for it to properly break down solid waste. Any enzymes that are introduced will be ineffective compared to the enzymes that naturally reside in the tank. 2 Reduce the amount of water you use in your home so that the septic system can drain correctly. Avoid running water in your home until absolutely necessary, since doing so may cause the tank to fill up too rapidly and overflow. Use as little water as possible when bathing or cleaning, so that you only have as much as is necessary at any one time.

  • It will also save you money on your utility bills if you keep your water consumption to a minimum.

3 Avoid driving or planting over the area where your septic tank is located. Heavy weight can cause pipes going from your septic tank to collapse or break, so if at all possible, avoid driving over the region in a vehicle as much as possible. Plant roots can also grow into the pipes or septic tank, causing them to clog more quickly than they otherwise would. In order to prevent roots from growing within your septic system, you should put trees or plants at least 20–30 feet (6.1–9.1 meters) away from your sewage system.

  • Even if you use a mechanical auger to remove the roots out of your pipes, the roots will come back if the problem is not addressed. Root barriers purchased from gardening supply stores destroy roots on touch and can help to prevent overgrowth in your septic system. To protect your septic system from pipes, dig a trench around it that is 2 feet (61 cm) deep and 3 feet (91 cm) away from them. Make sure that you place the root barrier in the trench vertically before you fill the trench back up with earth.

4 Improve drainage by cleaning the effluent filter located on the outflow pipe. The effluent filter is a plastic cylinder that is installed in the exit line of your septic tank to prevent solid waste from escaping. Make sure the tank closest to your home has an access cover that can be opened. Look for a vertical white or green pipe that holds the filter and protrudes through the top layer of scum on the interior of the filter. Remove the filter from the vertical pipe by pulling it straight out and rinsing the waste back into the tank using a hose.

  • Not every septic system will be equipped with an effluent filter
  • However, most will. Check your filter every time you have your tank pumped or examined to ensure that it does not become clogged.

5. Have a professional inspection of your septic tank performed once every three years. Septic tanks typically take 3–5 years to fill, however this might vary based on the size of the tank and the quantity of water it receives. Consult with a professional provider to have the water levels and pipes for your system checked to determine if any adjustments are necessary. If the provider has any issues, you should solve them as quickly as possible to avoid having a malfunctioning septic system later on.

  • Question What is the location of your septic tank? David Balkan is a writer who lives in New York City. A professional plumber and the CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main David Balkan is a licensed professional plumber who also serves as the CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service and the President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning, among other positions. With over 40 years of experience as an active owner of these businesses, David is well-versed in the challenges that arise with water service lines, sewers, and drain lines. David has served on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for more than 30 years and is now the Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council’s Committee on Plumbing. As a result of his expertise and solution-oriented approach, Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service has grown to become the biggest and most trusted sewer and water main service in New York City, and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award. Answer from a Professional PlumberCEO of Balkan SewerWater MainExpert Because they have to be pumped out on a regular basis, they usually have clean outs that are visible to the public. The quickest and most straightforward method is to discover your major house trap or clean out. Typically, the first tank would be 15 feet or somewhat more away from the outer wall of your home because it is frequently the very minimum distance that is needed by building codes. Once you’ve identified your primary cleaner or trap, you may utilize the instruments that experts employ. Their electronic pipe tracing equipment may be inserted into your main sewer line, allowing them to find and locate where the tanks are located. Question Is it harmful to my septic tank to use too much Rid X at one time? Using excessive amounts of Rid X will have no negative consequences. Question Is it possible that heavy rains or storms might cause difficulties for my septic system? Daniel and Robin KirbyAnswer from the Community Identifying a concave indention over your field lines or over your septic tank is important if you’re experiencing troubles every time it pours rain. Because of this, water can accumulate directly on top of your field lines, resulting in an overflowing sewer system. To correct it, just fill up the sunken sections with concrete. A short hill in the middle, sloping down to normal grade on both sides of the field line for approximately two feet, may correct this
  • Nevertheless, Question Is there a natural enzyme, such as dry yeast, that may be utilized instead of paying for expensive enzyme treatments or having a septic system that has only been used by one person pumped out? The man that came to service our septic system had a lot of expertise. He informed me that we could save money by simply adding a package of standard yeast to the mix once or twice a month, rather of buying special yeast. I buy the store brand (which costs 79 cents a packet) and flush a couple of packets every month down the bathroom sink. That is all there is to it. Question What is the best product to use in the toilet to protect my septic system from damage? Daniel as well as Robin Kirby Community Answer Although there is enough of food for your bacteria in a septic tank, it dies due to a lack of oxygen, therefore if you add additional bacteria, they will die practically as soon as they are flushed out with the wastewater. A treatment plant, where oxygen is fed into the tank, may increase the number of bacteria from the millions that exist in a septic tank to billions when both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria can grow! Having said that, treatment plants should be drained out more frequently than septic tanks, according to industry standards. Question In the case of a septic system, what can I use to unclog a clogged sink drain? For myself, I prefer to use a plastic drain snake. It is a plastic ribbon with little barbs that grip anything is obstructing your drain and pulls it out of the way (usually hair). While they are inexpensive and quite effective, they are also a bit dirty
  • Question When my septic tank becomes clogged with oil and hair bleaching chemicals, what should I do to clear it out? No oil or grease should be flushed down the toilet or into the septic system. Put it in a grease can and toss it out of the window. As far as bleach is concerned, it destroys the microorganisms that your septic system requires in order to function properly. You might wish to look into septic-safe items
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  • Unless you are skilled in septic tank unclogging or there is significant damage to the pipes, you should hire a septic specialist to conduct the necessary repairs for you to guarantee that everything is in compliance with the law. When working on your septic tank, always use protective eyewear and disposable gloves to prevent contamination.

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Things You’ll Need

  • Hose
  • Paper towel
  • Mechanical auger
  • Safety glasses
  • Work gloves

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