A septic system pumping and disposal may help to remove grease and fat, but this should be done by a professional septic tank service company. If grease and fat is not removed from your septic system in time, your septic pipes may have to be dug up and replaced.
What will break down grease in a septic tank?
Just mix the power or liquid additive with warm water and rinse it down the drain. Once it reaches the septic tank or sewer line, it will instantly start breaking down any grease, oil, or fat that is floating in the water. If you do not want to be handling chemicals or products, there is a hands-free option.
Does grease hurt a septic system?
It can cause serious damage to your septic system. Grease. Clogged pipes may lead to your septic system backing up and, in turn, cause serious damage to it. Simply pour all grease in a can to solidify and then it throw away.
How do you dissolve sludge in a septic tank?
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.
What causes grease to build up in a septic tank?
The main reason FOG buildup occurs in a septic tank is because you are in the habit of disposing of cooking oil or grease in your home’s plumbing drain system. When the scum layer becomes too thick, it will begin to push down on the liquid waste layer, which is where the exit drains are located.
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.
What eats grease in a septic tank?
Pour baking soda into your drain on a monthly basis. Baking soda is slightly caustic and will eat away grease particles that are stuck to the side of your sewer line. Add white vinegar to baking soda for a bubbly sewer line cleaner.
What is a septic grease trap?
Grease traps are used as an additional treatment component and are placed before septic tanks. A grease trap works by slowing down the flow of warm/hot greasy water and allowing it to cool. As the water cools, the fat, grease, and oil separate and float to the top of the grease trap.
Can you put bacon grease in a septic system?
3. Keep kitchen grease, such as bacon fat and deep fryer oil, out of your septic system. It is not broken down easily by your system, can clog your drain field, and cannot be dissolved by any readily available solvent that is legal to introduce to groundwater.
Can you pour peroxide in septic system?
You May Interfere with the Drainfield The hydrogen peroxide found in some additives may be harmful to the soil in the drainfield. This can cause the drainfield to be less effective at purification. The hydrogen peroxide may also harm the bacteria found in the septic system.
Can you pour bleach in a septic tank?
You might consider bleach to be a great cleaner to use for your septic system. Unfortunately, that mindset is a dangerous one to have because it’s usually recommended to avoid using bleach in your septic system. The chemicals within bleach can kill the bacteria that your septic tank relies on.
What does baking soda do to a 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.
Can you put cooking oil in a septic tank?
It’s important to remember that you should never dispose of used cooking oil by pouring it down the drain or by putting it into a septic system. The oil can clog up the pipes and can even clog or damage your kitchen’s connection to the city’s sewer mains.
How to Clean Grease From a Septic Tank
Image courtesy of mtreasure/iStock/GettyImages.com
In This Article
- The Removal of FOG from Septic Tanks and the Proper Disposal of FOG are all topics covered in this course.
Sewage treatment systems are a very vital part of your property and of your house. In order to have a fully operating septic system, it is critical to properly care for and maintain the tank and plumbing lines. FOG (fat, oil, and grease) buildup in your septic tank may have a significant impact on its function and, over time, may prohibit it from effectively breaking down solid waste.
Grease Buildup in a Septic Tank
Because you are in the habit of disposing of cooking oil or grease in your home’s plumbing drain system, FOG accumulation in an aseptic tank is the most common reason for this occurrence. Cooking garbage may appear to be the most convenient method of disposal, but what you may not understand is that once it settles in your septic tank, it will harden, forming a barrier on top of the waste already in the tank. It is common for your septic tank to have a FOG layer present. This is referred to as the scum layer in your septic tank, and it includes fats and oils.
The scum layer is only a problem if it grows so thick that it interferes with the proper operation of your septic system, which is rare.
When the scum layer grows excessively thick, it will begin to press down on the liquid waste layer, which is where the exit drains are located, causing the liquid waste layer to collapse.
FOG Removal From a Septic Tank
To ensure that your tank remains in good working order, have it pumped on a regular basis by a professional sewage removal firm. The business will remove all of the trash and scum accumulation from your tank, leaving you with a completely clean and new one. Waiting too long to have the tank emptied might result in foul gas entering the leach field, which may need the excavation of your complete sewage system in order to repair clogged pipes. If you want to break down any oil and grease accumulation, do not flush harsh chemicals that promise to break down scum down the toilet or down the drain.
If you use chemical additives, you will be able to repair the problem temporarily, but you will be generating worse difficulties in the long run.
Rather than just pouring cooking oil or grease down the drain, the most effective approach of preventing FOG accumulation in your septic tank is to properly dispose of any cooking oil or grease.
Once the bottle is completely empty, you can dispose of it in your garbage can.
In the event that you solely prepare plant-based dishes, you can dispose of your cooking oil in your own compost pile.
Septic System Dangers: Grease and Fat
Grease and fat pose a threat to the septic system. Grease and fat are two of the worst things that you can send down your drains and into your septic system because they attract bacteria. A residential septic system is intended to manage the normal sewage and household waste generated in a home or apartment. How much garbage can be managed successfully and efficiently depends on the number of people who live in your home, the quantity of water that is used, and the products and chemicals that are flushed down your drains, among other factors.
- Using a complete preventive maintenance program, homeowners can keep track of how much grease is accumulating in their heating and air conditioning system.
- Grease and fat accumulate in your septic system in several ways.
- The bottom layer is referred to as “sludge,” and it is made up of sewage waste that has not yet been broken down by the system as it should.
- The middle layer is composed primarily of liquids.
- When oil and fat are introduced into your home septic system, they end up in this section of the system.
- If this layer grows too thick, the wastewater will be unable to drain from the septic tank and proceed on to the leach field for the last step of treatment in the sewage treatment system.
- Following their passage through these pipes, grease and fat will enter the leach field, clogging up the drain holes and pipelines that lead to the leach field on their route.
In an ideal situation, it should be removed before it becomes too thick and reaches the leach field.
It is strongly suggested that you hire a professional septic system servicing firm to take care of this for you instead.
Never use any chemical additions in your septic system that claim to break down or remove grease, as this will harm the system.
If you want to maintain your home septic system operating clean and clear, your best chance is to prevent oil and fat from entering it in the first place.
Enlisting the help of a professional service provider and enrolling in an ongoing preventative maintenance program can also help to reduce the likelihood of grease and fat build-up occurring at all in the first place.
Household septic systems are intended to manage an average volume and kind of grease and fat in the tank.
In addition to the concerns that might arise as a result of grease and fat reaching the leach field, the following issues and damage can occur:
- 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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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! Also, 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.
- Also, do you know if grease is dangerous for your septic system?
- 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.
- 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.
Amazon.com: 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) : Health & Household
a rating of one out of five stars DO NOT PURCHASE UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE ENTIRE REPORT, AND THEN ONLY AT YOUR OWN RISK On June 7, 2021, a review will be conducted in the United States. DO NOT MAKE A PURCHASE! Make a phone call to a plumber! Draino is a great tool! Anything besides using this things should be done! I’ve purchased this product in the past and it has worked wonders on my bathroom sink. Anything larger than this is not suitable for this product! I’m waiting to hear back from the plumber to find out how many thousands of dollars it will cost to remedy this.
Top reviews from the United States
On May 22, 2020, a review will be conducted in the United States. 128 fl oz. in size (Pack of 1) Purchase that has been verified So, one day, out of nowhere, I discover a drain fly in my kitchen. Then there’s another one. One can be found in my bathroom. It appeared out of nowhere. I’d never had them before in the two years I’d been in this apartment, and I’d never had them in any prior apartments, so I didn’t have a tried-and-true solution to try, and I couldn’t tell you where they were coming from or why they were there.
- Despite the fact that I was still doubtful of everything, I decided to give it a go based on the numerous excellent reviews, and IT WORKED.
- In the meanwhile, and even a week before I was really going to use it, I just poured many buckets of bleach down each drain, reasoning that bleach kills and cleans all kinds of things.
- (Note: Do not combine bleach with other home chemicals; exercise caution when doing so.) Then I placed little teacups filled with apple cider vinegar and a drop of soap next to my garbage disposal and in the center of my bathroom to act as deodorizers.
- Neither the toilet nor the bathroom sink appeared to be a source of the noises.
- So that’s how you catch the ones that venture out on their own.
- Probably more than was intended, but it’s still there.
- It completed the task.
Despite the fact that I own a gallon of Green Gobbler Fruit Fly Gel, I have yet to use it.
This is something I would buy again.
(Pack of One) 128 Fl Oz Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of One) Verified Purchase I was a little hesitant about getting a septic treatment and drain cleaning from a company I was unfamiliar with, but this product is well worth the money.
I used around two-thirds of the bottle in total.
In addition, we haven’t neglected our septic system in the least; we literally just snaked and totally emptied the system three months ago!
Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified PurchaseReviewed in the United States on August 24, 2018Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2018 After purchasing an ancient farm, we discovered that it had a lot of grease in the drains, which the plumber informed us about.
- When I inquired about obtaining a degreaser, he responded that we may experiment.
- I have no doubt that this product got to work straight away and that it has most likely removed the oil from the surface.
- So far, everything is going well.
- Verified Purchase Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase Early Reviewers Will Receive Bonuses (Can you tell me what this is?) First and foremost, the solution smells incredibly fresh and effectively removes any odors from your drain.
- After three usage, my drain is significantly improved!
- I got another bottle because it is also excellent for pipe maintenance.
- Verified Purchase Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase My bathroom had a really weird smell for several months, and no matter how frequently I cleaned it, the stench would not go away.
I’m a little embarrassed by how long it took me to understand that the scent was not coming from the toilet or any hidden food, but rather from my own sink!
In just four weeks, I’ve been pouring a few ounces once a week and the stench is absolutely gone, and it was already significantly improved from the very first application.
ADD TO CART NOW BY CLICKING HERE On November 11, 2018, a review was conducted in the United States.
We recently purchased a home that had a septic tank.
The first time I did it, I dumped around 2-4 ounces down the drain and let it sit over night.
The odor is no longer present.
The product was reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2018.
It’s been about a week, and everything is going fine so far.
So far, they are more effective.
I’m looking forward to testing the other things I purchased in the near future.
It was quite haphazardly packaged, and the gallon jug tore through half of the box. Fortunately, everything was present. Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified PurchaseReviewed in the United States on February 22, 2019Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) It was a complete success! I would strongly suggest it.
Top reviews from other countries
4.0 stars out of 5 for this product Although effective, the fragrance is really strong. On April 8, 2020, the Canadian government will review the document. 128 fl oz. in size (Pack of 1) Purchase that has been verified The aroma of the Green Gobbler is really strong. Although not unpleasant, it is potent. This may be a problem if you or a member of your household is allergic to certain odors. For several days, our main kitchen sink had been partially blocked and smelt musty. I poured the Green Gobbler down the drain into the sink.
- However, we could still smell the Green Gobbler in our kitchen many hours after we had re-started using the sink and pouring water down it the following morning, which was a relief.
- This was a week ago, and the drain is still working perfectly.
- However, in terms of efficiency, so far, so good!
- Performs the duties as stated.
- 128 fl oz.
- When dealing with clogged pipes, the only problem is that you have to repeat the process every week or so.
- Draino, for example, is far more difficult to use.
I would urge that if it is going down a major pipe that you make sure no one else is using water for the rest of the night, therefore it is preferable to pour it down before bed.
There’s a little aroma, but it’s not irritating.
On January 15, 2022, a review will be conducted in Canada.
in size (Pack of 1) Purchase that has been verified When I moved into my apartment nearly three years ago, I discovered a foul odor emanating from the kitchen sink’s drainage pipes.
With no success, I attempted to flush a gallon of bleach down the bathroom sink drain.
There is still nothing.
I’m not sure if the enzymes are no longer alive, but it had no effect whatsoever.
5.0 stars out of 5 for this product Very Impressed – It appears to have resolved my issue completely.
128 fl oz.
I treated all of the drains in the basement, and now, about a week and a half later, everything is back to normal, knock on wood.
Now it only zaps one or two per day, and the number is becoming less every day.
Who would have thought it?
128 fl oz.
At the very least, it didn’t smell foul.
The realization of a long-haired hippy freak’s fantasy! I would only change one thing about this trip: I would get the one for hair clogs to use in the bathroom instead of the one for hair dries.
What will dissolve grease in a septic tank?
What will dissolve grease in a septic tank and how do you do it? Pour the power or liquid additive into a bowl of warm water and flush it down the garbage disposal. After reaching the septic tank or sewage line, it will immediately begin to break down any grease, oil, or fat that is floating in the water and will continue to do so until the water is clear. Hands-free options are available if you do not want to be handling chemicals or other materials with your hands. What enzymes are responsible for the breakdown of grease?
- Lipases are enzymes that break down fat molecules such as oils and grease.
- Was wondering what I might add in my septic tank to help it break down particles.
- Using the first time, flush a 12-cup package of dried baking yeast down the toilet.
- What is the best way to cut grease in a septic tank?
- FOG is an abbreviation for fats, oils, and greases, which are all used interchangeably.
What will dissolve grease in a septic tank? – Related Questions
It has the potential to cause significant harm to your septic system. Grease. It will not decompose in the same manner that water and garbage will. The result of pouring oil down the drain is that the drain becomes completely blocked, and nothing will be able to pass through.
How do you prevent grease build up in a septic tank?
Septic system damage might result as a result of this. Grease. Unlike water and trash, it will not decompose as quickly. The result of pouring oil down the drain is that the drain becomes completely blocked, and nothing can pass through.
How do I clean my septic tank naturally?
To naturally clean your septic tank, combine 2 tablespoons of lemon or lemon extract, 14 cup of baking soda, and 12 cup of vinegar in a mixing bowl. If you flush the solution down the drains or use it to clean your plumbing fixtures, it will eventually reach the tank and kill the bacteria.
Can you put too much Ridex in your septic tank?
It is not possible to harm a septic tank system by using an all-natural septic tank treatment that includes just bacteria and enzymes in excess or by overdosing on the treatment. Utilizing a septic tank additive that contains fillers or inert chemicals to a greater extent than is recommended might result in clogging of pipes or other damage to the septic tank system.
Does vinegar dissolve grease?
The acidity of vinegar makes it easy to cut through grease. Spray a mixture of vinegar and water onto a splattered cooktop, let it to set for 10 minutes, and then scrub it clean with soapy water to remove any remaining residue. It should be easily removed with a damp cloth.
What will dissolve grease?
What is the best way to remove dried grease?
Dry grease may be removed with the use of a combination of dish soap, kosher salt, and baking soda. For extra aid lifting off the filth, you may wish to use a moderately abrasive sponge (rather than a cloth) to assist you.
What breaks down fat and grease?
However, it is possible that UBC researchers have discovered a technique to handle these fats, oils, and grease – commonly referred to as FOG — and convert them into energy. The researchers heated the FOG samples to temperatures ranging between 90 and 110 degrees Celsius and then added hydrogen peroxide, a chemical that helps to accelerate the decomposition of organic waste in the environment.
Can you put bacon grease in a septic system?
Make sure that grease from the kitchen, such as bacon fat and deep-fried food oil, does not enter your septic system. Because it is not easily degraded by your system, and because it might block your drain field, it cannot be dissolved by any commonly available solvent that is permitted to be introduced into groundwater.
Is coffee bad for septic system?
Septic systems are not designed to be used for the disposal of food waste, coffee grounds, grease, or fat; in fact, doing so will cause damage to the septic system. If you have non-meat food waste, consider starting a compost pile. This will save you money on unneeded septic system maintenance. It is not recommended to use a waste disposal in the kitchen.
What causes grease buildup in septic tank?
Reasons for the Buildup of Grease, Oil, and Fatty Deposits in Septic Tanks and Sewer Lines Grease, oil, and fat are not soluble in water and must be disposed of properly. A thin coating of grease can accumulate in the septic tank, grease trap, or sewage line if they are not properly cleaned, which is normally accomplished by doing a regularly scheduled cleaning.
What happens to oil in a septic tank?
Oil, grease, and fat are all types of fat. These will harden and block the pipes and drains in your home or business. They do not decompose in the septic tank and so float to the top of the tank, forming a thick layer of scum. Fats and oils that enter the soakaway have the potential to clog the outlets and hinder soil microbes from doing their jobs.
What eats poop in septic tank?
Often, the American diet is heavy in lipids (which causes feces to flounder in the sewer), or high in iron-rich meat (which causes feces to float in the sewer) (which blackens your stool and causes it to sink like torpedo). Neither of these is beneficial for your septic tank, but you can make a difference by altering your way of living and eating.
Is Ridex good for your septic system?
If you’re looking to avoid frequent pumping, the answer is no, unfortunately. Not because Rid-X is inherently hazardous, but because it has given the idea that it may be used in place of other, more vital components of septic system management, which is not the case.
Can I use bleach if I have a septic tank?
To avoid or reduce the use of toilet bowl cleansers and bleach/chlorine based cleaners, follow these guidelines: On product labels, look for the words chlorine bleach or the chemical sodium hypochlorite. This might result in your septic tank backing up, which could result in costly repairs, contamination of your drinking water, odors, and other problems.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for septic systems?
To eliminate or reduce the use of toilet bowl cleansers and bleach/chlorine based cleaners, follow these guidelines: Check product labels for the presence of chlorine bleach or the chemical sodium hypochlorite.
This might result in your septic tank backing up, which could result in costly repairs, contamination of your drinking water, odors, and other complications.
What do professionals use to clean toilets?
Make use of an acid-based substance, such as Borax, to help break down stains and deposits. Pour 14 cup of Borax into the toilet bowl, followed by 1 cup of vinegar, then flush the toilet. Allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes after you’ve swished it around with your bathroom brush. Finish with a last scrape to remove any remaining dirt.
Does Coke really clean toilets?
In a pinch, the effervescent soda may be used to clean your toilet and make it sparkle. To clean the toilet bowl, pour Coca-Cola around the borders – the carbonation will take care of the heavy lifting for you! Leave the soda in the toilet overnight to see how it works. The next morning, flush the fizz away, and your toilet will be as good as new again.
What happens if you use too much septic treatment?
Septic systems are built with a certain capacity in mind, which is determined by the quantity of water used in a household. By exceeding this capacity, the system’s ability to handle wastewater can be severely compromised, perhaps resulting in the pollution of drinking water sources.
Do septic tank additives really work?
Even well-designed septic systems must be changed after a certain amount of time, which can be anywhere between 20 and 30 years depending on usage. Ineffective additions will almost certainly be safe to use, but an effective additive will almost certainly be harmful to use. Money spent on additions would be better spent on pumping your septic tank every three to five years, rather than spending it on additives.
How do you get thick grease off a stove?
Warm water and dish soap should be used to soak the stove top grates in your sink. Sprinkle baking soda on the cooktop before turning it on. Use a mild scrubber to work the baking soda into the surface of your stove to assist in breaking down the difficult stains. Spray the stovetop with vinegar and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes before using.
How do you dissolve oven grease?
Warm water and dish soap should be used to soak the stove top grates in your sink before using them. On the stovetop, sprinkle baking soda. Use a mild scrubber to work the baking soda into the spots on your stove to assist in breaking them down more quickly. Wait five to ten minutes after spraying the stovetop with vinegar.
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
When you pour hot grease down the drain, the grease sticks to the inside of the pipes and prevents them from flowing properly. Putting hot water down the drain while also putting oil down the drain is a common notion that will cure the problem. This, on the other hand, is an unproductive strategy. All that takes place is that the pipes and oil cool down over time. As a result, the grease will eventually adhere to the surfaces of the pipeline. They will eventually accumulate and completely clog the pipe, but it may take some time.
No one wants to be in the middle of a calamity like that, do they?
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 annually in the United States.
It is the accumulation of oil and grease in the pipes over a lengthy period of time that will cause them to malfunction.
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 in 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.
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. |
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
When compared to other types of paper, toilet paper degrades significantly faster. Some paper towel varieties are so durable that they are almost as strong as cloth. They take a long time to disintegrate, and during that time, the paper continues to pile up, eventually causing a clog in the system. You run a greater chance of blocking your sewage drain if you flush paper towels or wet wipes on a regular basis. This is especially true if you have roots in the line that can trap the paper towel or wet wipe.
When you use face tissues, wet wipes, and paper towels in the trash rather than the toilet, you will have to empty the tank more frequently than if you use the toilet instead.
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.
How to Degrease a Sewer Line
Having to degrease a sewage pipe might be a difficult undertaking. Clogged sewage lines are best handled by a trained expert who has access to specialized line cleaning equipment. A grease-removing head will be used to snake the line, and your sewage line will be free to flow once more. You are responsible for keeping the line grease-free thereafter, unless you want to be saddled with an ongoing plumbing expense for snaking your line. A simple method exists for degreasing your sewage line and keeping it clear of grease without the need to hire a professional.
Using Enzymes
- Access your sewage line from the most logical location possible. A big access point, such as a toilet or a basement drain, will work best for connecting to the sewage line because it will accommodate more traffic. In a bucket, combine the ingredients for an enzyme drain cleaning. Warm water should be used for the mixture. Each product manufacturer may specify a certain amount of water that must be added to the product in order for it to be as effective as possible
- Thus, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Hot water should be sent down the drain and into the sewage line to release the oil a little bit. The enzyme solution should be poured into the sewage pipe. Enzymes are naturally occurring, live bacterium colonies that consume fatty acids. They will continue to breed and expand once they have been introduced into your sewer system. Repeat this method once a day for the first week, and then once a month after that to maintain the results. Keep your sewer pipes fully open and degreased by doing routine maintenance on a consistent basis.
Other Eco-Friendly Sewer Line Degreasing Methods
- Pour baking soda down your drain once a month for best results. As a mild caustic, baking soda will dissolve grease particles that have been attached to the side of your sewage pipe. Baking soda and white vinegar are combined to create a frothy sewage line cleaning. It is the bubbles that will aid in dislodging tough regions of grease accumulation and allowing the baking soda to function more effectively. Pour a cup of washing soda down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing. Washing soda may be purchased in the laundry areas of most big supermarkets and grocery stores. This will help to clear obstructions and remove oil from the system. Washing soda is more caustic than baking soda, and when used on a monthly basis, it will help to maintain the sewage system clear of obstructions.
Things You Will Need
- A bucket of baking soda, white vinegar, and washing soda are all needed, as is an enzyme sewer cleaner.
Tip
Enzymes require time in order to function properly. Clogs will need to be cleared out first, which will need the use of a snake to do so. Before enzymes can be placed into a clogged sewage line, it is necessary to have the pipe properly snaked. A monthly enzyme maintenance schedule will then be implemented to ensure that the pipes remain open and free of obstructions. All enzymes are completely natural and useful to the sewage system’s operation. They do not contain any chemicals and are non-toxic.
It is possible to purchase enzyme products and enzyme formulations online as well as at hardware and health food stores.
Warning
- When using baking soda or washing soda, never use a professional drain cleaner in conjunction with them. The chemical features of each will react negatively with one another when combined. If you use washing soda on a regular basis, it will degrade PVC drain pipes. It is acceptable to use as preventative maintenance once a month, but if you use it every day, the PVC pipes will steadily deteriorate to the point where they will break. When handling washing soda, always use rubber gloves to protect your hands.
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, wastewater will be rushed out of the tank before it has had a chance to settle. 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 following the manufacturer’s suggested septic tank cleaning interval, you should evaluate the depth of your scum on a regular basis to verify that it hasn’t gotten too thick. Actually, the depth of the scum is extremely essential information since it may help you determine how healthy your system is and whether or not it is being pumped on a regular basis as it should be. The following principles will assist you in determining when you should plan the pumping of the tank depending on the measurements of scum depth in the tank.
Whenever the overall depth of the scum and sludge layer is equal to one-third of the total depth of the entire tank, it is recommended that you pump the septic tank.
To determine the depth of the scum, place a 3-inch piece of wood to the end of a long stick and measure it.
Make a slow, gentle movement across the layer until you notice a difference in resistance.
When you reach the bottom, place a marker at the top of the septic tank’s opening and note the length of your measuring stick from there.
The distance between the two marks you create should be the same as the distance between the bottom of the scum layer and the bottom of the output baffle (see illustration below).
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. Clean and well-maintained FOG removal systems may remove up to 95% of the FOG from the air.
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. Although they can manage more FOG due to their larger size, they are more expensive to acquire and install than smaller grease traps. These grease traps are suitable for large restaurants, and they are often cleaned on a regular basis by professional grease pumping services.
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.
