What Not To Do With Septic Tank Snake? (Best solution)

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  • Septic tanks are not suitable environments for snakes, even for snake species that can thrive in water. Snakes that found their way in septic tanks will eventually get to the toilet. Snakes, generally being land-based carnivores, will have nothing to eat inside a septic tank and die.

Can you use a snake on a septic tank?

Snakes cannot live in a septic tank. Even if they get in, they won’t survive for long. These reptiles can hold their breath for a while, but that doesn’t mean they can live in a septic tank.

What should you avoid with a septic system?

It’s important to protect your septic system by avoiding harmful household products. Other things not to flush include:

  • Disposable diapers.
  • Sanitary napkins or tampons.
  • Paper towels or bandages.
  • Dental floss.
  • Condoms.
  • Hair.
  • Cigarette butts.
  • Coffee grounds.

What will ruin a septic system?

Any paper products like tissues, paper towels, tampons, or sanitary products, even some heavier toilet paper, will clog your system if you flush enough of it. Wet wipes are another product that you should never flush into a septic system.

How do you snake a septic drain?

When using an auger, push in the cable until it reaches the obstruction. Turn the handle clockwise to dig the tip into the clog. Twist, push and pull the cable to break it up and unclog the drain. When using a sewer rod, direct the rod through the pipe until you reach the obstruction.

Can snakes come up through shower drains?

Can snakes come up drain pipes? Yes, they can, though it isn’t common. While snakes are good swimmers and can hold their breath for a long time, they don’t often infiltrate your home via the pipes.

Can a snake go into your toilet?

If you’re the squeamish type, you may not want to know this, but snakes can get into your toilet, and we’re not talking about plumbing augers. When you’re using the toilet, the only thing between you and the sewer is about 10 inches of water, and many types of snakes can slither through that.

What happens to poop in a septic tank?

The inlet pipe collects the water waste in the septic tank, long enough that the solid and liquid waste is separated from each other. Inside the tank bacteria from the wastewater breaks down the solid waste. These bacteria decompose the solid waste rapidly allowing the liquids to separate and drain away more easily.

Does hair break down in a septic tank?

Why Hair is a Such a Problem It’s composed of tough strands of proteins similar to those in your fingernails, and it’s not easily broken down by bacteria. Even if it doesn’t for years in your septic tank, it’ll almost certainly last for longer than the 24-48 hours that it sits in your septic tank.

Can you pour milk down the drain if you have a septic tank?

If not the trash. A man who has a septic tank service told us to buy a gallon of whole milk and let it go bad a few days and flush it into the septic tank to feed the bacteria. He said to do this about once a month.

What is the most common cause of septic system failure?

Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.

Can you flush food down the toilet if you have a septic system?

Food scraps will clog your septic system. It doesn’t matter whether you’re putting vegan sausage and kale or leftover bacon grease and Funyuns down your garbage disposal. “Putting any kind of food into a septic tank can lead to buildup in your pipes,” Monell says.

Can toilet paper clog a septic tank?

You may wonder the effects that flushing heaps of paper down the toilet can have on your septic system. And oftentimes your family members may flush things down the toilet that shouldn’t be flushed, like paper towels or certain other products that can clog up your tank. Toilet paper is always septic safe.

Can I shower if my septic tank is full?

Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.

How do you unclog a sewer line in a septic tank?

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.

What are signs of septic tank problems?

7 Warning Signs Your Septic System Is Failing

  • Gurgling Pipes. They would occur when you run water in the house (e.g. when using the sink or shower) or flush the toilet.
  • Bad Odours. It’s never a pleasant experience when this occurs.
  • Water At Ground Level.
  • Green Grass.
  • Slow Drainage.
  • Blocked Pipes.

Snake In The Toilet Through The Septic?

Was there a snake in the toilet? It’s understandable if you’re a little alarmed to learn that anything like this can happen. However, we want to reassure you that this is a rare occurrence and you may rest confident. Nonetheless, we are frequently asked this issue, and we thought it would be a wonderful topic to debate and address. When you sit on the toilet in almost any house, there is only about 10 inches of water in the tank and a lot of bends in the pipes between you and the outdoors. Not all snakes are capable of underwater navigation, and the ones that are are nonvenomous snakes from Florida.

Up From Below

This may appear to be the most reasonable explanation: a snake has managed to sneak into your septic system and into your toilet. This can occur if you have a septic tank lid that is loose or poorly fitting, or if another portion of your septic tank is damaged. Snakes will not seek out your sewage or attempt to gain entry into your residence. However, if one were to fall into your tank, it is probable that it might attempt to escape by climbing up a sewage pipeline. When this has happened in the past, it has generally happened on the first level of a building.

Again, while this is an extremely unusual occurrence, it has occurred.

Down From Above

Snakes aren’t flying around in the sky, so what are we talking about? It is most likely that your sewer system is not a sealed system. If you glance up at your roof, you will most likely notice a vent pipe protruding from the surface of your roof. This is a straight passage from the entrance on the roof to the main sewer line, which is a good thing. While there is normally a bend in this conduit, it is not impossible for a snake to descend down from above and enter through it. This is exceedingly implausible, and furthermore, what is the source of the snake on your roof?

Poisonous Septic Snake?

In reality, the likelihood that the snake is toxic is exceedingly remote. How many of us are willing to sit around and wait to find out? We’d most likely scream and flee the scene. Perhaps we will remember to close the toilet lid after we have used it! Running out of the bathroom and allowing the snake to crawl out to hide is not something you want to do.

How Can I Prevent A Snake In The Toilet?

Of course, none of us would ever want something like this to happen to ourselves. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your septic system is the most effective approach to avoid this situation from occurring. This will ensure that the lid, as well as any openings, are completely sealed.

At the same time, all of the mechanical components will be thoroughly examined. Give us a call, and if it has been a while since you had your septic system examined, or if you are unsure when the last time was, we will come out and look it over for you. Posts from the recent past

Can a Snake Live in a Septic Tank? (And How to Keep Them Away?)

Snakes are a hazardous animal, or at the very least, some of them are dangerous to humans. It makes no difference in terms of size. You want to make sure that a snake’s fangs don’t pierce your delicate skin while you’re out. Snakes may be found in the most unlikely of settings. They may conceal themselves in holes excavated by turtles, rats, or frogs, among other places. Other unusual hiding spots for snakes include leaf litter, tree hallows, behind boulders, and under the bark of trees. The majority of people, on the other hand, have reported finding snakes in their restrooms.

Now we’re left with a really difficult subject to consider.

Do you think the ones that showed up in the toilet got in via another entry in the plumbing system?

Do Snakes Live in Septic Tanks?

The short and simple answer is No! Septic tanks may be able to accommodate your waste disposal needs. Snakes, on the other hand, do not fare well in this environment. Keep this in mind, though. Snakes have been known to crawl inside sewage tanks and spend some time inside. Nonetheless, it will not be able to stay for an extended period of time. It is possible that it will go and return from time to time. Snakes are unable to survive in a septic tank due to the unsanitary environment. Snakes, on the other hand, can get access to a septic tank through a hole in one’s sewage line or a loose septic tank lid.

  • Therefore, it won’t be long before the snake makes an appearance in your bathroom.
  • Something similar like this has happened in the past.
  • If it ends up in an anaerobic septic tank, it will not be able to live.
  • It is possible that they will employ such to enable them to remain in the tank for extended periods of time.
  • In an anaerobic septic tank, there is no oxygen present.
  • However, it must flee as quickly as possible before it succumbs to weariness.

How Do I Keep Snakes Out of My Septic Tank?

It is critical that snakes stay away from your septic tank. Allowing them to get entry or dwell on the premises might be extremely risky. If a snake gets inside your septic tank, it’s not going to be able to get out. It might die as a result of asphyxiation, escape from the septic tank, or make its way into your bathroom through the toilet.

It’s possible that you’ve heard or seen stories of snakes appearing in public restrooms. The concern now is, how can you ensure that a snake does not make its way into your septic tank? What you need to do is as follows.

1. Fix bad-fitting lids on the septic tank

Your septic tank serves as a front door to your home. Any creepy creature that manages to go into the hole and survives may try to get out through the sewage pipe. As a result, they may find themselves in your toilet. Snakes can get into your septic tank if the lids are poorly fitted or if the lid is hanging loosely. They like to live in secluded areas, which makes your septic tank either a great or a difficult destination for them to find. As a result, examine your septic tank and tighten any loose or poorly fitted lids.

  1. It is also important to remember that snakes prey on these species.
  2. You’re unintentionally letting snakes into your septic tank without even realizing it.
  3. However, such can only happen to a property that is located on the first level.
  4. Tip: If you discover a snake in your toilet, do not attempt to flush it away without first closing the toilet lid.
  5. Once the snake has escaped from the toilet, it will be extremely deadly and difficult to track down.
  6. Once your eyes come into touch with the snake, your nerves will not allow you to inspect it.

2. Cover your ventilation pipes

If you leave your ventilation pipe open, you’re inviting trouble on your own dime. Make certain that the vent pipe on the roof is protected by wire mesh. This ensures that the ventilation system continues to function properly while also preventing snakes, lizards, frogs, and other creatures from entering your home through the toilet or other entry points. We’re referring to the vent pipe that protrudes from the top of your roof. This pipe is where the plumbing for your bathroom is attached. As a result, leaving it open is extremely risky.

Once the snake has entered the sewage system, the curve will not prevent it from exiting the pipe and entering your home.

3. Keep tree branches off your roof and near the vent pipe

Numerous health benefits may be obtained from having trees in and around the residence. However, keep in mind that snakes may easily fall from a tree and land on your roof, where they can then enter your sewage system through your vent pipe.

As a result, attempt to cut the tree branches that are close to your roof on a regular basis. Additionally, if your vent pipe is coated with wire mesh, make sure the wire does not come loose. It should be inspected on a regular basis.

4. Inspect and clean your septic tank occasionally

Your septic tank should be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. Once it’s due, you’ll have to clean it up. The cleaning or inspection will not cost you a fortune, but it will provide you with several benefits. Engage the services of a professional to clean, examine, and repair any damage to your septic system. Please don’t try to do it yourself unless you are well-versed in the process. Allow a professional to examine and repair any mechanical parts on the septic tank, as well as seal any openings.

You’ll also reap health benefits as a result of this.

Can Snakes Come Up With Drain Pipes?

Snakes have been seen to emerge through sewer pipes. But, let’s be honest, it’s not something you see very often. That explains why such news reaches the headlines whenever anything like this occurs. Snakes are also excellent swimmers, as seen by the video below. And they have the ability to hold their breath for a few of minutes, if not longer, than we humans. Drain pipes, on the other hand, aren’t something that they come across very regularly.

What Attracts Snakes to Your House?

Here’s a pretty solid question to start with. If you can figure out what draws snakes to your home, the likelihood that one of them will end up in your toilet will be reduced, and the possibilities of you having a snake in your bathroom will be reduced as well. Let’s look at some of the items that might draw snakes into your house.

1. Rodents

Rats and other rodents are considered delicacies by snakes. Because of this, if you have an infestation of rats running about your home, you should anticipate snakes to appear. If you live near a forest, there is a good probability that snakes will come to your house to eat you. They might be on the lookout for rodents and come around. Some may even follow rats into a septic tank, if the rodents are large enough. From there, they can snake down the pipes and emerge via your toilet bowl. As a result, if your house or surrounding area becomes a rodent breeding ground, take immediate action.

You’re essentially encouraging snakes into your home.

2. Birds

Your tiny backyard poultry operation is an extremely creative way to get started in the agribusiness industry. However, while you’re keeping birds away from your home, keep an eye out for snakes. Snakes are known to prey on birds. As a result, if you’re raising birds in your garden, you should expect snakes to appear sooner rather than later. Don’t forget that they also adore gulping down eggs. As a result, if you have a poultry farm next to your home, you are indirectly attracting snakes to visit your property.

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3. Shelter

Snakes like environments that are chilly, wet, and well-protected. For this reason, snakes may seek refuge in forested areas, woodpiles, garages, and basements, among other places.

Maintain the cleanliness of your garage on a regular basis. Use whatever method at your disposal to keep snakes from making your garage their permanent residence. Additionally, stay away from wood pipes and trash. As well as keeping an eye out for snakes if you’re tearing down an old wood pipe,

Conclusion

Snakes are unable to survive in a septic tank. Even if they manage to get in, they won’t be able to stay for long. These reptiles are capable of holding their breath for extended periods of time, but that does not imply that they can survive in a septic tank. Snakes, on the other hand, can crawl into your septic tank. Then, as they search for an escape route, there’s a chance they’ll end up in your toilet. Additionally, keep in mind that snakes can enter your septic tank or home through a variety of different openings and pathways.

Can Snakes Live in Septic Tanks? – Fauna Facts

Snakes are unable to survive in septic tanks. They will be able to survive for a short period of time, but they will struggle to find a way out. Despite the fact that some snake species can survive in water, septic tanks are not good habitats for these creatures. Snakes that have made their way into septic tanks will ultimately find their way to the toilet. Snakes, which are typically carnivores that live on land, will starve to death if they are trapped inside a septic tank. Snakes do not go out of their way to hunt for septic tanks.

Disclaimer: This material is provided solely for the purpose of amusement and education.

Wild animals should only be handled by trained personnel.

Consult with your local wildlife authority for the most appropriate information for your circumstance and geographic location.

Have Snakes Been Found in Septic Tanks?

Yes, there have been reports of snakes being discovered in sewage tanks. In 2010, a report of a 3-foot corn snake that was discovered in a New York toilet made the rounds in the media. The fact that the toilet was on the 19th level adds to the perplexity of this narrative even further. Herpetologist Jack Conrad believes that it is feasible for the snake to have found its way through the pipes, which go all the way from the septic tank to the toilet. He also stated that snakes are capable swimmers who can maintain their breath under water for an extended period of time.

It is fairly unusual for land snakes to remain underwater for up to thirty minutes at a time.

More information may be found at: Snakes of the sea against snakes of the land Another version of the tale claims that the snake entered the septic tank through a ventilation pipe rather than a septic tank pipe.

All of these stories are true, and they may happen to anybody at any time.

It is not uncommon for snakes to infiltrate a human’s living space. The explanation behind this is related to eating. Rats will regularly enter the residence because humans produce trash, which attracts them. Furthermore, when rats are prevalent, their predators will also be present.

Do Snakes Commonly Hide In Septic Tanks?

Although snakes have been known to end up in sewage systems on occasion, this is a rare occurrence. Snakes are not mindful of the fact that they are looking for toilets or septic tanks. Most of the time, they get inside a building by tracking the scent of rats, which are typically found in sewage lines and septic systems. One possibility is that the snake was following a rat, which would explain its behavior. Afterwards, when it is searching for an exit, it makes use of the pipes. At some point, the pipes took it to the septic tank.

How To Prevent Snakes from Entering Septic System

Some individuals believe that the septic tank must be covered at all times to ensure proper drainage. This, however, only keeps the snake from coming out, not from entering the house. Snakes do not enter septic tanks through the drains on the exterior. Here are two methods for keeping snakes from getting into your septic system:

1. Cover Ventilation Ducts with Screens

Snakes gain access to the septic tanks through the drain pipes and sewer lines. In order to avoid becoming distracted, one must concentrate on these pipes. Most septic tanks have vents, and it is a good idea to cover these vents with screens to prevent the spread of bacteria.

2. Keep Your Toilet Covered

Unless the snake has already entered the septic tank, it should be able to make its way via the toilet. Septic tanks are equipped with pipe arrangements that allow water to be flushed into the toilet and subsequently down the drain. It is necessary to keep the toilet lid closed at all times in order to prevent the snake from entering the home through the toilet. Before sitting down, it is also a good idea to check the toilet bowl for any obstructions.

Can Snakes Come Out of Plumbing?

Yes, if snakes manage to find their way into your plumbing system, they will be able to exit through drain pipes and other access points. They can move via any pipe in which they can compress their bodies and fit it, and they may escape through any of the following: the bathtub, sink, shower, toilet, or sink. The key here is to keep all of the openings covered. Today, there are a variety of flaps and coverings available for purchase to conceal these openings. All that is required is that you go online and seek for the appropriate size and model that corresponds to the hole.

What to Do if you find a Snake in your Toilet or Plumbing

Being confronted with a snake in your house, particularly in the bathroom, can be frightening. A call to animal control is the most appropriate response in such circumstances. It is not recommended to attempt to relocate the snake because snakes may be quite hazardous.

How Do Snakes Get Into Septic Tanks?

The sewage and plumbing systems in most homes are designed in a similar manner. The toilet is not a closed system in the traditional sense. In most situations, a vent stack is installed on the roof, which is linked to the main sewer. In order for snakes to enter, there must be an entrance. They generally do it in order to track down a mouse or other rodent. This vent stack on the roof is linked to the main sewer system by a piping system. Then it cures till it reaches the dirt stack. Snakes will utilize this vent to get access to the plumbing system.

  1. Branches that are too close to the roof should be pruned if they are on a tree that is overhanging it.
  2. Snakes may also detect the presence of rats in an attic.
  3. Snakes are attracted to the scent of these creatures and will follow them.
  4. When it comes down to it, the only method to keep snakes out of a house is to close all of the doors and windows.

Wooden buildings, which are all too frequent in rodent-infested areas, are used to construct these dens. The rats would nibble through the wood and find their way inside the house through the attic. As a result, they are also providing a pathway for the snakes to enter.

Summary

Snakes are unable to survive in your toilet or septic system, despite the fact that some snake species are adapted to living in water. However, they will ultimately attempt to leave or get out of the situation they find themselves in. They are unable to survive in septic tanks since the environment is unsuitable for them. Snakes that are present in septic tanks are most often introduced by sewage pipe infiltration. If this occurs, call animal control immediately and do not attempt to remove the snake yourself.

He not only edits our authors’ work, but he also contributes his own material.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

  • Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
  • Conserve water
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

  • The size of the household
  • The total amount of wastewater produced
  • The amount of solids present in wastewater
  • The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system.

A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure. The Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program offers several simple strategies to conserve water as well as water-efficient goods.

  • Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
  • Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

  • Cooking grease or oil
  • Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
  • Photographic solutions
  • Feminine hygiene items Condoms
  • Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Toilet Paper Must Be Flushed! To understand why the only item you should flush down your toilet is toilet paper, watch this video.

  • If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
  • Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

  • The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

  • Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

The Difference Between Plumbing Snakes and Hydro Jetting – Septic Maxx

When it comes to fixing your septic system, there are several faults that you should avoid in order to keep your plumbing in good working order. Septic tank owners should strive to keep their systems in good working order at all times. This will assist to ensure that their systems are always operating at maximum capacity. Even if you keep up with the maintenance of your septic system, there is a good chance that a blockage may develop in your drain at some point. However, what happens when many drains in your home become clogged at the same time is more difficult to deal with.

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When it comes to resolving these issues, there are a variety of methods to explore.

What is Snaking?

Snaking is the process of utilizing a plumbing snake to clear a clog by tugging, pushing, or eliminating the blockage completely in order to restore water flow to the pipe. An end-to-end design for the snake comprises of a long flexible wire with either a hook or a blade at one end. Some plumbing snakes are manually cranked through your pipes, whilst others are powered by a motor that generates additional force. Even while snaking is generally the first approach that septic professionals would recommend when attempting to clear a blockage from a drain, it is not always the greatest option in all circumstances.

When a blockage is discovered between your home and your septic system, sending a snake towards the tank runs the danger of injuring the inside of the tank, which might result in costly repairs.

Plumbing snakes are most effective when there is a specific blockage or clog in your system that can be identified and removed.

What is Hydro Jetting?

While snaking is the most effective method for removing clogs that are easily located, hydrojetting is the most effective method when the blockage has not been completely cleared or cannot be located. Hydro jetting is a technique that employs a high-pressure spray of water to clean up your pipes and drains. Because it has the ability to go through your complete plumbing system, it is an excellent method for thoroughly cleaning all of your pipes. Furthermore, it’s a terrific technique to completely revamp your septic system if it hasn’t been properly maintained.

  1. Its primary benefits are its strength and general ability to completely remove even the most difficult obstructions, such as tree roots.
  2. Your plumbing or septic system’s pipes will be blasted clean by the pressure, which will blast through any buildup.
  3. Snaking and hydro jetting are both effective methods for clearing obstructions from your septic system.
  4. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries concerning snaking or hydro jetting in general.

Options for your Clogged Drain: Snaking VS. Hydrojetting – Septic Maxx

You may only have one sink or one shower blocked, and your clogged drain may be a result of this singular issue. If, on the other hand, you notice that several drains around your home are clogged or backed up, it is possible that there is a broader problem with the connections in your septic system. While there are a multitude of techniques for dealing with these issues, two of the most prominent are referred to as Snaking and Hydrojetting, respectively.

Snaking

Individually blocked drains are most usually treated using snaking, which is a procedure that is most commonly employed for them. When a plunger isn’t enough, the plumber’s snake cable is the next best thing to have around the house. In order to complete the procedure, you must first disconnect the pipes that are linked to your drains and then use a snake cable to clear out whatever is creating the obstruction. While it is possible that the drain obstruction is in the home plumbing, if the blockage is detected between your house and your septic system, moving the snake toward the tank increases the danger of injuring the inside of the tank.

Hydrojetting

It is possible to use hydrojetting to remove any blockages in the septic field by inserting a high-pressure stream of water into the system. In more extreme circumstances, where the obstacles prevent sewage from flowing to a full septic field, resulting in drain difficulties and clogs throughout the house, this alternative should be considered.

Hydrojetting is a potentially dangerous procedure since the high water pressure might do additional damage to the line rather than simply cleaning it. It is strongly advised that you employ a professional to assist you with this procedure, which will cost you between $800 and $1200.

The Verdict

When it comes to addressing drainage problems, both snaking and hydrojetting are feasible solutions. However, they are both time-consuming and sophisticated processes that demand an experienced touch. As they say, prevention is better than cure, and for the least expensive tank maintenance, it is advisable to use a solution that cleans out the particles that cause blockage in the first instance. If you are already experiencing clogging problems, Septic Maxx can help by reducing the accumulation of debris and encouraging appropriate drainage, resulting in a system that runs more smoothly.

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.

  • 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.
  • The dirt filters the water and kills the bacteria that are there.
  • 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.
  • As the water rises via the main line, the capacity of fixtures in the house to drain correctly diminishes.
  • 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.
  • What Are the Signs of a Septic Tank Clog?
  • 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.

Can Snakes Get in Your Toilet From the Drain?

The head of a green snake with its tongue protruding from its mouth Credit for the image goes to MikeLane45/iStock/Getty Images There are snakes that can get into your toilet and we aren’t talking about the kind that go through the plumbing. If you are the squeamish kind, you may not want to hear this. In the toilet, the only thing that stands between you and the sewer is about 10 inches of water, and many different varieties of snakes may crawl through that. It may be helpful to know that it occurs infrequently and that the majority of snakes that can cross water pipelines are tiny and nonvenomous.

Dropping from the Sky

If you believe that the sewer system that connects to your toilet is a closed system, one look up to your roof will be enough to dispel that notion. In most cases, the vent stack on your roof is a straight line from the entrance to the main sewer, however the vent stack does occasionally bend before connecting to the soil stack. It’s not impossible for a snake to climb into a vent, fall to a point where the vent bends, and then slither from there into a waste line on the second level. Despite how creepy and implausible this scenario appears to be, it is possible.

Slithering From Below

Alternatively, if you have the misfortune of raising the toilet lid and finding a snake looking at you, it is more probable that the snake entered through the sewage lines. If you have a loose lid on your septic tank or a hole in your sewage line, this can offer the essential access. While it is doubtful that a snake will slither up vertical pipes to reach an upper bathroom, the creature may emerge from a toilet on the ground level. This has actually happened on more than one occasion, and it is far from a fiction.

Probably Not a Cobra

The sight of a snake in the toilet is guaranteed to make you feel uncomfortable, and you may be inclined to just exit the bathroom. In doing so, though, you are enticing the invader to crawl out of the toilet and take refuge in a nearby commode. Despite the fact that the odds of it being toxic are minimal to nonexistent, take a thorough look at the critter or get it examined by an expert before proceeding. Water snakes and garden-variety species, such as garter snakes, which are the kind of snakes you’re most likely to see, have long, angular bodies and tiny heads, which makes them easy to identify.

Snake-Proofing Your Toilet

If you’ve already had the unpleasant experience of seeing a snake in your toilet and have decided that once is enough, or if you just wish to prevent the experience entirely, you may need to install a screen over the vent opening in the ceiling. If you do this, be sure to clean the screen on a regular basis, otherwise your plumbing system may begin to display signs of poor venting, such as slow draining and sewage odors, as a result of the poor venting.

Ensure that the lid of your septic tank is securely fastened before using it. A thorough inspection of the toilet bowl before you use it is also recommended for your own safety.

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 garments, 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.
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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. The service will completely drain your septic tank, preventing scum from re-entering the system.

  • 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.

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
  • They are available.

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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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