Tips For Safe Drain Unclogging For Residential Households On A Septic System
Posted on: 30 March 2021
If your home uses a septic system, then it is important you know how to safely unclog drains without damaging their delicate bacterial balance. Many drain cleaners contain very harsh chemicals that will damage your septic system if they are used too frequently and they should be avoided. So, before you reach for a can of drain cleaner, here are some tips to safely unclog drains when you live in a home on a septic system:
Tip: Try Detergent and Boiling Water
At the first sign of a slow-flowing drain, take a moment to head off the impending clog by placing a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent into the drain followed by some boiling hot water. The hot, soapy water will work to chemically dissolve the clog and melt any grease or oils that are present. Let the soapy water sit in the sink for a few minutes, and then run some clean water to remove the soap residue.
Tip: Try Vinegar and Baking Soda or a Can of Soda Pop
If it's too late and your sink has already developed a clog, then you have a couple of easy, septic-safe options for removing it. The first is to place an equal amount of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Let the mixture sit and bubble, and then wash it down the drain with hot water.
If the baking soda and vinegar don't work or the drain is still slow-moving, then you can dump a can of soda pop into it. While this suggestion sounds odd, the phosphoric acid in the soda helps dissolve the clog and get the drain moving again.
Tip: Buy and Learn to Use a Specialized Sink Plunger
If all of the above suggestions fail to clear your drain, then a sink plunger will likely do the job. Since it is hard to plunge a sink using a toilet plunger, you should purchase an inexpensive sink plunger at your local hardware store.
To correctly use the sink plunger, plug up the overflow vent hole, and place the plunger's rim around the drain. Move the plunger up and down in a slow and steady motion and work to build up the necessary pressure to release the clog. Once you feel pressure on the plunger, pull it up quickly and this will free the clog.
Tip: Seek Professional Help for Stubborn or Repeated Clogs
Finally, while every household will have issues with a clogged drain or two from time to time, repeated clogs are a sure sign that there is a bigger problem lurking in your plumbing. If you have sinks, showers, or toilets that regularly clog, then call in a professional plumber and have them determine the root cause of the problem. It may be possible that your entire septic system is clogged, and you need to pump the system. Septic tank pumping should be done regularly, but if you find that your pipes are clogged frequently, then you may need to increase how often you pump the system.
Share