Are you staring at a slow-draining sink or a hopelessly clogged bathtub, wondering if the bottle of Draino in your hand will do more harm than good? As a homeowner with a septic system, you should know the rules of what you can flush and what you can pour down the drains are a bit different than the rules of living with a municipal sewer connection. Before you take the plunge with caustic chemicals, it pays to do some research.
Understanding Draino and its Risks
Draino, and products like it, contain a mix of sodium hydroxide (lye), sodium hypochlorite (bleach), and aluminum. All these chemicals mean drain cleaners pack a serious punch, ready to dissolve even the toughest and hairiest clogs. The lye dissolves all the gunk, bleach kicks bacteria to the curb, and aluminum brings a little bit of heat to the party. Before you know it, clogs are literally melted away.
But what is all that high-powered melting action doing when it reaches your septic tank?
Septic systems are designed to rely on a delicate balance of beneficial bacteria to break down solid organic waste. These bacteria are essential for the system’s proper functioning, and all the harsh chemicals in Draino can do a number on the bacterial balance.
3 Risks to Consider When deciding “Is Draino Safe for Septic System Use?”
In the end, the risks of dumping a bit of Draino include:
1. Clogged pipes and drains
When the beneficial bacteria in a septic system are killed, the organic waste that is supposed to be broken down can accumulate and clog the pipes and drains. This can lead to sewage backups and other problems.
2. Septic tank backups
If the septic tank becomes overloaded because there isn’t enough bacteria to break waste down, it can back up and overflow into the surrounding area. This can create a health hazard in your home, not to mention a really unpleasant mess to manage.
3. Environmental damage
The chemicals in Draino can also contaminate groundwater and waterways, harming aquatic critters as well as surrounding flora and fauna.
Safer Alternatives to Draino for Clogged Pipes on a Septic System
Now you know you can’t pour chemical drain cleaners down sinks, showers, and tubs with abandon, so what should you do when tough clogs make their presence known? Here are some safer, gentler unclogging options:
- Plunger Power: A plunger is a superhero against hair, soap gunk, and other debris. By creating suction, plungers can dislodge clogs with relative ease.
- Snakes: Not the slithering kind; a snake is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into pipes to break up clogs in a jiffy. A snake tool’s construction also allows it to grab and remove the clog.
- Calling Up a Professional: Tough clogs mean calling in the big guns, and not the chemical kind. Sometimes, you just need a plumber. The call-out fee cost is a far better investment than causing a literal meltdown in your septic tank with lye and bleach!
Preventative Measures to Avoid Clogged Pipes with a Septic System
While they’re a common part of homeownership, clogs don’t have to be a common occurrence, either.
Here are a few quick and dirty tips to help you keep things as clog-free as possible.
3 Tips to Help you Avoid Clogs
1. Skip Greases and Oils
More than almost anything else, greases and oils are troublemakers for drains and septic systems alike. Hot fats run like liquid, but cold ones congeal into a nasty mess.
2. Take it Easy with the Garbage Disposal
It’s easier than you think to overload your septic system with overzealous use of the garbage disposal. Use it sparingly and only when it’s necessary for the best results all around.
3, Get Regular Tank TLC
Pumping your tank regularly helps you dodge backup disasters.
If you’re looking for a friendly expert to help you learn to manage your septic system properly, Sunset Septic is standing by to help. With the pros at your side, it’s much easier to keep your system hassle-free, legally compliant, and running as intended.
