- 0.3 gallons of 15wt diluted sodium hydroxide + 0.8 gallons of water produces what the industry considers “dilute sodium hydroxide solution” such as might be used for grill cleaning. If, then, one gallon of dilute sodium hydroxide enters a 1000 gallon septic tank (for example, as you don’t give your septic tank size) the sodium hydroxide is further diluted by the 1000 gallons of sewage in the tank.
Can you use sodium hydroxide in septic tank?
Other products to avoid using in your drains if you have a septic system or home wastewater treatment plant include: Bleach. Lye – sodium hydroxide or caustic soda – which is often the active ingredient in many commercial drain cleaners. Anything labeled ‘antibacterial’
What to put in septic tank to break down solids?
Yeast helps actively breaks down waste solids when added to your septic system. Flush ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet, the first time. Add ¼ cup of instant yeast every 4 months, after the initial addition.
What is the best chemical to put in a septic tank?
Rid-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes Rid-X helps to prevent septic backups by continuously breaking down household waste — the natural bacteria and advanced enzymes start working immediately to attack paper, protein, oils, and grease. One pouch of is a one-month dose for septic tanks between 700 and 1,500 gallons.
What will dissolve roots in septic tank?
Flush 2 pounds of granular copper sulfate down the toilet for every 300 gallons of water that the septic tank holds. Copper sulfate kills and dissolves tree roots as they absorb the tank’s water. After entering a tank, the majority of copper sulfate settles in tank, and little passes into the leach bed line.
What chemicals should you avoid with a septic tank?
But to make it even clearer, here are the top ten household products to avoid when you have a septic tank.
- Fabric softeners.
- Latex products.
- Medicines.
- Antibacterial soap.
- Cosmetics.
- Drain cleaners.
- Bleach.
- Dishwasher and laundry detergent.
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.
Do septic tank additives really work?
There is little scientific data to suggest that you should add bacteria or enzymes to your septic system. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reported that biological additives do not appear to improve the performance of healthy septic tanks.
What eats sludge in septic tank?
One example of a homemade remedy is to flush ¼-½ a cup of instant yeast down your toilet. The yeast eats away at the sludge and helps loosen it, breaking it down so that wastewater can get through.
How do I clean my septic tank naturally?
You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!
Do septic tanks need additives?
Septic tanks are designed to take care of waste disposal on their own — no additives needed. With regular septic tank pumping and inspections, a septic system should last decades. A septic system is used primarily in rural areas without access to city sewer systems.
How do I increase bacteria in my septic tank?
Flush a packet of brewer’s dry yeast down one toilet on the bottom floor of your house once a month. The yeast will help add “good” bacteria to your septic tank and break down waste.
What does Lye do to a septic tank?
Caustic soda or lye at high levels in a septic tank risks killing the bacteria needed to break down sewage pathogens both in the tank itself and also in the soil into which the septic tank effluent is discharged.
Can you put root killer directly into septic tank?
RootX root killer can also be added directly to the septic tank at a rate of 8 pounds per 1,000 gallons of septic tank capacity.
Can you put root killer in septic tank?
Root Killer is non-corrosive and safe for all types of plumbing and will not harm surrounding trees, ground cover, or the natural bacteria content in septic tanks and cesspools.
What kills roots in drain field?
Copper sulfate can be injected into the drain field (past the tank) to kill roots.
Is sodium hydroxide safe for septic tanks?
Asked in the following category: General The most recent update was made on the 2nd of January, 2020. If you use sodium hydroxide or other corrosive chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, in excess of the recommended daily dosage, you might cause catastrophic damage to your septic tank and drain field. Others, on the other hand, may include chemicals that pollute groundwater and cause damage to the septic tank. If you’re wondering whether caustic soda can be used to clear drain fields, the answer is yes.
In order to treat the buildup of bio-mat in your septic system, chemicals such as caustic soda, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen peroxide are utilized.
Pine-scented cleansers, chlorine bleach, rug cleaners, and floor wax are examples of common home items that include disinfectants and other potentially dangerous compounds.
Is Lye, on the other hand, harmful to septic tanks?
What cleaning products are safe to use in septic systems?
- Bleach for the home. Septic systems are safe to use with bleach-containing products when used in minimal quantities.
- Ammonia Cleaner is a cleaning agent that contains ammonia. The use of ammonia-based cleaning products, as well as pure ammonia, in modest doses is also safe for septic systems. Drain Cleaner that is safe for septic systems. Sewage systems should only be cleaned using liquid drain cleaners.
Sodium Hydroxide and the Septic tank
Bleach for the house. Septic systems are safe to use with bleach-containing products when used in minimal quantities. Cleaner with ammonia. It is also acceptable to use in tiny amounts on septic systems cleaning solutions that include ammonia, as well as pure ammonia. Drain Cleaner That Is Safe for Septic Systems. For septic systems, only liquid drain cleaners are suitable;
Kirk Kerekes
Unread, George Kirkpatrick writes on April 5, 1998, at 10:00 a.m., “gk” (George Kirkpatrick). Do you know if sodium hypochlorite (NaOH) is harmful to the “life” of a septic tank? That is unquestionably the case. Vinegar is a good example. You’ll need some way of quantifying how much acid or base you’re talking about in relation to how much septic volume you’re talking about. After that, you may start calculating the effect in terms of pH value. Because of the huge dilution effect, a small amount of almost anything basic or acid (but not hydrocarbons) will not affect a septic tank.
A solution with a large buffering capacity may withstand considerably higher concentrations of acid or base without changing its pH, whereas a solution with a weak buffering capacity cannot.
The majority of the detergents you use in your clothes washer are basic, and when used in typical amounts, they will not affect the bacteria in your septic system’s water treatment system.
Also, perhaps someone else has a better “practical” explanation of how to determine the appropriate amount of acid or base to use in a septic tank.
San Diego, California is a city in the United States.
[email protected]
Unread, April 6, 1998, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to Do you know if sodium hypochlorite (NaOH) is harmful to the “life” of a septic tank? NaOH will clean your septic tank as advertised, and they will perform an excellent job of it as well. The problem is that a septic tank’s purpose in life is to be “filthy,” which is exactly what it is intended to be. Although any type of peroxide may dilute organic materials, none are as effective as the naturally occurring anarobic bacteria that accomplish the work (slower but better).
- Creating a plastic liner under the gravel is the most important step.
- DON’T USE IT IN ANY WAY.
- DO NOT TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION.
- Be cautious to check with your state to see if repairs require a permit before embarking on a project that might result in significant fines.
[email protected]
I haven’t read anything yet on June 14, 2017, 6:57:05 PM. 6/14/17to The most straightforward method of clearing a blocked drain field is to first have the tank drained. To complete the discharge side, take a 6 foot length of 1 inch hose and enter it into the discharge side of the drain field line to allow room for a big funnel to be inserted into the drain field line. Fill a five-gallon bucket three-quarters of the way with caustic soda and then fill the rest of the way with water. It’s best to fill the bucket with water that comes out of a hose through the spout, which is what I’m using.
It’s pure and simple acidity.
Then carefully pour it into the drain line funnel and allow it to settle for a while.
After 5 loads of washing, a dishwasher, and several baths, it’s in great operating order.
Ken Olson
On June 14, 2017, 6:57 p.m., there was no response. 6/14/17to Having the tank pumped is the most straightforward method of clearing a blocked drain field. To complete the discharge side, take a 6 foot length of 1 inch hose and insert it into the discharge side of the drain field line to allow for the installation of a big funnel. Fill a five-gallon bucket three-quarters of the way with caustic soda and then fill the rest of the way with fresh water. It’s best to fill the bucket with water that comes out of a hose through the spout, which is what I’ve been doing lately.
Pure and simple, it is an acidic solution.
Then carefully pour the mixture into the drain line funnel and allow it to settle for a few minutes before using.
Before the 1000 gallon tank was completely full, I repeated this procedure three times over four days. This is operating well now after 5 loads of clothes, 1 dishwasher, and a plethora of baths! It used to be completely blocked and overflowing.
[email protected]
The time is 2:03:19 p.m. on March 21, 2018. 3/21/18to So as long as I only use a tiny quantity to keep my home drains clean, that should be fine, right?
[email protected]
Unread, June 9, 2018, 6:08:51 a.m., June 9, 2018, 6:08:51 a.m., June 9, 2018 to Do you know whether NaOH is harmful to the “life” of a septic tank? George Kirkpatrick wrote in on Saturday, April 4, 1998 at 3:00:00 AM UTC-5: Do you know if NaOH is detrimental to the “life” of a septic tank? What impact will it have on the concrete itself is yet to be determined.
Ken Olson
The time is 7:16:34 a.m. on June 9, 2018, and the date is 6/9/18. At the concentrations used to unclog drain obstructions, wouldn’t the solution be a little dilute in the tank? – “We’re not going to fight racism with racism, but we’re going to combat racism with unity,” says the author. Fred Hampton is a songwriter and musician who lives in New York City. “A sword is never a murder weapon. It is a tool in the hands of the assassin.” – Seneca the tyrant
Neon John
The time is 7:06:05 p.m. on June 10th, 2018. 6/10/18to
Keith Thompson
Unread, Tuesday, September 22, 2020, 6:49:46 PM 9/22/20to On June 14, 2017, at 12:57:05 p.m. UTC-4, an event occurred. [email protected] wrote: The most straightforward method of clearing a blocked drain field is to first have the tank drained. To complete the discharge side, take a 6 foot length of 1 inch hose and enter it into the discharge side of the drain field line to allow room for a big funnel to be inserted into the drain field line. Fill a five-gallon bucket three-quarters of the way with caustic soda and then fill the rest of the way with water.
- Keep it away from your mouth and nose, and avoid coming into touch with it!
- It becomes really heated.
- I performed this three times over the course of four days before the 1000 gallon tank was completely full.
- In the past, it had been completely blocked and overflowed.
- If I completed four buckets, would it weigh 8 lbs?
Stumpy
Posted by unread on September 23, 2020, 6:36:36 p.m. 9/23/20toI have a three chamber septic tank that was built in 1932. It has a lot of deterioration on the lower surface of the concrete lids, which is a bad sign. This is most likely due to hydrogen sulfide gas being trapped in the tank due to its lack of ventilation. Adding a base on a regular basis could solve my problem.
Septic System Maintenance Tips
If leach fields and septic tanks are correctly designed, produced, and maintained, they can serve as long-term and effective wastewater management systems for decades. Septic system maintenance consists mostly on the removal of sludge from the tank on a regular basis. The scum and sludge layer must be examined at least once every three years.
When the scum layer is within 3 inches of the bottom of the outlet pipe, or when the distance between the top of the sludge and the bottom of the outlet pipe is within the lowest limitations mentioned below, the septic tank must be pumped.
| Volume of the Septic Tank | 3 Feet | 4 Feet | 5 Feet |
| 800 Gallon | 6 Inches | 10 Inches | 13 Inches |
| 1,150 Gallon | 4 Inches | 6 Inches | 8 Inches |
| 1,500 Gallon | 4 Inches | 4 Inches | 6 Inches |
Septic System Do’s and Don’t’s
Additionally, users of septic systems must adhere to a few fundamental guidelines in order for the system to function properly. If septic tank problems are not addressed immediately, the consequences for the homeowner might be quite severe.
DO:
- Reducing the quantity of water utilized during the spring and winter months when groundwater levels are high
- Every three years, have the septic tank inspected and pumped
- Test the percolation of your new system during the rainy weather season before you install it. Garbage disposals should be used as little as possible or not at all. This increases the amount of water and sediments entering the septic system. Remember to keep track of how often you get your septic tank repaired or pumped. Use liquid detergents or powdered detergents to clean your clothes. employ a form of clay that has the potential to cause difficulties Pumps and other moving elements should be checked on a regular basis. Recognize the location of your septic system
- Have access to the cover for your septic tank. A decorative rock, birdbath, or other similar object can be placed over the cover to make it easier to locate
- However, this is not required. Equipment and appliances that use less water should be used
- When you believe that there is a problem with your septic system, contact a professional. Make repairs to leaking faucets, toilets, showers, and baths. Check to see that your water softener isn’t dumping too much water into your septic system. Divert rainwater away from the drain field if at all possible. Maintain a safe distance between trees and plants and the drain field.
DON’T:
- Flushing materials such as writing paper, paper towels, cat litter, rags, newspapers, or disposable diapers into the septic tank is not recommended. Pouring motor oil into the septic tank is also not recommended. Large volumes of bleach or lye compounds should be flushed into the tank. Normal usage, on the other hand, will not damage the bacteria. When the septic tank is pumped, be sure to wash the walls of the tank. The bacteria in the residual slime will digest the waste water, which is good news. Drains from the yard or roof should be connected to the septic tank. The tank and leach field will be flooded as a result of the excess water. Salt water waste from water softeners should be discharged into the septic tank. Because of the high salt concentration, soil pores will become clogged. Construct a leach field in close proximity to another leach field to reduce the risk of contamination. Both systems will fail because the earth will be overly saturated. To add potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide to the tank, fill the tank halfway with water. It is anticipated that the chemicals will have an effect on solid settling, causing some sludge to reach the leach field. Plant plants on top of the leach field that requires a lot of water to survive
- A leach field near broken bedrock, flood plains, steep slopes, or impermeable soils should be constructed
- Place large things, such as swimming pools, or drive cars over the leach field or septic tank to prevent them from backing up. Additionally, plant stakes and swingset supports do not need to be placed near septic tank leach fields
- Washing machine discharge water does not need to be placed on the ground surface or in a septic tank leach field. The water will include chemicals and germs that will pollute surface waterways and provide a health concern to anybody who consume or come into contact with it. In addition to soap scum and fine particulates, the wastewater clogs the pores of the soil. Assuming that the present septic system is incapable of accepting the washing machine water, the installation of a separate septic tank and leach field will be required. Plant medium or small-sized trees within 10-20 feet of a leach field to provide shade and reduce erosion. The pipeline will be timed by the roots. Have you ever seen inside your septic tank? You should avoid opening the tank yourself since it contains germs and fumes
- Instead, consult a professional.
Common myths about your septic system:
People who did not grow up with septic systems are frequently unaware of the responsibilities that come with owning, operating, maintaining, and repairing a septic system. The following are some generally held misunderstandings concerning septic systems, as well as the realities behind each of them:
Septic systems never need to be replaced.
Septic systems require regular maintenance, which includes draining the septic tank every three years and replacing the leach field as necessary. A well planned, built, and maintained leach field will require replacement every 15-30 years if it is properly cared for. A leach field that is not properly built or erected, or that is not adequately maintained, will need to be replaced before it reaches the 15-year mark. The required maintenance is quite comparable to that required when replacing a water heater or a roof.
If your septic tank has to be pumped more than once every three years, you should consider installing a new septic system.
Flushing buttermilk or yeast into the tank will eliminate the need for it to be pumped.
Infrequently used organic wastes are frequently flushed into a septic tank, which is a regular practice. When there isn’t any wastewater being pumped into the tank for an extended period of time, the organic elements act as a source of food for the bacteria. This substance has no effect on the operation of the septic system, either positively or negatively. Due to the fact that the yeast or buttermilk has no effect on non-biodegradable materials, the tank will need to be pumped often in order to prevent blockage in the leach field.
Washing machine water needs to be discharged to the ground surface to protect the leach field.
When you wash your clothes in the washing machine, the water contains germs from the garment, and this contaminates the surface streams. Not to mention the fact that the soap residue will block the soil pores and might cause vegetation to die as a result. Water from a washing machine is considered wastewater, and it must be handled and disposed of in the same manner as water from a shower.
If the septic tank is failing, flushing with lots of water will help.
Septic system failure is frequently caused by clogged soil pores or a buildup of particles in the tank, among other things. Flushing the tank will cause the solids to be driven into the soil absorption system, resulting in damage to the leach field and the leach field itself. Flushing water into a congested leach field generates saturation, which prevents oxidation from occurring.
Using lye products weekly will clean the plumbing and septic tank.
The use of lye products on a regular basis will kill the bacteria that consume the sediments in the tank. The usage of lye products will necessitate the pumping of the septic tank many times a year in order to prevent sediments from entering the leach field.
The septic system is healthy because the grass is bright green.
The presence of bright green leach fields might indicate that wastewater is not being transported through the soil.
Look for symptoms of failure, such as effluent rising above the leach lines or marshy patches of the landscape.
Phoenix Valley Septic System Maintenance
You can count on A-American Septic Service to provide the finest quality septic system maintenance, pumping, installation, and repair services for your company or home anywhere in or around the Phoenix Valley. Contact us now to learn more. We serve the areas of Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Gilbert, Tempe, and everywhere else in the Valley of the Sun that we can reach by phone or email. Please contact us at 602-455-3878 if you are experiencing difficulties with your septic system or if you require periodic maintenance.
Will caustic soda clean drain fields?
When there is an excessive accumulation of solid waste materials in the tank, the drain fields are severely impacted. This occurs when the sludge is not digested properly due to a depleted bacterial population or when too much water is fed into the septic system, causing the hardened wastes to be churned up and washed away to the drain field, causing it to overflow. If the fats, oils, and grease make it to the drain field, they will cause obstruction. Failure of the remainder of the septic system is an inevitability at this point.
- Bio-mat accumulation can form in drain fields if they are not properly maintained on a regular basis at times.
- This is where the effluent is purified so that it may be reused after it reaches the groundwater table and is treated.
- Caustic soda is permitted for use in the cleaning of drain fields in some jurisdictions.
- It is a highly robust foundation that may be used in a wide variety of applications across a wide range of sectors.
- Its primary functions include water purification, cleaning agent, desulphurization, starch manufacture, and water treatment.
- Yes, caustic soda can be used to clear drain fields, if that is what you are interested in knowing.
- It is a necessary component of the acid treatment performed on drain fields.
In order to treat the buildup of bio-mat in your septic system, chemicals such as caustic soda, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen peroxide are utilized.
When you combine these three magical elements, you may be certain that the drain field’s absorption will be restored.
These chemicals, it goes without saying, are quite harsh on the microorganisms that digest the solid waste in the system.
If you are using an acid treatment to remove bio-mat buildup from your drain field, it is advised that you also add extra bacterial additives to your septic system to compensate for the loss of the bacterial population.
Once the acid treatment has been completed, begin adding the bacterial addition a week or two after that.
Is caustic soda effective for cleaning drain field lines?
Keep in mind that when working with caustic soda, you must wear full protective gear.
You must wear goggles or a face shield, a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, closed-toed shoes, and gloves when working.
Keep an eye out for fumes as well.
They simply dismiss it as another cleaning product, not realizing that it is a powerful chemical that may inflict serious injury or death to anyone who are exposed to it.
In order to deal with the powerful chemicals used in drain field cleaning, it is preferable for you to just call a professional. It can cost less than a hundred dollars more to employ someone who knows what they’re doing than it does to get admitted to the hospital.
About The Author
PLEASE READ: The chemicals recommended for drain cleaning in this article are extremely hazardous, and it is imperative that you read all of the warnings on the container before using them. Protective gloves, safety eyewear, and clothes should be used when working with chemical substances.
Discussion Topics:
- When to Use Sulfuric Acid as a Drain Cleaner
- What to Know Before Using Sulfuric Acid as a Drain Cleaner
- General Recommendations and Cautionary Notes When Using Sulfuric Acid Sodium Hydroxide as a Drain Cleaner: What You Should Know
- How to Use Sodium Hydroxide as a Drain Cleaner The following are general observations and warnings when using lye as a drain cleaner:
About Sulfuric Acid used as a Drain Cleaner
Sulfuric acid, I have discovered, is the most effective drain cleaning. Sulfuric acid chews through paper, rags, sanitary napkins, food scraps, and any other organic matter it comes into contact with. It has the ability to melt ice and liquefy fats. Sulfuric acid should not be used in conjunction with stainless steel, aluminum chrome, or galvanized steel pipes. When used with plastic pipe, it is completely safe. Sulfuric acid is extremely simple to apply and will unclog a drain within an hour, and in some cases, within seconds if the drain is not entirely clogged.
Sulfuric acid is a naturally occurring acid that is safe to use in sewage and septic systems since it gets diluted as it travels through your pipes.
Concentrations in excess of 98 percent will break down on their own, with the remaining 2 percent consisting primarily of water.
When working with it, it is recommended to wear chemical-resistant gloves and, if possible, safety goggles and a laboratory coat.
Using Sulfuric Acid as a Drain Cleaner
To ensure sufficient ventilation in the room where the drain is to be unclogged, open all of the windows in the room. When handling sulfuric acid, be sure to put on your PPE (proper protective equipment). Before utilizing a product, make sure you read and understand the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). Pour about 200 mL of sulfuric acid into the drain gently to clear minor obstructions (in which water still moves through but at a slower rate). After approximately 10 seconds, begin to administer a gentle stream of water.
Typically, 200 mL will take care of any slow-moving discharge.
The use of sulfuric acid for severe blockages should be done cautiously, using half of a liter bottle to treat each obstruction.
If the blockage has not been removed after an hour, repeat the procedure with another 250ml or 500ml of sulfuric acid and leave it settle for an hour.
If the obstruction remains, the sulfuric acid should be added again. In most cases, sulfuric acid should be able to clear even the most severe obstructions in less than 15 minutes. Once the blockage has been removed, flush the system with water.
General notes and cautions when using sulfuric acid
In order to avoid spitting or splattering during the neutralization process, it is not recommended to add sulfuric acid straight to water in small amounts. It is important to note, however, that adding acid to water is safer than adding water to acid, thus if this is intended for use in a toilet bowl or a sink full of water, it is relatively safe to use. In most cases, just a small amount of smoke and mild splattering will be produced when the acid is applied slowly. If any acid gets on your skin, rinse it off with plenty of water right away.
An exothermic reaction is produced when water and sulfuric acid are mixed in equal parts.
About Sodium Hydroxide used as a Drain Cleaner
Sodium Hydroxide was originally available in stores under the brand name Red Devil Lye, however that product is no longer being sold by that corporation. Red Hot Devil Lyed, which is supplied by Duda Diesel, has taken the position of red Devil Lye. When mixed with water, sodium hydroxide has a lyereaction with fats and greases, resulting in soap. It has a firm foundation that is beneficial for dealing with clogged drains. Sodium Hydroxide is a naturally occurring substance that is safe for sewer and septic systems since it gets diluted as it travels through your pipes.
It will not burn unless there is a little quantity of moisture present in the sodium hydroxide when it comes into contact with the skin.
It is also possible to use potassium hydroxide for drain opening.
It is most effective when drains are extremely plugged.
Using Sodium Hydroxide as a Drain Cleaner
When working with sodium hydroxide, make sure you are using your PPE (proper protective equipment). Before utilizing a product, make sure you read and understand the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). The amount of lye that is required is determined on the severity of the blockage. It is recommended to introduce a small amount of sodium hydroxide at a time to the blockage, allowing the sodium hydroxide to dissolve into the pipe as it is added. In most cases, if the blockage is not serious, it should clear the drain within a few seconds of being applied to the drain while the water is running.
If not enough sodium hydroxide is applied, or if the clog is really bad, it may take several days or even many weeks to clear the blockage and return to normal operation.
It is difficult to determine the exact amount of lye should be used. In most cases, if the drains are not too blocked, a half pound will be adequate. Drains that are severely blocked may take as much as 2 lb or more of force to unclog.
General notes and cautions when using lye as a drain cleaner
When sodium hydroxide is combined with water, it generates an exothermic reaction that produces heat. Add only a little amount of lye at a time, since too much heat might cause the water to boil or even melt plastic pipes. Do not come into contact with any lye-contaminated water since it becomes extremely corrosive to the skin.
Caustic Soda for Drain Cleaning
Photograph courtesy of Moyo Studio/iStock/Getty Images
In This Article
- Caustic soda has a variety of applications. A caustic soda drain cleaning is a severe treatment
- Yet, it is effective. Drain cleaning procedures that are less hazardous
Using caustic soda to clear your drains is something you’re probably already familiar with if you’ve ever used Drano or another comparable commercial solution. Caustic soda is sometimes referred to as sodium hydroxide on the label of these products. NaOH is one of the primary constituents of fast-acting commercial drain cleaners, along with sulfuric acid, although you will never see these two chemicals together in the same product. Sodium hydroxide is a base, and sulfuric acid is an acid; when they are together, they neutralize each other.
- Instead of using a commercial drain cleaner, you could purchase caustic soda crystals from a store and pour them down your drain, or you could manufacture your own by electrolyzing a salt solution and pouring it down your drain.
- According to Engineering Toolbox, caustic soda has a pH of 14, which puts it at the higher end of the pH scale and makes it just as deadly as hydrochloric acid, which is at the lower end of the scale and has a pH ranging from 0 to 1 and is found at the lower end.
- When you dissolve caustic soda in water, it also creates heat, which aids in the cleaning of the pipes and other fixtures.
- There are a variety of applications for caustic soda in industry: it is one of the primary elements in the production of soap and paper, as well as in the extraction of aluminum from ore, the curing of olives, and even the production of aspirin.
A Caustic Soda Drain Cleaner Is a Drastic Solution
Pour the sodium hydroxide into a container filled with cold water and shake it up to dissolve the sodium hydroxide. It is recommended that you perform this in a plastic or glass bowl rather than a metal one since the caustic chemical interacts with metals. When you add a cup or two of baking soda to a gallon of water, the liquid warms up fast and begins to bubble immediately. The combination should clear a stopped-up drain in 30 minutes or less if you pour it down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
First, it is ineffective.
Galvanized and cast iron pipes are also susceptible to corrosion.
The third issue arises when the caustic soda solution fails to completely remove the blockage and stays backed up in the pipes after being applied.
Pouring vinegar down the drain will help you avoid this since vinegar is acidic, and caustic soda and vinegar work together to neutralize each other’s acidity.
Safer Drain Cleaning Practices
In the event of a clogged drain, you should always attempt to plunge the drain first. The plunger is found in almost every home, and when used properly, it is effective in the great majority of situations. The use of a drain auger is typically effective when a plunger is ineffective, and removing the P-trap and cleaning the pipes is always effective in the long run. A caustic or corrosive drain cleaner is safer than an enzymatic drain cleaner when you don’t have access to the pipes or just choose to use chemicals rather than enzymes.
How to Clean a Drain With Lye
The image is courtesy of: TaniaMattiello/iStock/Getty Images
In This Article
Lye, which is heavier than water, is a common chemical that is frequently used to unclog clogged drains. Because lye does not float, it may be used in drains even when there is a pool of standing water. The lye will descend to the bottom of the drain and dissolve the blockage quickly and completely, eliminating it. Lye, on the other hand, might be overly effective at times, causing harm to your plumbing. Lye, also known as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide in the scientific community, is a powerful chemical that cuts through organic debris, such as hair and other frequent drain cloggers, with ease.
- Despite the fact that it will not melt them, lye is extremely corrosive and can cause damage to cast iron pipes as well.
- Lye can be used to speed up the flow of very slow drains, but it should never be used in a drain that seems to be solidly obstructed.
- The longer it remains in one location, the greater the likelihood that it may cause harm to your plumbing.
- It takes just 48 hours for lye to kill the bacteria in your tank and for the breakdown of solid waste in your system to begin again, and no one wants to deal with a backed-up septic system, which is why it is recommended that you use it only once every two years.
How to Clean a Drain With Lye
Always read the product label before using lye to open a drain to ensure that you are using the product correctly. While the fundamentals of lye usage are typically the same across the board, each manufacturer may have its own set of specific directions for their particular product. It is possible to be injured by misusing lye; thus, even if you have found another technique that works better, always follow the guidelines on the container.
Step 1: PrepareYourself
Because lye is a very caustic chemical, it can cause severe burns to the skin if it comes into direct contact with it.
You should always use it while wearing protective gear to keep yourself safe.
- Put on a pair of safety glasses that are resistant to chemicals
- When handling lye, use nitrile or latex gloves to protect your hands.
Step 2: Add the Lye
It is essential that the water in a sink or tub full of standing water be cool before adding lye. If it isn’t, let it to sit for a little or top it out with cold water. As lye makes its way down the drain, it heats up to the point where it may boil water, therefore it’s crucial to start with cold water rather than making hot water even hotter.
- 1 heaping spoonful of lye crystals should be poured down the drain. To avoid lye accumulating on the bottom of the sink or tub, try to direct the lye toward the drain itself. If left on these surfaces for an extended period of time, it might cause harm. 1 cup of cold water should be added after the lye. If you have standing water, you can skip this step
- Otherwise, proceed as directed. Place a bucket upside down over the drain to catch the water. Water packed with lye that is scorching hot will not splash if it comes up via the drain because of this precaution. Set the bucket lip on the handle of the bucket so that the bucket forms a tight seal. Allow the lye to stay in your drain for 15 to 30 minutes before flushing it out.
Step 3: Rinse and Repeat
In many cases, lye is quite effective, and a single treatment is sufficient to complete the task at hand. It is necessary to add a second batch of lye every now and again, though, in order to eliminate stubborn blockages. If the second treatment fails to solve the problem, you’ll need to engage a plumber to fix it. Make sure you are not just pouring increasing volumes of lye down the drain.
- Remove the bucket from the drain and flush it with cold water to clear the clogging. If there is still standing water, you can skip the flushing step. If the water is still draining slowly after flushing away the lye or if there is still standing water in the drain, add another tablespoon of lye to the drain. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, exercise extreme caution to avoid splashing the water. The water now contains lye, which might cause a burn if it comes into contact with your skin. Reposition the bucket over the drain and let the lye to continue to work for another 15 to 30 minutes. Fill the drain with cold water and flush it out. If the flow is still sluggish or if there is still standing water, consult a plumber. It’s important to notify him that you used lye to clean the drain when you do this. In this way, he will be able to protect himself against any lye that may be present.
What Types of Drain Cleaner are Safe for Septic Tanks?
Unfortunately, many people are unaware that the bulk of drain unblocking treatments available in supermarkets and hardware stores are made up of toxic chemicals and are among the worst things you can put down your sink or toilet. They will almost certainly aid in the cleaning of drains, but so will a litre of concentrated acid. We do not suggest that you do so, particularly if you are on a septic system. These harsh chemicals are the primary source of odors, clogs, and failures in wastewater treatment systems.
Why chemical based drain cleaners are dangerous for septics
All waste treatment systems, including septic, AWTS, and greywater, rely on beneficial bacteria in the system to break down waste and digest it. They are critical to the waste breakdown process, and if the bacteria are killed out or their delicate environment is disrupted, problems will arise. If the system is left unchecked, it will eventually collapse completely. Because the waste breakdown mechanism within your system is dependent on live microbes, any harsh chemicals that are introduced into your system may cause harm.
People who live near a sewage treatment plant may get away with using these harsh chemical-based drain cleaners since the sewage treatment facility, which they never see or smell, will bear the brunt of the repercussions of their decisions.
The types of drain cleaners you should avoid
Drain cleaners that are traditionally used are divided into three categories: caustic drain cleaners, oxidizing drain cleaners, and acidic drain cleaners. They should all be avoided since they include toxic compounds that are harmful to your health, your system, and the environment as well as the environment. It is recommended that you avoid using any products that include any of the following ingredients when clearing your drains:
- Sodium hydroxide
- Caustic potash (e.g. potassium hydroxide)
- Bleach (e.g. sodium hypochlorite)
- And other acids and bases Peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide)
- Nitrates (e.g., sodium nitrate)
- Sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid (not generally available in stores, but usually available to plumbers)
- Oxygen peroxide (e.g., hydrogen peroxide)
The types of drain cleaner you can use with your septic
Using drain cleaners that take use of biological processes and that contain rapidly biodegradable surfactants is recommended whether you have a septic, AWTS, or greywater system. Environmentally friendly drain cleaners such as EcoCare All Clear and EcoCare Kitchen Clear are very effective drain cleaners that employ specialist bacteria to break down clogs and quickly biodegradable surfactants to bond to waste particles, allowing them to be easily flushed down your pipes.
Our drain cleaning chemicals have been specifically designed to nourish your system once they have completed their task of eliminating any clogs or blockages.
How to tell if a drain cleaner is actually septic safe
There are a lot of over-the-counter drain cleaners on the market that claim to be septic-safe but are not. This means that the products are not harmful to your physical system, but the chemicals they contain will still destroy the good bacteria in your system and prevent it from operating as it was designed to operate. Check the ingredient list to determine whether any of the substances listed above are present. If so, you should avoid using that particular product.
Septic-Safe Methods for Unclogging a Drain
A clogged drain is a source of frustration for any homeowner, but when a clogged drain occurs in a home with a septic system, one of the most pressing concerns is how to clear the drain without causing damage to the septic system itself. Many homeowners’ first instinct is to grab for a chemical drain cleaner, but if you have a septic system, these harsh chemicals should be the very last thing you use to unclog a drain to avoid damaging it. Drain unclogging procedures that are safe for septic systems are discussed in this section.
Why Chemical Drain Cleaners are Bad for Septic Systems
Despite the fact that chemical drain cleaners are appealing, they are a poor choice for unclogging clogged drains in houses that have septic systems, according to the American Chemical Society. The principle behind chemical drain cleaners is straightforward: send harsh chemicals down the drain, and the clog will be eaten away by the chemicals until it is tiny enough to flow through the pipes. The chemicals are physically melting the blockage away from the pipes. Chemical drain cleaners are among the household cleaners that are prohibited from being used with septic systems due to the presence of sodium hydroxide, sometimes known as lye, in one of its essential constituents.
All of these chemicals are not only detrimental to the bacterial environment of the septic system, but they are also very corrosive and will eat away at the tank’s structural integrity as well.
Septic-Safe Method1: Unclogging a Drain with Boiling Water
Despite the fact that chemical drain cleaners are appealing, they are a poor choice when it comes to unclogging drains in homes that have septic systems installed. The basic premise of chemical drain cleaners is straightforward: throw harsh chemicals down the drain, where they will eat away at the clog until it is tiny enough to flow through the drainage system. Clogs are really melting away because of the chemicals. Chemical drain cleaners are among the household cleaners that are prohibited from being used with septic systems due to the presence of sodium hydroxide, often known as lye, as one of its main constituents.
The combined effects of all of these chemicals are not only detrimental to the bacterial environment of the septic system, but they are also very corrosive and will eat away at the tank’s structure.
Even though they are non-corrosive, plumbers believe that these drain cleaners should be avoided at all costs, regardless of whether or not a property is equipped with an onsite septic system.
Septic-Safe Method2: Unclogging a Drain with VinegarBaking Soda
As children, we used to make volcanoes out of baking soda, vinegar, and red food coloring, which we could see exploding from the ground. As adults, the same experiment (without the red food dye) may be used to unclog a clogged drain without causing damage to the septic system. Whenever baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, a chemical reaction happens, resulting in the formation of carbonic acid, which rapidly decomposes to produce carbon dioxide gas. As a result, what happened? Numerous bubbles with the ability to loosen and clear away the majority of obstructions are released into the air.
Repeat this process twice more.
In addition to being septic-safe, this tried-and-true method of unclogging a drain is also totally safe for the plumbing inside your home.
Septic-Safe Method3: Unclogging a Drain Manually
After trying the first two techniques of cleaning a blocked drain and failing miserably, it may be necessary to don some dishwashing gloves and personally remove the obstruction. Carefully dislodge the clog with a plunger, a plastic drain cleaning tool, or a heavy-duty plumber’s snake to either loosen it enough to allow it to flow through the home’s plumbing or completely remove it from the pipes. The following methods should only be used as a last option, prior to hiring a plumber, and you must exercise caution to ensure that you do not mistakenly harm the afflicted drains by driving a snake into or out of the plumbing system.
Drain Maintenance
One effective method of dealing with blocked drains is to assist in preventing them from occurring in the first place. Fats, oils, and greases, which are responsible for a large number of kitchen drain blockages, should never be thrown down the drain. The fact that hair is the most prevalent cause of bathroom blockages suggests that using protective screens that prevent hair from entering the drain is a smart idea. A clogged drain that does not clear using these septic-safe procedures may indicate that your septic system is in need of repair or replacement.
To book a service visit, please contact us right away.
Household Cleaners and Your Septic System
Keep a watch on the household cleaners you use around the house when it comes to preserving the bacterial environment in your septic system. This is especially true for cleansers that claim to destroy bacteria and should not be used around the home. Using a reasonable amount of some chemical cleaning solutions in your septic system is OK; but, using too much or the wrong sort could throw the balance of your system out of whack and result in problems such as blockage, groundwater contamination, and leach field failure.
Which Household Cleaners are Safe for my Septic System?
If a home cleaner’s label explicitly states that it is “septic safe” or “septic friendly,” this is a solid sign that the cleaner is safe for your septic system to use. Products bearing these labeling, on the other hand, might be difficult to come across. Biodegradable, phosphate-free, and ecologically friendly are all terms that are frequently used to describe such items. Products containing active substances that are bio-based or natural, as opposed to those using chemicals as the major active ingredient, are often a better choice.
Meyer’s product line – can effectively clean your home without disrupting the bacterial equilibrium in your septic tank.
The primary component in any water-based home cleaner will always be water, and it will not include strong solvents (which are typically acid-based) that might harm the environment in your septic tank.
Which Household Cleaners Should I Avoid Using in My Septic System?
Bleach can be used as an antiseptic if it is diluted and used in moderation. In accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, bleach will keep the interior of your house clean while not destroying the germs in your septic system. However, because bleach is a potent antibacterial cleaning solution that is based on chemicals, you must exercise caution while using it for any cleaning task around the house. In addition to being an environmentally acceptable alternative to bleach, borax is also a highly effective cleaner.
Use of ammonia in your septic system will not kill the bacteria in your system; but, excessive use of the chemical may cause your system’s microorganisms to become unbalanced, causing it to fail.
These products contain sodium hydroxide, often known as lye, which is a vital element because it is one of the most caustic compounds found in the home.
The use of a snake to clear plumbing clogs is a more safer and more effective means of clearing obstructions.
What “Natural” Household Cleaners Can I Use with my Septic System?
Using bleach in moderation is safe for septic systems when it is diluted properly beforehand. In accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, bleach will keep the interior of your house clean without harming the microorganisms in your septic system. However, because bleach is a potent antibacterial cleaning agent that is based on chemicals, you must be careful not to use it for every cleaning task around the house. In addition to being an environmentally preferable alternative to bleach, borax is a highly effective cleaner.
When used appropriately, ammonia will not kill the bacteria in your septic system; but, when used in excess, ammonia will upset the bacterial balance in your septic system, causing it to fail.
Because these products include sodium hydroxide, often known as lye, which is one of the most caustic substances found in the home, it is a crucial element in them.
The use of a snake to clear plumbing clogs is a more safer and more effective means of clearing the jams.
Septic Care: Drain Cleaner and Onsite Systems Are a Bad Combination
Receive articles, news, and videos about Systems/ATUs sent directly to your email! Now is the time to sign up. Systems/ATUs+ Receive Notifications Septic systems treat wastewater by utilizing naturally occurring microorganisms. Many drain cleaners use harsh chemicals that destroy the beneficial microorganisms that septic systems require to function properly. Chemical drain cleaners are among the most hazardous cleaning chemicals available to the general public in terms of human health. A large number of them include caustic substances such as sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide (lye), and sodium hypochlorite (bleach), which can cause lasting burns to the eyes and skin if consumed.
If consumed, some of these substances can be lethal. Cleaning products are obliged by law to include label warnings if they include any of the following dangerous ingredients:
| Signal word | Toxicity if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin |
| Caution | One ounce to one pint may be harmful |
| Warning | One teaspoon to one ounce may be harmful or fatal |
| Danger | One taste to one teaspoon is fatal |
In an ideal world, all of the things that we use in our homes would come with no warning or merely a ” Caution.” Gross (1987) conducted a laboratory investigation and discovered that even at extremely low Drano doses, there were significant reductions in coliform bacteria concentrations. Just 0.1 mg of Drano per liter of septic tank effluent reduced the quantity of coliforms tenfold; 1.3 mg is sufficient to kill the vast majority of bacteria; and 3 mg/L is sufficient to completely eliminate them.
There was also a modest reduction in pH with greater doses of Drano, which was observed.
Following the administration of the Drano, the bacteria population returns to its previous concentration within 48 hours of the addition of the Drano.
Prevent drains from becoming clogged in the first place by installing excellent catch basins in all drains, including those from sinks, showers, tubs, laundry, and other sources of water.
It is recommended that large food scraps be collected and disposed of with the solid trash, or composted where feasible, rather than being poured down the drain.
The most common location for a sink drain to become clogged is around 6 inches below the drain hole in the trap, according to the manufacturer.
Another option is to use a plunger to clear the obstruction, or a drain auger or snake to physically remove the debris that is causing the sluggish or clogged drain to begin with.
In order to get access to pipes for auguring, clean-out apertures that can be unscrewed should be installed.
It is possible to employ chemical drain cleaners as a last option, provided that they are enzyme-based rather than caustic cleansers.
You can provide homeowners with a recipe so that they can make their own: Pour half a cup of salt and half a cup of baking soda down your clogged drain to clear it out.
Allow it to rest overnight before flushing with hot water the next day.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental science.
The Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association (MOWA) and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) both have education chairs, and Heger is a committee member of the National Sanitation Foundation’s International Committee on Wastewater Treatment Systems.
[email protected] with any questions on septic system care and operation. She will respond as soon as she can.