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Plumbing: drain cleaner

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Forum: PlumbingReplies: 16, Views: 120
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flowerjen
central, NJ
(Zone 6b)

February 15, 2007
4:06 AM

Post #3190968

What kind of drain cleaner (for slow moving drain)can I use with a septic? I know I can't use drano or anything like that.
Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX

February 15, 2007
11:32 AM

Post #3191811

Is it system wide or just one drain that is slow? If just one, I would use a snake. If it is every drain, then I would call a plumber familiar with septic systems.
flowerjen
central, NJ
(Zone 6b)

February 15, 2007
12:11 PM

Post #3191926

It's 4 drains the main bath sink and tub, the master bath sink and the shower I can actually hear the problem the water is having draining behind the wall, my husband doesn't want to snake it because the pipes are kinda weak from the high acicity in our water.(we already had 2 pipes burst on us) We've only been here 2 years.
He is planning on re-piping once he goes to re-do the main bath.
I used a hand plunger and it helped a little.

wood4d
Barnegat, NJ

March 2, 2007
9:28 AM

Post #3240647

if the pipes are weak due to corrosion you are safer with a snake than using drain cleaner. If you use a small electric they actually are pretty pipe friendly if you run water when you use it. you can rent them at a local place. They look like a drill with a drum on them.
texasmasterplum
San Antonio, TX

July 6, 2007
12:15 AM

Post #3701666

If you want a chemical drain cleaner to use with a septic system that will work on buildup and sludge, try any crystalized sodium hydroxide. There are several different brands (including Crystal Drano) that will work as regular maintenance. Thrift (not the liquid), Rossite, Crystal Drano, etc... These are all okay with a septic and will even help the breakdown of waste in your tank. These are also good root killers, but are all very caustic to your skin and countertops, carpet etc..., so you need to be careful not to spill them or use them on already clogged drains, and GET A MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET!!! And read it carefully. You can also use any product with an enzyme or bacteria (similar to yeast) that will eat the sludge and be washed down the drain. These are safe to use and are also good for your septic. Remember that the key is to thoroughly clean your drains with a snake first and keep up with the buildup by regularly maintaining your drains. One application is never enough.
flowerjen
central, NJ
(Zone 6b)

July 6, 2007
3:18 PM

Post #3703787

thanks for the info
AYankeeCat
Bridgeport, CT
(Zone 6b)

July 6, 2007
3:27 PM

Post #3703806

I keep my pipes running by pouring boiling water down the drain and the toilet. I pinkie swear that I have never had it fail to clear a clogged drain. I may be pouring boiling water for two hours - but it beats calling a plumber. I'm on sewer - but plain old water should be safe for a septic. Cutting down on the amount of soap you use really helps keep the pipes clear, too. Soap is sticky and builds up a coating.
Donna_O
Calhoun, GA

July 10, 2007
11:48 AM

Post #3718864

But could the boiling water in such quantities cause damage to older plumbing?
AYankeeCat
Bridgeport, CT
(Zone 6b)

July 10, 2007
1:00 PM

Post #3719185

We'd have to ask a plumber.
texasmasterplum
San Antonio, TX

July 10, 2007
9:09 PM

Post #3721181

Unless you have a burner under your pipes, the water stops being "boiling water" once you take it off your stove, and is the same as pouring a pot of spaghetti water down the drain once you cook the pasta. Also, the crystal sodium hydroxide that I mentioned actually works by being really, really hot, and liquefying any grease or goo, and sending it on down the drain. Your pipes should be fine.
kyjoy
Frankfort, KY

July 20, 2007
2:18 PM

Post #3759584

My plumber told me that once a week I should fill my sinks with hot water and then pull the plug.
texasmasterplum
San Antonio, TX

July 29, 2007
12:56 AM

Post #3791471

Not a bad plan, but don't you already do that when you do the dishes, and/or cook?
kyjoy
Frankfort, KY

July 29, 2007
2:26 PM

Post #3793104

Yes, but the water isn't as hot. The plumber said as hot as you can get from the tap. When I wash dishes I add cold water too, otherwise I couldn't put my hands in it.
romsia
alaska
(United States)

December 4, 2007
5:10 AM

Post #4259713

BioGuard Plus drain cleaner and septic tank digester is a multi-culture dual purpose preparation available in a safe dry form. It is composed of six select microbial cultures and enzymes designed to liquefy and consume organic wastes that are commonly found in drainage and septic systems. BioGuard Plus is non-toxic, non-caustic, non-pathogenic (harmful) and is biodegradable.


This message was edited Dec 8, 2007 1:05 AM
rodrik

December 31, 2007
2:24 AM

Post #4343019

Drain maintenance is a key factor in keeping your drains clog-free and keeping those stinky drain smells away. There are six major types of drain cleaners sold today Caustic liquid,Caustic solid,Enzymatic cleaners,Acid liquid,Air burst cleaners,high ressure water jetting. But I use home made drain cleaner, simply Pour 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain. Follow with 6 cups boiling water. Let sit overnight and then flush with water. The hot water should help dissolve the clog and the baking soda and salt serve as an abrasive to break through the clog. There is best source on the Internet for more help [HYPERLINK@www.lakewoodoregonplumbers.com]
rikson

January 1, 2008
2:54 AM

Post #4346673

A good option is to choose any number of enzymatic biological drain cleaners on the market today, such as Earth Friendly Products’ Enzyme Drain Cleaner or Bi-O-Kleen’s BacOut. These make use of a natural bacterial and enzyme mixture to open and keep drains clear. And unlike sodium hydroxide they are non-caustic and will not facilitate combustion. These products are also completely safe and effective for use in toilets, bathtub/showers, garbage disposals, and septic systems.

ricky2008

January 11, 2008
4:48 AM

Post #4386416

I think problem of septic tank can be solve by drain cleaner. Consult him regarding your problem.

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