Published in Onsite Installer Magazine
www.onsiteinstaller.com
Written by Sarah Heger
Chemicals used in many drain cleaners kill the essential bacteria needed by septic systems.
Septic systems rely on natural bacteria to treat wastewater. Harsh chemicals used in many drain cleaners kill the essential bacteria needed by septic systems.
Chemical drain cleaners are among the most dangerous of all cleaning products to human health. Most contain corrosive ingredients such as sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide (lye) and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) that can permanently burn eyes and skin. Some can be fatal if ingested. Cleaning products are required by law to include label warnings if harmful ingredients are included which are:
| 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 |
Ideally, the products used on all our homes either have no warning or only a “Caution.”
In a study by Gross (1987), a lab study found significant decreases in concentrations of coliform bacteria at very low Drano concentrations. Just 0.1 mg of Drano per liter of septic tank effluent reduced the concentration of coliforms tenfold; 1.3 mg is enough to kill most bacteria, and at 3 mg/L they are destroyed. Three mg/L corresponds to 11.3 grams in a 1,000-gallon septic tank. Also, there was as a slight decrease in pH at higher concentrations of Drano. This amount could possibly be used by a homeowner in a short time period when unclogging a drain. The bacteria population recovers to its original concentration within 48 hours following the addition of the Drano.
Alternatives for customers
Prevent drains from becoming blocked in the first place by having really good catch basins in all drains from sinks, showers, tubs, laundry, etc. This is easily done with inexpensive metal or plastic drain screens. Large food scraps, along with fat, oils and grease should be collected and disposed of with the solid waste or composted when possible, and not dumped down the drain.
The most likely spot for a sink drain to clog is about 6 inches below the drain opening in the trap. If a clog occurs, many times the plumbing under a sink can be removed and manually cleaned. In other instances a plunger may also help to clear the obstruction or a drain auger or snake is used to manually remove the material causing the slow or blocked drain. If the blockage isn’t near enough to the sink to reach with a snake, look for other places to gain entry to the pipe. There should be clean-out ports that can be unscrewed to gain access to pipes for auguring. If it’s a tough hair or scale-type clog, it may be worth it to call in a professional with better equipment to handle those types of blockages.
As a last resort, chemical drain cleaners may be used, but they must be enzyme-based rather than caustic cleaners. Earth Friendly or Naturally Yours are two brands of enzyme-based drain cleaners. Homeowners can make their own: Put 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup baking soda, 6 cups of vinegar down the drain. Let stand for an hour or so & then pour kettle of boiling water down your drain. This can be done every 6 months to a year. It does no damage and can help to keep drains clear.
All Clear Septic and Wastewater Services can answer all your septic questions. Call them at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com
Septic System Remediation
/in All Clear Septic, All Clear Septic & Wastewater service, Bob Silva, Down to Earth Construction, Maine, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, New Hampshire, norton, rhode island, septic inspection, Septic Preservation Services, septic pumping, septic services, title 5, title 5 inspectionsSeptic Preservation Schedules Title 5 Inspections
/in All Clear Septic, All Clear Septic & Wastewater service, Bob Silva, Down to Earth Construction, emergency services, Maine, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, New Hampshire, norton, rhode island, rochester, septic inspection, septic inspections, Septic Preservation Services, septic pumping, septic services, title 5, title 5 inspections, title vSeptic Cleaning and Septic Pumping
/in All Clear Septic, All Clear Septic & Wastewater service, Bob Silva, Down to Earth Construction, Maine, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, New Hampshire, norton, rhode island, septic inspection, septic inspections, Septic Preservation Services, septic pumping, septic services, title 5, title 5 inspectionsHoliday Tips for Your Septic System
/in All Clear Septic, All Clear Septic & Wastewater service, Bob Silva, Maine, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, New Hampshire, norton, rhode island, rochester, septic inspection, septic inspections, title 5, title 5 inspectionsHave your tank pumped out before company arrives.
If you’re having family in town or having a large event, you may want to consider having your tank pumped out before they get into town. Your tank is used to operating at a certain level based on its size and the size of your home. If you’re expecting out of town guests for an extended stay you’ll want to make sure that your septic system is operating optimally to avoid embarrassing backups or drainfield failures.
Remind them about septic system “rules”.
Although it might be a sensitive subject, try to educate your guests about the rules with septic systems, such as not flushing feminine products or other items down the toilet and putting food solids and grease into the garbage rather than dumping them down the drain. These things will help you to avoid backups and malfunctions and keep your system running optimally, no matter how many guests you have. Limiting the use of your garbage disposal or not using it at all is a good idea with so many different foods at the holidays.
When you have guests in the town, the last thing you want to worry about is a septic system malfunction. A regular maintenance check before your guests arrive could save you lots of money compared to a septic repair and also help make their stay more enjoyable.
Also, it might be a good time to review your water usage and consider changing over to High Efficiency toilets, sinks, and Energy Star appliances. Efficient use of water can improve your septic system’s operation and reduce the risk of failure.
Everyone always looks forward to the holidays and getting together with family and friends. Do your self a favor and call All Clear Septic and Wastewater Services for a maintenance check to make sure your septic system is ready for the holidays and you can relax and enjoy the holiday season.
Call them at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com
Thanksgiving Advice from Septic Preservation
/in All Clear Septic, All Clear Septic & Wastewater service, Bob Silva, Down to Earth Construction, emergency services, Maine, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, rhode island, rochester, septic inspection, septic inspections, Septic Preservation Services, septic pumping, septic services, title 5, title 5 inspectionsSeptic Preservation Services Have Scheduled Title 5 Inspections
/in All Clear Septic, All Clear Septic & Wastewater service, Bob Silva, cleaning products, Down to Earth Construction, emergency services, Maine, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, New Hampshire, norton, rhode island, rochester, septic inspection, septic inspections, Septic Preservation Services, septic pumping, septic services, title 5, title 5 inspectionsSeptic Preservation Services Conducting Septic Repairs
/in All Clear Septic, All Clear Septic & Wastewater service, Bob Silva, Down to Earth Construction, emergency services, Maine, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, New Hampshire, norton, septic inspection, septic inspections, Septic Preservation Services, septic services, title 5, title 5 inspectionsSeptic Preservation Services Schedules FAST Services
/in All Clear Septic, All Clear Septic & Wastewater service, Bob Silva, Down to Earth Construction, emergency services, Maine, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, New Hampshire, norton, rhode island, septic inspection, septic inspections, Septic Preservation Services, septic pumping, septic services, title 5, title 5 inspectionsSeptic Preservation Services in Maine Today
/in All Clear Septic, All Clear Septic & Wastewater service, Bob Silva, Down to Earth Construction, emergency services, Maine, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, New Hampshire, norton, rhode island, rochester, septic inspection, septic inspections, Septic Preservation Services, septic pumping, septic services, title 5 inspectionsDrain Cleaner and Onsite Systems Are a Bad Combination
/in All Clear Septic, All Clear Septic & Wastewater service, Bob Silva, emergency services, Maine, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, New Hampshire, norton, rhode island, rochester, septic inspection, septic inspections, Septic Preservation Services, septic pumping, septic services, title 5, title 5 inspectionswww.onsiteinstaller.com
Written by Sarah Heger
Chemicals used in many drain cleaners kill the essential bacteria needed by septic systems.
Septic systems rely on natural bacteria to treat wastewater. Harsh chemicals used in many drain cleaners kill the essential bacteria needed by septic systems.
Chemical drain cleaners are among the most dangerous of all cleaning products to human health. Most contain corrosive ingredients such as sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide (lye) and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) that can permanently burn eyes and skin. Some can be fatal if ingested. Cleaning products are required by law to include label warnings if harmful ingredients are included which are:
In a study by Gross (1987), a lab study found significant decreases in concentrations of coliform bacteria at very low Drano concentrations. Just 0.1 mg of Drano per liter of septic tank effluent reduced the concentration of coliforms tenfold; 1.3 mg is enough to kill most bacteria, and at 3 mg/L they are destroyed. Three mg/L corresponds to 11.3 grams in a 1,000-gallon septic tank. Also, there was as a slight decrease in pH at higher concentrations of Drano. This amount could possibly be used by a homeowner in a short time period when unclogging a drain. The bacteria population recovers to its original concentration within 48 hours following the addition of the Drano.
Alternatives for customers
Prevent drains from becoming blocked in the first place by having really good catch basins in all drains from sinks, showers, tubs, laundry, etc. This is easily done with inexpensive metal or plastic drain screens. Large food scraps, along with fat, oils and grease should be collected and disposed of with the solid waste or composted when possible, and not dumped down the drain.
The most likely spot for a sink drain to clog is about 6 inches below the drain opening in the trap. If a clog occurs, many times the plumbing under a sink can be removed and manually cleaned. In other instances a plunger may also help to clear the obstruction or a drain auger or snake is used to manually remove the material causing the slow or blocked drain. If the blockage isn’t near enough to the sink to reach with a snake, look for other places to gain entry to the pipe. There should be clean-out ports that can be unscrewed to gain access to pipes for auguring. If it’s a tough hair or scale-type clog, it may be worth it to call in a professional with better equipment to handle those types of blockages.
As a last resort, chemical drain cleaners may be used, but they must be enzyme-based rather than caustic cleaners. Earth Friendly or Naturally Yours are two brands of enzyme-based drain cleaners. Homeowners can make their own: Put 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup baking soda, 6 cups of vinegar down the drain. Let stand for an hour or so & then pour kettle of boiling water down your drain. This can be done every 6 months to a year. It does no damage and can help to keep drains clear.
All Clear Septic and Wastewater Services can answer all your septic questions. Call them at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com