A blocked drain is a huge inconvenience for any homeowner. While there are many different ways of unclogging the blockage, some techniques are not suitable for septic tank systems. In fact, if you use a septic tank for your waste disposal needs, you should be particularly careful about how you handle blocked drains.
A small mistake may result in costly damages to your pipes and the septic tank itself. Here are some useful tips for unclogging slow or blocked drains in your septic system.
1. Avoid using chemicals
Septic systems are powered by bacteria. These microorganisms break down waste and allow your pipes to keep flowing smoothly. If you use chemicals such as bleach, drain cleaner or ammonia, you may end up killing these bacteria and affecting your septic system efficiency.
The good news is that you can use other items in place of harmful chemicals. Baking soda is harmless to bacteria and it can be used to dissolve materials that are blocking your drains. One or two cups of baking soda in hot water are enough to slowly digest the materials inside your drains. Vinegar is also another useful item to use for blocked septic drains. Make sure you don't use too much.
2. A drain inspection camera will come in handy
Homes that are connected to city sewer lines have more flexibility when unblocking drains. But if you're using a septic system, you need to be more strategic. Knowing where the exact blockage is can help you save time and money during the unblocking process.
A drain inspection camera is a useful piece of plumbing equipment that can help you to follow a more targeted approach when unclogging blocked drains. The drain inspection camera will pinpoint where the blockage is and can even provide insights as to which materials are causing the problem.
3. Check your drainfield for any downstream blockages
If you have a slow-moving drain, the problem could be with your septic tank drainfield. A clogged drainfield may cause your entire sewage system to back up into the home. Some common signs include a slow-flushing toilet, clogged drains and foul odours emerging from your plumbing system.
Check if your dranfield is overflowing. You can be able to tell by noticing pools of water in the drainfield or clogged soil. If the problem is with your drainfield, you'll need a septic tank service to remove the blockage and to restore the smooth flow of wastewater.