Your septic system needs good bacteria to perform its job properly, which is why you shouldn’t use chemical drain cleaners nor should you flush household cleaners or bleach down the drain. These chemicals destroy the balance found naturally in your septic system and can damage it. How can you clean and unclog your drains if you can’t use OTC cleaners? Express Septic Services know the perfect recipe for a natural drain cleaner that won’t damage your septic tank or drain field.
Head to the Grocery Store
Head to the grocery store or super center first and pick up a large bottle of white vinegar and a large box of baking soda. You’ll want to get the largest sizes you can find if you have a lot of drains to clean. These are the only supplies you need to clean your drains, so you’re good to go once you’ve purchased them.
Boil Water
Again, depending on how many drains you have to clean, boil tap water in a large or medium-sized pan. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil before you pour it down the drains. Pour a good amount of water down each drain to get the pipes good and wet. You want the baking soda to coat the pipe.
The Baking Soda Next
Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain next. If you can, pull out the drain plugs first and then pour the baking soda directly into the drain. If you cannot get the drain plugs out, you can use a butter knife to help you push the baking soda down the drain. Get as much baking soda into your drain as possible.
White Vinegar
Chase the baking soda with 1 cup of white vinegar. The combination of the two will begin to bubble, which is exactly what you want. Baking soda is actually sodium bicarbonate and white vinegar is acetic acid. When the two combine, they turn into carbon dioxide, which breaks down dirt and grime.
Plug the Sink
Once the baking soda and white vinegar are down the drain, plug the sink to keep them there. You don’t want them to wash all the way through to your septic system just yet. Rather, set a timer for anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on how dirty your drains are and then leave everything alone.
Rinse the Drain
Prior to time being up, boil more water in a pan. Again, you want the water to come to a rolling boil so it’s good and hot. When time is up, open the drain plug and pour the hot water down the drain. You’ll notice your water will flow much better now and the baking soda will deodorize the drain.
You can do this to all household drains regularly to keep them clean and fresh. If you are having trouble with clogged drains that you suspect are the result of septic system problems, call Express Septic Services. We are located in Greenville, Anderson and Spartanburg, SC.
