What Can A Septic Service Do For You?

Drain cleaner is a valid option for most homes, but not so if you have a septic tank. If you've recently moved into a home with a septic tank and don't know much about it, stop what you're doing and don't go out to purchase a drain cleaner. Doing so could dramatically damage your septic system and end up costing you a lot of money. Here's what you should know and do instead.

Why It's Bad

Drain cleaners are incredibly toxic and abrasive because they need to be. It's in order to clear harsh clogs. Think about it, though; when you run drain cleaner down a normal set of pipes, it chews up and annihilates anything in its way. This is also true of what's in your septic tank.

You see, the septic tank isn't simply a giant bucket that holds whatever you flush down the toilet. It's also a carefully planned ecosystem with thriving bacteria that help to break down what you flush so that it doesn't overflow and cause problems for the drains that are built into your septic tank. But when you use a drain cleaner, you can not only damage the septic tank itself but you'll also kill off these good bacteria, which can lead to big problems like an overflowing tank down the line.

What To Do

If you're having a problem with a clogged drain, you should call a plumber. Plumbers are able to break up clogs using things like mechanical snakes and hydro jetting, which utilizes a strong stream of water to blast away clogs. Snakes don't introduce anything into the septic tank and hydro jetting only adds water to the tank, which is completely harmless. This way you can get your problem fixed without ending up with a huge bill down the road.

Maintaining The Results

When you no longer have a blockage, there are a few things you can do to keep it that way. You can start by setting up regular appointments with your plumber to come and clean out your drains. This is an affordable and quick and easy service that will ensure that you don't end up with a major clog again.

In addition, you can use natural cleaning methods like vinegar and baking soda to help break up oil and hair that's gathered in the drain but hasn't yet become a full clog. These substances aren't a problem for the septic tank and won't cause any damage. For more information, contact a local drain cleaning service.