Simple, Effective, and Fast DIY Septic Tank Unclogging Guide
A clogged septic tank causes a lot of inconvenience, not only disrupting the daily lives of family members but also making the bathroom smell unpleasant. That is why knowing how to unclog a septic tank simply at home will help you respond quickly in unexpected situations without having to call a septic tank service. Save these effective, cost-saving septic tank unclogging methods shared by Cuong Lam Distributor below to use when needed.
Causes of septic tank clogging
Septic tank clogging can be caused by many factors, including:
- Sanitary pads and toilet paper: These are materials that do not dissolve in water and are difficult to decompose, causing septic tank clogging.
- Solidified waste on the surface: Pouring food with grease down the drain can easily cause septic tank clogging. Because grease is quite sticky, it forms a hard layer on the surface, preventing other waste from flowing down.
- Infrequent septic tank pumping: After prolonged use, the septic tank will contain and accumulate a lot of different waste, causing overload and signs of a full septic tank. At this point, air bubbles will appear when flushing the toilet, the toilet water will drain slowly, and an extremely unpleasant odor will be caused.
Septic tank clogging due to excessive toilet paper use (Source: Internet)
Simple, easy-to-implement septic tank unclogging methods
1. Unclogging the septic tank with natural water pressure
This method is mainly used in cases where the septic tank is clogged with paper or easily treatable organic waste. If it is clogged by a hard object, it may not achieve optimal results. To use this method, simply flush the toilet multiple times to create high water pressure and push the waste down into the septic tank. If the first flush does not work, wait for the toilet water tank to fill up and then flush again.
2. Using baking soda to unclog the septic tank
This septic tank unclogging method is quite simple. You just need to prepare 1 cup of baking soda, 2 cups of vinegar, and a little boiling water to create a chemical solution that decomposes organic matter. Dissolve the vinegar and baking soda, pour the solution directly into the drainpipe, and soak it for about 15–20 minutes. Then, pour hot water forcefully to create high pressure and push the waste down, quickly resolving the septic tank clogging.
Unclogging the septic tank with baking soda (Source: Internet)
3. How to unclog a severely clogged septic tank with dishwashing liquid
Dishwashing liquid not only cleans but also helps unclog septic tanks, especially in cases of mild clogging caused by toilet paper, grease, or organic waste. Pour about 40–60 ml of dishwashing liquid into the toilet. Then, pour hot water at about 70–75°C and flush. The dishwashing liquid solution decomposes waste and creates lubrication, helping the waste be easily washed away by the water flow.
4. Unclogging the septic tank with a rubber plunger
This is the fastest septic tank unclogging method and works immediately after just one use. First, place the rubber part of the plunger firmly against the toilet bowl opening and push down continuously. Based on the pressure difference, when you plunge forcefully, the plunger will create a pushing force that helps dislodge obstructions in the drainpipe. Then, flush forcefully and clean the toilet thoroughly.
Unclogging the septic tank with a rubber plunger (Source: Internet)
5. Using a wire, spring rod, or clothes hanger
Clothes hangers, wire rods, or spring rods are all household items and are also essential for effectively unclogging septic tanks. First, bend one end of the rod into a U-shape and keep the other end straight to hold. Insert the hook end into the toilet system, pull continuously until you feel the hook touch the obstruction causing the clog. Then, pull the hook up to remove the obstruction and flush with water to clean the pipe.
6. Using a vacuum cleaner to unclog a clogged septic tank
A vacuum cleaner is a familiar household appliance, not only for cleaning the house but also for effectively unclogging septic tanks. Instructions for unclogging a septic tank with a vacuum cleaner:
- To suck out the obstruction: Insert the vacuum hose into the toilet bowl opening and select the strong suction mode. Then flush with water to clean the pipe.
- To push out the obstruction: Insert the vacuum cleaner hose into the toilet bowl opening and seal it tightly to prevent waste from flowing back. Then, select the blowing mode to push the obstruction down.
7. Using a septic tank unclogging gun
The unclogging gun is a tool specifically designed for unclogging septic tanks and is widely used due to its simple, easy operation and highly effective results. First, connect the valve on the gun head to the air pump, pump air into it, and monitor the gauge on the gun until it reaches 4–5 Bar. Then, pull the trigger to pump air inside and create a pushing force to push the waste out. Finally, remove the gun and flush with water to clean the pipe.
The unclogging gun is a tool specifically designed for unclogging septic tanks (Source: Internet)
8. How to unclog a septic tank with an eel or catfish
Using an eel or catfish to resolve septic tank clogging may be a rather novel method for many people. But in fact, this is one of the highly effective and fast septic tank unclogging methods. To use it, simply place an eel or catfish into the drainpipe. They will move and easily push obstructions down the pipe, helping to clear the system.
9. Using septic tank unclogging powder
When the septic tank is clogged due to excessive waste inside, using drain powder will be the best solution. The active ingredients in the powder can quickly decompose waste, thereby reducing the amount of waste inside the septic tank and creating more space. You can buy drain powder packets at stores or online. Then, pour 1–2 powder packets directly into the toilet and wait for about 20–30 minutes before flushing forcefully to wash away the decomposed waste.
10. Using septic tank unclogging solution
Septic tank unclogging solution also works similarly to drain powder, but it is in liquid form and packaged in individual bags. This septic tank unclogging method is quite simple. Just pour the septic tank unclogging solution into the toilet and wait for about 2–3 hours for the active ingredients to decompose the waste. Then, flush forcefully to wash the solution and waste down the toilet.
Using septic tank unclogging solution (Source: Internet)
11. How to unclog a clogged septic tank with enzymes
Enzymes, also known as yeast, are biological chemicals that catalyze oxidation reactions, promote the decomposition of waste, and quickly unclog septic tanks. To unclog a septic tank at home, simply pour this chemical into the drain and wait for a few hours or follow the usage instructions to allow the waste to decompose. Then flush with water to clean the pipe.
12. Unclogging the septic tank with Coca-Cola
If your home does not have drain powder or any chemicals to unclog the septic tank, consider using Coca-Cola. The ingredients in this soft drink contain a lot of acid that can effectively decompose waste in the septic tank. Simply pour 2 bottles of 1.5-liter Coca-Cola into the toilet, wait for a few hours or overnight for the acids to decompose the waste. Then flush forcefully to wash the waste down.
13. Using toilet unclogging tablets
Currently, toilet unclogging tablets are widely available on the market, capable of cleaning stubborn stains on the pipe walls and promoting the decomposition of waste causing clogs. Simply use 1–2 tablets in the toilet, cover the lid, and wait for about 40–60 minutes. Then, flush and check if the toilet is no longer clogged.
14. Instructions for unclogging a septic tank with ice
This is a septic tank unclogging method that is not very unfamiliar to many families. However, to achieve the best results, you should put 1–2 kg of ice into the toilet to provide enough coldness to shrink the waste and allow it to flow down the toilet.
Notes when unclogging a septic tank at home
To ensure the septic tank unclogging process is safe and effective, you need to keep the following in mind:
- Use gloves, a mask, and protective gear to avoid direct contact with chemicals and waste during the process.
- If using strong chemicals, read the instructions carefully before use.
- Do not close the bathroom door while unclogging the septic tank because the odor from wastewater and chemicals will make you feel suffocated and give you a headache.
- Absolutely do not use 2 types of septic tank unclogging powder at the same time, as a chemical reaction may occur, making the chemicals even more toxic and highly dangerous.
-------------------------------------------
Learn more information from Cuong Lam Distributor
Email: info@cuonglam.com
Website: www.cuonglam.com
