Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] Re: Old Septic Pipe

18 January 2015

Re: [DIY] Re: Old Septic Pipe

I know that the clog in our pipe is poop and toilet paper from a one flush episode. Maybe 2 ...

anyway... that auger...

does it work by going down the toilet? can it scratch the porcelain throne? How long is that auger?

Joyce aka Mom aka Nana

On Sat, Jan 17, 2015 at 5:23 PM, Terry THenne1713@aol.com [DoIt_Yourself] <DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

1) Professional grade "closet auger" is much more reliable on clearing toilet clogs; (the cheaper version, for some reason is not as effective); closet auger will clear most clogs where a plunger will not (plunger maybe effective on clogs caused by tissue paper).
2) Most BATH sink/ tub clogs are hair related and in the smaller 1-1/2"- 2" pipes, and Draino (potassium hydroxide) (opposite of acid) is most effective, but removal stainless wire screens at the drains are most effective at "preventing" hair clogs.
2a) Most kitchen sink drain issues are grease related; keep the grease out of the pipes; it does solidify when it hits cold metal
3) Most larger pipe clogs are collapsed pipe (mud) or root clogs.
4) (Often) toilet gurgles/ burps signal a clogged vent pipe (bird/ squirrel/ rat nest)
5) If the main 6" pipe is suspect, it may pay to get a camera runs to determine exact cause/ cure/ location, especially if a pipe dig up/ repair required.
6) Pressure washer maybe another option for main drain, or 2" long run. (Example, www.cloghog.com)
7.) Septic systems require periodic "enzyme treatment"
Hope this helps

Terry
thenne1713@aol.com

Fri Jan 16, 2015 3:51 am (PST) . Posted by:

"Joyce O" snafflesnshelties

<<We live in an old farmhouse built in the late 1800's. The septic pipe is
the original one.Those put in years ago were the cast iron pipes that
become rough over time.

Put in a new toilet 2 years ago. Since the old fashioned toilets are no
longer sold I had to purchase one that uses less water. NOT a good thing
with old cast iron pipes that do not have a larger slope or downgrade.

We learned within a few weeks that if someone poops (Don'tcha just love
that word?) the toilet must be flushed twice or there will be a blockage
within about 4 weeks.

I have a small sign hanging above the toilet asking people to double flush
when necessary.

We have not had a plug up since last winter when I bought super duper
quality drain cleaner and poured it down the bathroom sink and tub to help
them drain faster. Most likely cleared out all the black sludge that had
built up for years because the septic pipe spit out a lot of sludge when we
cleaned it.

To clear out blockages, we have to remove the septic lid and put a hose
with a good sprayer at the end of it... and stick that hose into the septic
pipe spraying the water backwards into the pipe. Takes 10 to 15 minutes to
clear out a clog. Maybe longer.

We are now experiencing a burp or gurggle in the toilet which tells us we
have a problem building up.

All drain cleaners I have ever bought say not to put them down the toilet.
I have also been told that we shouldn'
t plunge because it can damage the
wax ring.

What can we do to get that septic pipe cleaned out without having to dig up
the lid and mess with the garden hose and that dang pipe? I always feel
sorry for my husband when he has to lay on his stomach outside... over the
septic tank.

The septic pipe is probably not much more than 6 feet in length. Straight
with a slight slope.