When a sink or shower starts draining slowly in your 951 home, your first instinct might be to grab a bottle of liquid drain cleaner from the store. However, if you are on a septic well and system, that one bottle could cause hundreds of dollars in damage.
At Davis Plumbing, we’ve seen how “quick fixes” turn into major septic failures. Here is why chemical cleaners and septic tanks don’t mix.
It Kills the “Good” Bacteria
The septic meaning of a healthy tank is one full of living bacteria that eat away at waste. Chemical drain cleaners are designed to be extremely caustic. While they might clear a hair clog, they continue down the pipe and settle in your tank, killing the very organisms that keep your system functioning.
It Corrodes Your Pipes
Many older homes in the Riverside area still have metal pipes. The heat-generating chemical reaction used by these cleaners can weaken and corrode your plumbing from the inside out, leading to leaks that require a full septic service near me to repair.
Better Alternatives for Clogged Drains
Instead of reaching for the chemicals, try these septic-safe methods:
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The Plunger: Old-fashioned, but effective for simple clogs.
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A Drain Snake: Manually removing the hair or debris is always safer for your septic system.
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Baking Soda and Vinegar: A natural fizzing reaction that can help clear minor grease buildup without harming your bacteria.
Still Having Drainage Issues?
If your drains are slow and a plunger isn’t helping, the problem might be a full tank rather than a simple clog. Don’t risk your plumbing with harsh chemicals.
Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393. We’ll diagnose the issue and provide a professional septic pump if necessary to get your home flowing again.