Category: BioOne

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How to Unclog a Septic Drain Pipe

If you suspect a clog in your septic drain pipe, you’re probably wondering what to do. While calling an experienced plumber is always an option, you may be able to clear the blockage yourself. Once the drain pipe is unclogged, you may also want to consider adjusting a few habits to reduce the risk of clogs in the future.

What Happens When a Septic Drain Pipe is Clogged?

Your septic system removes all wastewater from your home, along with any waste that goes down the drain or is flushed down the toilet. The main drain line leads directly from a home or residence into the septic holding tank. This drain line is often susceptible to clogs.

A clog can start with a buildup that begins to slow the flow of wastewater to the tank, or it can be a complete blockage, keeping any waste from making it into the septic system. Though you aren’t able to see a clog, there are some warning signs to alert you to a problem:

Slow Drainage

This is a telltale sign that a problem is occurring in your drain line. You may notice that your shower is draining slowly or that water is pooling in the kitchen sink. That’s because the water cannot move past the clog or blockage down the line.

Gurgling Sounds

As wastewater attempts to move through a clogged or blocked drain line, it can make a gurgling or trickling sound. This noise is often indicative of a problem within the drain pipe itself.

Foul Odors

As waste begins to back up in your pipes, gasses will build up, leading to foul odors that can quickly fill your bathrooms, basements, and even your kitchen sink.

Common Reasons for a Clogged Drain Pipe

There are several reasons that you may be experiencing a clogged septic drain pipe. Common causes of a clog or blockage are:

Flushing Inappropriate Items

When you have a septic system, it’s critical to be mindful of what goes down your drains. Only wastewater and septic-safe toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Diapers, wet wipes, and feminine items are known for clogging pipes in septic systems.

A Buildup of Fats, Oils, and Greases

Fats, oils, and greases (or FOG) often flow through the drain as a liquid, but once inside your pipes, they quickly solidify, causing stubborn blockages. Dispose of FOG separately to reduce the risk of clogging in the future.

System Overload

You may not know this, but using a lot of water in a short amount of time can overload your septic tank, thus resulting in a clog or backup. If possible, try to space out showers, loads of laundry, and dishwashing to give your septic tank time to process the wastewater properly.

Interference from Tree Roots

As trees and bushes age, they develop deeper root systems. Over time, those root systems could begin to interfere with your septic system’s drain pipes, obstructing the flow of wastewater. Avoid planting anything in the area of your septic tank, and consider removing older trees if they could obstruct your drain pipes.

Unclogging a Septic Drain Pipe

If you’re dealing with a backup in your bathroom sink or foul odors in your kitchen, you may be eager to fix the problem quickly. Fortunately, with some troubleshooting, it’s often possible to take the DIY approach to unclogging your septic drain pipe. Try the following solutions.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

You’ve probably heard of this trick before, and that’s because it’s quite effective, especially when the clog is due to fats, oils, or greases. Pour about a half cup of baking soda down the drain pipe, followed by a third cup of vinegar. The chemical reactions will get to work breaking down the FOG in the pipe right away. After an hour, rinse the drain pipe with hot water.

Hot Water

Sometimes, pouring hot water down the drain is all that is needed to break up the clog in your drain pipe. This is most effective when the pipe is only partially blocked.

Use a Snake or Auger

These plumbing tools are incredibly useful when breaking up a clog, and they can travel through your pipes up to 80 meters! If the blockage is located closer to the drain itself, you may also be able to loosen the clog with a bent wire clothing hanger.

Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried these DIY solutions with no luck, it may be time to contact a local plumber. They’ll be able to locate the blockage and determine the best course of action to have your pipes flowing freely again.

Prevent Clogs Before They Form

Want to avoid another DIY repair project? You’re in luck. There are plenty of things you can do now to reduce your risk of septic drain clogs in the future, and most involve simple changes to your daily habits. First, it’s important to be mindful of what you put down your drains and toilets. Avoid flushing feminine products, diapers, and even “flushable” wet wipes that can easily cause a blockage in your drain pipe, and consider tossing all food scraps in the trash.

Next, swap your chemical drain cleaner for a bacteria-based product. For your septic system to function properly, bacteria is needed to break down the waste inside the tank. Harsh chemicals will kill off the naturally occurring bacteria and slow the breakdown process significantly. When you use a bacteria-based product regularly, the bacteria will completely digest fats, oils, and greases inside both the tank and the drain pipe. When FOG cannot continue to build up in your pipes, the likelihood of clogs is greatly reduced.

What to do When You Have a Clogged Septic Drain Pipe

A clogged septic drain pipe could cause some major headaches, including foul odors, slow drainage, and even septic backups. If you wake up to a stinky kitchen sink or standing water in your shower, it’s time to take quick action. If you feel comfortable, you can try to clear the drain with baking soda and vinegar, hot water, or a plumbing snake. If not, call a plumber. Then make a plan to reduce the risks of clogs in the future. Flush only wastewater and septic-safe toilet paper, and add a bacteria-based drain cleaner to your routine. Taking these steps now will help to ensure your septic system will function properly well into the future.

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How to Improve Your Leach Field Drainage

leach field

When you think of a septic system, you typically think of the tank that holds wastewater once it leaves your home. However, that’s only one part of the system, and the leach field plays an equally important role in the process. So, when your leach field fails to drain properly, you could see impacts in your home and your yard. Follow these steps to improve drainage and help keep your system functioning properly.

What’s a Leach Field?

In short, the leach field’s job is to remove and disperse wastewater from your septic tank. Once the wastewater, also known as effluent, enters your septic tank, it needs a place to go. As the level of effluent rises, it makes its way into the outflow pipe. From there, the liquid flows into the leach field, which consists of a series of pipes buried in your yard. The soil then absorbs the liquid, while bacteria in the soil breaks down any remaining waste. Without a working leach field, the septic system would not function.

Signs of Leach Field Drainage Problems

Fortunately, when your leach field isn’t draining properly, there will probably be some obvious signs, especially if you know what to look for, both inside and outside your home. The first place you may notice a problem is inside your home. If the drains in your sinks, showers, and toilets begin to slow down, or even back up, it’s a sign that the effluent inside your septic tank cannot enter the outflow pipe, usually due to a clog.

Outside your home, you may notice changes in your yard directly over your leach field. The grass may grow taller and greener in that area, indicating that the soil isn’t absorbing the effluent. You may also find that the soil is spongey or there is standing water in that area. On the contrary, dry, dead grass could mean that wastewater isn’t making it into that area of the leach field, indicating a blockage in the pipes. Additionally, foul odors inside or outside your home could indicate underlying problems with your septic system.

Steps to Improving Leach Field Drainage

If you’re looking to avoid slow drainage, back-ups, and foul odors, there are plenty of steps you can start to take to keep your leach field draining properly now and into the future:

  1. Perform Regular Maintenance

Be sure to schedule regular pumpings to ensure that the level of wastewater in your tank does not exceed capacity. Regular inspections are also important, as they can easily detect and repair clogs in the leach pipes before they create a larger issue. When regular maintenance is not performed, it could lead to larger, more costly repairs in the future.

  1. Watch What You Flush

Your septic tank is the catch-all for everything that makes its way into your drains or toilets. However, it’s only designed to collect and break down water, waste, and septic-safe toilet paper. When you flush other items, like flushable wipes or feminine products that cannot be broken down, the likelihood of clogs increases. Likewise, food waste, like grease, egg shells, and coffee grounds, could contribute to clogs when poured down the drain.

  1. Manage Your Water Usage

The process of breaking down waste in the septic tank can take time, but when water levels rise too quickly, waste, grease, or other items can enter the outflow pipe. Consider slowing down the water usage in your home to avoid an overloaded system. For example, run the dishwasher and washing machine at separate times or space out the family’s showers throughout the day.

  1. Protect the Area Above Your Leach Field

While many leach field issues tend to start in the septic tank, the area around your leach field could also cause damage. Refrain from planting trees or bushes near your leach field, as the root system could grow into the pipes. In addition, avoid driving or parking cars and heavy machinery over the leach field. Doing so could compact the soil and prevent water from filtering and absorbing properly. The pressure may also damage the leach pipes themselves. If you feel the soil around your leach field isn’t absorbing wastewater effectively, you may consider aerating the area.

  1. Swap Harsh Chemicals for a Bacteria-Based Product

For your septic tank to properly break down the waste inside, it needs high levels of bacteria. Unfortunately, common household cleaners and other chemicals, like polishes, waxes, and paints, kill off the good bacteria inside your septic tank. Instead, consider adding a bacteria-based product to your drains regularly. Once the bacteria is introduced to the tank, it begins working immediately to completely digest waste and even kitchen waste like fats, oils, and greases. When these solids are broken down and fully digested inside the septic tank, they are less likely to cause clogs and backups in the leach field later on.

Maintaining Your Leach Field for Proper Drainage

No one wants to wake up to foul odors, slow drains, or water pooling in their yard. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take going forward to improve your leach field’s drainage and avoid costly repairs. First, be sure to schedule regular inspections and pumpings to remove solid waste and catch potential clogs before they cause damage. Next, be mindful of what you’re flushing and how much water your family uses in a given period. Keep the area above your leach field free of trees and heavy vehicles, and add bacteria-based products to your drains to help with the breakdown of waste. Being mindful of your leach field’s drainage now will help your entire septic system function properly for years to come.

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5 Signs Your Septic Tank is Failing 

septic tank truck

Your septic system is a critical part of your home’s infrastructure, swiftly removing waste and water from your home during everyday tasks like taking a shower, washing the dishes, or flushing the toilet. When a septic tank is functioning properly it can be easy to forget it’s there, but when it fails, it can be costly and challenging to fix. Fortunately, there are 5 signs you can look for to know if your septic tank is failing, and if you notice any of these signs, it’s best to have them looked at right away.

Signs that Your Septic Tank may be Failing

System Backups

This is the easiest sign that there’s likely an issue with your septic system. When your septic tank isn’t draining properly, waste inside the tank will fill up quickly. When there’s no longer space for the waste, it will begin to make its way into the drain pipes and then, eventually, the drains in your sinks, bathtubs, showers, and even toilets.

Slow Drains

This is a slightly more subtle sign that usually appears before waste begins to back up into your drains. You may notice water beginning to pool during your shower, or it may take longer for your kitchen sink to drain. This sign should not be overlooked, as it could lead to bigger problems.

Gurgling Sounds

Noises are typical when you flush the toilet or run the dishwasher, but if you begin to hear unusual noises coming from appliances and drains, this could be a sign that a clog or backup is beginning to form.

Foul Odors

Consider contacting a plumber or septic technician right away if you begin to smell foul odors in your yard or coming up through your drains. This indicates that sewage and gasses have made their way into the main drain line.

Changes Above the Drain Field

Your drain field is designed to slowly dissipate wastewater into your yard over time. Any changes in that area of your yard, including pooling, spongey grass, or even taller, greener grass could be a sign that the pipes in your drain field are broken or that your septic tank is so full that it’s putting pressure on the drain field.

Why is it Important to Take Care of Septic Issues as They Arise?

Many of these signs, including foul odors, gurgling noises, and slow drains, indicate that the levels within your septic tank may be too high or that a clog is forming. Fortunately, when detected early, these problems can often be fixed easily. Septic pumping may be all that is needed to get your system back on track. Early intervention can also keep you from larger problems in the long run.

However, if you fail to notice these early signs of a problem, you’ll likely have a larger repair on your hands. A failing drain field, for example, may need to be completely replaced. Not only that, but sewage from your septic system could begin to make its way into the groundwater or surface water near your property, which can be dangerous to both animals and humans.

Tips to Avoid Issues with Your Septic Tank

Of course, if you see any one of the five signs listed above, it’s best to call a plumber or septic technician immediately. With proper maintenance, however, you may be able to avoid both smaller repairs and bigger issues with your septic system. First, schedule regular pumpings and inspections from an experienced septic technician. Your technician will help you keep your septic levels in check and can detect early signs of a problem, as well.

In between pumpings, consider adding a bacteria-based cleaner like BioOne to your routine. When bacteria are introduced to your septic tank, they immediately get to work fully digesting fats, oils, and greases inside. With these solids taken care of, your septic tank will be able to function more effectively, and the probability of a clog or backup will be drastically reduced.

Watch for Signs Your Septic System Is Failing

Scheduling and performing regular maintenance on your septic system is essential to avoiding major repairs. However, if you notice any sign that there could be a problem inside your septic tank or drain field, it’s best to get it repaired quickly. Foul odors, slow drains, and even bright green grass above your drain field could all be signs that your septic system should be inspected. In the meantime, add a bacteria-based product to your routine to fully digest fats, oils, and greases inside the tank and avoid clogs or backups in the future.

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How to Properly Clean a Sewage Ejection System

Piping System Blue

If you’ve got a sewage ejection system at your home or business, you may be wondering what it is and how you should maintain it. This system helps to remove waste and wastewater from your home, and it should be cleaned regularly to reduce the likelihood of clogs or motor burnout. Follow these steps to keep your sewage ejection system functioning properly.

What’s a Sewage Ejection System?

If your home or commercial business has a bathroom, sink, or laundry room below the main sewer line, you likely have a sewage ejection system. In a traditional drain system, gravity helps direct waste and wastewater down toward the main sewer line. A sewage ejection system pumps waste from lower-level plumbing fixtures up toward the main sewer line and out of your home or business.  Properly cleaning and maintaining your sewage ejection system is essential to ensure it runs properly.

Cleaning Your Sewage Ejection System

  1. Turn off the circuit breaker—The pump uses a motor to lift waste to the main sewer line. Before you do any work on your sewage ejection system, it’s important to make sure that power to the system is turned off.
  2. Open the tank—Locate the access panel and remove the lid.
  3. Remove debris—Things like diapers, paper towels, and even “flushable” wipes may be clogging the pump and preventing the flow of wastewater.
  4. Measure the oil level in the pump motor—Refer to the documentation for your pump to determine what method to use when checking the oil level. If it is low, add more to keep the motor running smoothly.
  5. Check for additional debris—Sometimes debris may make its way into the inlet valve, blocking additional waste from entering the system. It should be removed for optimal flow.
  6. Restart the system—Replace the access panel securely and turn the power on. Do this once a year to avoid clogs or breakdowns.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining your Sewage Ejection System 

Know When to Call a Plumber

If you don’t have documentation for your sewage ejection system, it can be challenging to know how to check the oil level in the motor or access the inlet pipe. Mistakes like adding too much oil or dislodging the motor could lead to malfunctions later on. Consider calling a licensed plumber to assist you with this routine maintenance, and watch the process to do it yourself in the future.

Prevent Toilet Backups

Keep in mind that everything you flush down the toilet or pour down the drain will eventually end up in your sewage ejection system. Many issues can be avoided when you are mindful about what goes down the drain. Avoid flushing anything other than waste and toilet paper down the toilet, and keep things like grease and coffee grounds out of your sink drains. Be sure to have a trash can next to your toilets to encourage family members and guests to toss anything that shouldn’t be flushed.

Maintain a Healthy System

Even when you’re mindful of what goes down the drain, clogs can still occur. That’s because fats, oils, and greases, or FOG, have a hard time breaking down. Consider adding a bacteria-based product to your maintenance routine. Once active bacteria are added to your sewage ejection system, they get right to work breaking down and fully digesting solids like waste and FOG inside. This will provide another layer of protection that will help to reduce frustrating clogs and costly repairs.

Don’t Ignore Foul Odors

When a sewage ejection system is functioning properly, you should not smell any foul odors. If an unpleasant smell is coming from your drains or the system itself, it could be a sign of problems in the holding tank. You may be able to follow the steps above to remove debris, but if the odor persists, consider calling a plumber to assist you.

Avoid Sewage Ejection Pump Issues with Proper Cleaning and Maintenance

It can be easy to overlook the function of your sewage ejection system, until, of course, it isn’t functioning. Consider regular cleaning and maintenance to keep your system in working order, and add a bacteria-based cleaner to your routine so that fats, oils, and greases are fully digested. Follow sewage ejection pump guidelines, as well, by flushing only wastewater and toilet paper. If you smell a foul odor or notice that your drains are slow, refer to the cleaning steps above or contact a licensed plumber to get your system up and running again.

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Determining the Lifespan of Your Septic Tank

Half Buried Septic Tank

A well-functioning septic tank is essential for homeowners, but how long can you expect your septic tank to last? The answer is based on a number of factors, including the construction material, environmental factors, usage, and of course, proper maintenance. Read on to determine the potential lifespan of your septic tank, as well as how you may be able to extend its lifespan well into the future.

How Long Does a Septic Tank Last?

Many different factors go into determining the lifespan of a septic tank, from the tank’s material to the soil and water level. However, most septic specialists say that the average lifespan for a well-maintained system is anywhere from 20 to 40 years.

Factors that Determine a Septic Tank’s Lifespan

Tank Material

One of the major factors in determining how long your septic tank will last is the material it’s made from. The majority of septic tanks today are made of concrete, which typically lasts the longest, but some tanks are made of steel or fiberglass. The average lifespan of each material is:

  • Concrete

It’s not uncommon for a concrete septic tank to last 40 years or more. While you’ll typically pay more for a concrete tank, the investment is well worth it. Though concrete tanks are the most durable, however, it’s still important to have your septic tank inspected periodically to check for cracking or settling.

  • Fiberglass

This lightweight option is almost as durable as concrete, lasting around 30 years when properly maintained. That said, you will probably pay more to install this type of septic tank.

  • Steel

You can expect a steel septic tank to only last from 15 to 20 years at most. That’s because the metal can rust or corrode over time. Steel tanks are rarely installed today, but you may have an existing steel tank on your property. If so, it’s best to have it inspected regularly to avoid costly issues.

Soil Type

The acidity of the soil where your septic tank is installed will play a major part in how long the tank will last. Acidic soil, for example, can cause steel tanks to rust at a faster rate. It can also break down concrete over time. If you are unsure about the acidity of your soil, you may want to have it tested. Septic tanks in acidic soil should be inspected for corrosion regularly.

Water Table

The water table refers to the groundwater levels on your property. When the water table is higher, it slows down the process of wastewater, or effluent, from absorbing into the surrounding soil through the leach field. This could result in more frequent backups and eventually take a toll on the functionality of the septic tank itself.

Usage

Consider both how often the septic tank is used, as well as how it’s used. You can expect a septic tank that is only used by one or two people to last a bit longer than one that supports a family of five or six. In addition, how the tank is used will determine its lifespan. If your family uses septic safe toilet paper and avoids flushing wipes, feminine products, or other objects, the tank’s lifespan may be extended.

 

Extending the Life of Your Septic Tank

Unfortunately, you cannot change the acidity of your soil or the level of your groundwater, and if your septic tank has already been installed, you cannot change its material either. On the other hand, there are several things you can control that could greatly affect the lifespan of your septic tank and entire septic system.

  • Use a Bacteria-Based Product

Consider adding a bacteria-based product to your maintenance routine. Once bacteria is introduced to the tank itself, it goes right to work digesting waste, including fats, oils, and greases (or FOG). This helps to maintain the proper levels of wastewater inside the tank and will reduce the likelihood of clogs or backups in the drain pipe and leach field.

  • Follow Best Practices

Septic systems do not function in the same way as city wastewater systems, and certain guidelines should be followed to keep the system working properly. Flush only wastewater and septic-safe toilet paper, and avoid dumping food scraps, grease, or chemicals down your drains. This will drastically reduce the strain on your septic system and could extend its lifespan well into the future.

  • Perform Regular Inspections

If you want to extend the life of your septic tank, you need to prioritize regular inspections and pumpings. While it’s never enjoyable to learn of cracks or rust in your tank, it’s best to catch these issues early, while it’s still possible to repair the tank, rather than replace it. In addition to regularly scheduled visits from your septic technician, watch for signs like foul odors, pooling water in your yard, or slow drains. If you notice any of these, reach out to your technician.

How Long Will Your Septic Tank Last?

A concrete septic tank could last up to 40 years, but the answer truly rests on several factors. Some, like soil type and groundwater level, may not be in your control. Others, however, are based on how you and your family use the system. To extend the lifespan of your septic tank, be mindful of what you are flushing down your toilets and dumping down your drains. Be sure to schedule regular maintenance, including inspections and pumpings, and consider adding a bacteria-based product to your routine. The bacteria will fully digest waste in the tank and help it function properly for years to come.

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BioOne vs. Green Gobbler Drain & Septic Cleaner

Water Running Down Drain

Two popular products, BioOne and Green Gobbler Septic Saver, can be used regularly to maintain the natural balance inside your tank. While both contain bacteria, their processes differ.

We’ll breakdown the differences of these 2 popular products.

What is BioOne?

BioOne is a bacteria-based product used for maintaining septic systems, grease traps, drains and RV holding tanks. When added to your tank, the bacteria in BioOne begin to completely digest waste, including fats, oils, and greases, or FOG. It can be used in emergency applications and is also recommended for regular use to avoid emergencies before they occur. The product comes in both liquid and powder forms.

BioOne contains no added enzymes and instead relies on live, vegetative microbes to degrade FOG in septic tanks and grease traps. It’s environmentally friendly and safe to use around pets and children. Though it isn’t a food product, it’s been manufactured to food standards to ensure its safety.

What is Green Gobbler?

Green Gobbler is a company that sells a wide range of cleaners, openers, weed killers, and more. They carry a line of drain cleaners that provide similar solutions to BioOne, including the Green Gobbler Septic Saver. This product is designed to help break down organic material that builds up in a septic tank over time. Septic Saver comes in both liquid and pods, and it’s designed for regular use.

While it’s a bacteria-based product, as well, Green Gobbler Septic Saver relies on the enzymes produced by the bacteria to break down waste. The product is environmentally safe, though the packaging recommends storing it away from children and pets.

 

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Differences Between BioOne and Green Gobbler

Ingredients

BioOne contains all natural ingredients that are safe to use on a regular basis in drains, septic tanks, grease traps, and RV holding tanks. It’s made of 100 percent vegetative microbes. The product, both liquid and powder, is free of hazardous and toxic chemicals, as defined by OSHA. While the active ingredient is vegetative microbes, the inactive ingredient in the liquid product is water. There are no added perfumes, and BioOne has a natural, earthy scent.

The ingredients in Green Gobbler Septic Saver Pacs is a wheat-bran based powder containing dye and naturally occurring viable bacterial cultures. The liquid ingredients are stated as 100% natural bacteria & enzymes. OSHA states that the product can be corrosive to metals, and may cause skin irritation and eye damage.

Effectiveness

Both BioOne and Green Gobbler Septic Saver are bacteria-based products. Once bacteria are introduced to a septic tank, they get to work immediately breaking down organic material. The enzymes utilized in Green Gobbler will quickly liquify fats, oils, and greases, while BioOne is designed to fully digest FOG.

Liquifying FOG is an effective, short term fix, as liquid grease and fats will likely solidify again. This could happen inside the tank, which would require more product to be added or a septic tank pumping. It could also occur within the leach field, resulting in potential septic backups and possible damage.

A product that relies on bacteria alone may be a more effective solution in the long term. That’s because the bacteria completely digests FOG, rather than liquifies it. When FOG is digested fully, the concern for clogs is reduced. It also helps maintain the natural balance of the tank, and could result in longer time periods between each pumping.

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Choosing an Effective Product to Maintain your Septic System

When it comes to septic maintenance, you have many options to choose from. Both BioOne and Green Gobbler Septic Saver will work fast to break down organic matter in your tank. The enzymes in Green Gobbler’s product will liquify FOG, while BioOne utilizes bacteria that fully digest it. Read product labels to learn the ingredients, and follow safety guidelines while using any cleaning product. Prioritizing septic maintenance and choosing the right product will help your tank work effectively well into the future.

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Enzyme vs. Bacterial Drain Cleaners: The Difference Explained

Bacteria Floating Around

     An effective drain cleaner is a necessary part of any drain or septic maintenance routine. If you’ve been using a chemical cleaner, you may be wondering if there’s a more environmentally friendly product, and more importantly, if it’s as effective as your current brand. Fortunately, a variety of biological drain cleaners are now widely available, but which one is right for your home or business?

Bacterial & Enzymatic drain cleaners are similar in that they are all-natural and safe to use around humans & pets (are not caustic). Enzymatic drain cleaners are based on non-living organic compounds that don’t re-produce and mainly liquify FOG. Bacterial-based cleaners reproduce, creating their own enzymes to attack and digest FOG, not just liquefying it.

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Using Biological Cleaners

     There’s no shortage of chemical drain cleaners on the market today, but biological cleaners are gaining popularity and with good reason. Once thought to be less powerful than their caustic counterparts, biological cleaners have been shown to clear drains—and keep them clear—just as effectively. Some even cost less than brands made with harsh chemicals.

     Chemical cleaners, on the other hand, have been known to cause cracks in pipes that eventually lead to large leaks. Because they are made of natural products, biological drain cleaners won’t damage your pipes, even after repeated use. In restaurants and other settings where fats, oils, and greases (or FOG) is present in drain pipes, these all-natural cleaners are safe to use as often as needed to maintain a clear drain line. Biological drain cleaners are also safe to use around humans and pets, even in sinks! They won’t leach chemicals back into the water supply, either. However, not all biological drain cleaners are created equal.

Enzyme Drain Cleaners

     One common type of biological drain cleaner is enzyme-based. These non-living organic compounds are safe to use in homes, commercial kitchens, and other businesses regardless of pipe age or material. Enzyme drain cleaners are fast-acting and can get to work right away breaking down fats, oils, and greases. Rather than fully digesting FOG, however, enzymes simply liquefy it, allowing it to continue through your pipes and drainage system where it could possibly solidify again, causing additional problems or clogs. In fact, some municipal water treatment systems have prohibited the use of enzyme drain cleaners, and they may not be suitable for some septic systems.

     Because enzyme cleaners are non-living, they won’t reproduce, so more of the product is needed than bacterial cleaners, and more frequent treatments as well. Enzyme cleaners are also difficult to manufacture. These characteristics typically make enzyme cleaners more expensive than bacterial cleaners. In addition, different enzymes target different types of waste. Some, for example, attack FOG while others attack protein or starches. The cleaner can only be effective if it’s targeted toward the waste in your drainage system. Some research may be necessary to select the right type of enzyme drain cleaner for the unique needs of your home or business.

Bacterial Drain Cleaners

     Like enzyme drain cleaners, bacterial cleaners are all-natural and safe to use around humans and pets. They can also be used in pipes without concern for cracks or leaks over time. Bacterial cleaners can survive in a wide range of temperatures and pH levels as well, and they actually help to maintain a healthy, natural pH balance in drainage or septic systems.  Because bacteria reproduce at very high rates, less product is required to clear a drain, and treatments may be needed with less frequency.

     Bacteria actually release their own enzymes and can detect the type of waste present in order to release the correct enzymes to attack it. However, unlike enzyme drain cleaners that only liquefy FOG, bacterial drain cleaners will actually fully digest any fats, oils, and greases that may be in your drainage system, resulting in fewer clogs down the line. This makes bacterial drain cleaners a safe and effective option for septic systems as well.

Choosing the Right Drain Cleaner for your Home or Business

     Drain maintenance is an important part of any drainage or septic system. When safety and environment are a concern, the best choice is a biological drain cleaner. Both enzyme drain cleaners and bacterial drain cleaners provide safe, all-natural drain cleaning solutions for your home or business. However, one major drawback of enzyme cleaners is that they only liquefy the fats, oils, and greases found in your drains. While the liquified FOG can then freely move down the drain line, it may solidify again, causing additional clogs later on. Because bacterial cleaners fully digest FOG, they are not only safe but highly effective as well.

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How BioOne Works in Septic Systems

drain field septic systemSeptic systems require live bacteria to consume, digest, and degrade grease, oil, and other organic matter so that proper functioning can be maintained. When a septic system is properly maintained, the connected drain field can also function according to design.

Subjected to bleaches, detergents, and other chemicals, naturally occurring bacteria struggle to survive and keep up with the influx of waste in residential and commercial septic systems.

Liquid BioOne is formulated to work in the harsh conditions of septic systems. BioOne requires no pH neutralizing and is performance ready. BioOne contains no added enzymes or other emulsifying agents which only liquefy solid waste. BioOne’s bacteria eat and digest the solid waste without the unbalanced action of enzymes or surfactants.

The most effective way to maintain a septic system is to inoculate the tank with BioOne immediately after pumping.

After your septic system has been pumped: Your technician will add BioOne directly into the clean tank.

To properly maintain your septic system: Between pumping, follow the instructions on the label of the 64 oz. BioOne that your technician has left with you.

For additional information on Aqua Pro, check out our RateItGreen profile located here.

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Commercial Restaurant Problems from Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG)

fats and oils

Backed Up Drains

  • Expensive Slip and Falls
  • Potential Worker’s Compensation Claims
  • Emergency Pumping
  • Health Code Violations
  • Business Interruptions
  • Unsanitary Conditions

Offensive Odors

  • Unappetizing
  • Decreased Customer Traffic
  • Bad Advertising
  • Poor Work Environment

Drain Flies

  • Gives Impression of Poor Housekeeping and Lack of Hygiene
  • Annoying to Customers

Municipal Fines and Charges

 

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Commercial Markets for the BioOne Auto-Dispensing System

restaurants

  • On-site Wastewater Systems
  • Quick-Service Restaurants
  • Hotels and Motels
  • Family Restaurants
  • Specialty Bakeries
  • Nursing Homes
  • Schools

 

hospitals

  • Hospitals
  • Jails and Prisons
  • MRI Facilities
  • Medical Labs
  • Photo Labs

 

theatres

  • Apartment and Condominium Complexes
  • Auto Garages
  • Cruise Ships
  • Life Stations
  • Supermarkets
  • Airports
  • Malls
  • Movie Theaters
  • Exhibition Halls
  • RV and Trailer Parks