How to Clean Pipes That Have a Septic System

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Written By
Suzanne Alicie
Suzanne Alicie
Published: Feb 17, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Boiling water
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar

This is not a difficult or expensive choice as the most natural and effective pipe cleansing solution is made from inexpensive items you probably have in your home.

  1. Pour one gallon of boiling water down the drain or through the pipe, which will begin the cleaning process by starting to kill mold and mildew spores and loosen built-up debris and residue on the inside of the pipe.

  2. Dump one cup of baking soda into the pipe, and allow it to sit for a few moments. Baking soda is a natural cleaning product that not only cleans, but also deodorizes to eliminate the foul odor that pipes can sometimes exude.

  3. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar slowly into the pipe. As the vinegar meets the baking soda, the reaction will create a bubbling fizzing action that will fill the pipe and power the built-up gunk off the inside of the pipe.

  4. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to work inside the pipe by not using it for at least an hour to let the mixture work its way completely through the pipe, cleaning and killing mold and mildew thoroughly out of the pipe.

  5. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to one gallon of boiling water, and pour it through the pipe slowly to rinse the inside of the pipe and also to treat it with more of the natural antibacterial properties of the vinegar.

References

Tips

This is a natural and pH balanced cleaning method that won't damage your septic system, or fill your home with noxious fumes.

Photo Credits

plumbing image by Inger Anne Hulbækdal from Fotolia.com

plumbing image by Inger Anne Hulbækdal from Fotolia.com

Suzanne Alicie

Suzanne Alicie is a professional writer and author who has been writing professionally since 2008. She has experience in gardening, communications and retail, as well as being a small-business owner. Alicie is an avid gardener and is…

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