1. You can assess the situation by flushing your toilet. com Of course, if the SEPTIC TANK OUTLET TEE or tank baffles are missing, the condom will join other floating debris on its way out to clog the drainfield, so ask your septic pumper to check the condition of the septic tank baffles when the septic tank is next pumped. Generally, you should only use cleaning products marked “septic safe” if your home has one of these sewage. Septic systems are an essential component of many homes, but they require regular maintenance to function properly. What is the standard size of septic tank in the Philippines? The three chamber septic tank will measure 3. condoms, diapers, paper towels, cigarette filters, plastics, eggshells, bones or coffee grounds down the toilet because they can clog the system. In case, you accidentally drop them in the septic tank, you need to use sulfuric acid cleaner. The Property you are renting has a septic tank system. Without it the untreated sewage would quickly clog the receiving soil and prevent the purification process of leaching and soil percolation. The exact distance between the septic tank and the distribution box varies depending on the layout and location of the leach field. Clogged drain – excess toilet paper, or discarding of materials that don’t drain easily, such as feminine products can all cause your toilet to clog. Don’t Strain Your Drain: Don’t: Concentrate your water use by using your dishwasher, shower, washing machine, and toilet at the same time. One effective way to address this issue is by pumping the septic tank to remove the clog. Newly de-sludged tanks should be refilled withExcessive amounts of tissue paper, including Kleenex, left to accumulate in a septic tank can create clog issues. Condoms are not big enough to clog an entire septic system but can cause major damage as they are not (usually) biodegradable. By learning the basics of septic tank maintenance, you can save in more ways than one. Here are the most common ones: Slow Drains. If you flush down used condoms down the toilet and it doesn’t clog it, you may feel you are in the clear. Flushing condoms down the toilet will lead to a clogged plumbing system especially if you do it more than once. Failure to clean the filter can lead to slow drainage in the building, clogged drains, and backups at the septic tank. That's a long time for one condom to take up space in your tank. 4000 (Boerne). A clog in this crucial component can cause sewage backups, unpleasant odors, and even septic system failure. (PhotographyFirm/iStock) It doesn’t matter whether you’re putting vegan sausage and kale or leftover bacon grease and Funyuns. Usually, people describe it as the smell of rotten eggs coming from the pipes or the toilet bowl. 3. Homeowners should also have their Clearstream tanks serviced on time, and in accordance with their maintenance agreement. How to Unclog Toilet Clogged By Condoms? 1. If there’s a blockage deep in your piping that you can’t get to, you can try some chemistry. Plastic tanks are deeply. Published Feb 5, 2001. gravity to one or more perforated pipes that are laid within gravel. If the tank is not flooded, you can check drains inside the house, one at a time, to see where the clog is, and you know that the issue is somewhere between the house and the tank. Clogged Toilet Septic-Safe Solutions. Let the tools soak in the solution for about five minutes before draining them back into the septic tank. Houses with three bedrooms or less generally require a 1,000-gallon septic tank, which costs roughly $265 to pump. The worst part is that this product can damage marine life. Not to mention, flushable wipes easily clog drain pipes. 5942. microorganisms in a septic tank can bounce back, but why introduce another potential stress to an onsite system? 7. Maintain Your System. What may start as your toilet flushing slowly can quickly turn into a full-on clog, water leaks, and an all-around unusable toilet. Don't wait until you have a problem. 4. Condoms do not dissolve in the sewer system which can cause backups into your home and to those of your neighbors. If the tank is. Since the main sewage is situated higher, the water from the house will not drain by gravity. Pumping your tank every 3-5 years is a general guideline, but consult a. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about septic tank distribution box clogs, including their causes, signs,. Don't wait until you have a problem. You’ll need to run the plumbing snake until you clear the clog. 68/10 (The best septic-safe laundry detergent) Earth Breeze is the best laundry detergent for septic tanks because of its biodegradable, paraben-free, chlorine bleach-free, and dye-free formula that cleans exceptionally well! These sheets dissolve in a few seconds and are completely safe for. Condoms Can Buildup and Clog Your Septic Tank If the condom does not cause a blockage in your toilet pipes, it may appear that you are in good shape. It Fills up Fast. Because of their size and potential for absorbing water, they can easily become stuck in the septic pump or piping system, leading to. Please give us a call at (951) 780-5922 right away. You’ll. Don’t pour grease or cooking fat down the drain. This may be shocking, but it makes a lot of sense as to why it is terrible for a septic tank. Unfortunately, flushing condoms is also one of the most dangerous things you can do to your plumbing and septic system. Put it back into position and give it a wiggle to ensure that it is secure. Watch on. The system works by using natural bacteria that break down the waste into fertilizer. You may have to repeat the process for a stubborn clog. How Much Toilet Paper Can A Septic Tank Handle? The average American uses approximately three rolls of toilet paper per week. It’s incredibly important for you to keep your septic system well-maintained. Map out septic tank and other system components. When a septic tank fails, it could burst underground, causing. Our top pick, Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, is easy to find and use on common clogs, like hair, food, and grease. As you continue to attempt to flush your waste down, the water from the toilet tank enters the. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. When you call a septic service provider, he or she will inspect for leaks and examine the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank. Leaks and large parties are examples of such uses. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent. 5. It can also clog up the pipes in the system thereby resulting in backups of wastewater. 3. Large volumes of wastewater generated in a short period of time can result in turbulence in the septic tank and reduced retention time, which can lead to solids plugging the effluent screen. It is best to construct a single compartment for small capacity septic tanks. Push and pull the auger in brief, back-and-forth movements with both hands to force a clog apart. While bacteria play a major role in breaking down food solids in the tank, they cannot effectively deal with fats and oils. 2. That should fix the problem. A septic system is a subsurface sewage treatment system that can be used to treat waste water from homes that don’t have a municipal sewer system. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of theThe septic system is one of the most crucial yet overlooked functional elements of a residential property. When you feel resistance, turn the septic line with your hands to see if the auger can move further. Just had a small piece form a toilet paper holder go down the toilet, will this just end up in the septic tank or can it clog it. No, all Drano® products are septic safe drain cleaners and will not upset the bacterial action in septic systems. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. This will significantly reduce the amount of fats, grease, and solids that enter your septic tank and could clog the drainfield. One common question homeowners. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. Septic tank treatments are an everyday blessing. For proper wastewater treatment, it is recommended to have a distribution box placed at a minimum distance of 5 feet from the septic tank. The consequences of flushing tampons with a septic system can be significant. We offer a range of different services and specialize in septic system design, and with years of experience under our belts, you can trust your septic system is in safe hands. Another surefire way you’re destroying your septic tank is if you never have it pumped. Dissolving toilet paper in a septic tank using bleach or acid is ill-advised, as both substances can harm the beneficial bacteria essential for proper septic system functioning. In standard septic systems, solid materials settle in the tank, while effluent flows out into the ground. Generally speaking, most conventional septic tanks are built with concrete tanks that can range in size from 500 gallons up to 1,500 gallons. When a septic tank fails, it could burst underground, causing toxic leaks. Your septic tank is the first step in the process of sewage conditioning, in a subsurface disposal system. 4. Install risers if necessary. Clogged Septic Tank Toilet Bubbles and Backs Up. However, a plunger may come to the rescue. A recent incident wherein the septic tank of an apartment was found clogged by sanitary napkins points to the lack of proper waste treatment facilities in city apartments and non-adherence of. DON’T use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain. How To Unclog A Septic Tank Toilet. You need to de-sludge your septic tank every 3-5 years depending on use. Care for your drainfield. 3. But this figure is not cast in stone. Here’s exactly how to unclog a septic tank to avoid problems in the future. I have talked about such home remedies for full septic tanks in detail. The easiest way to know when a septic tank should be. The following specific care is required to ensure the proper function of the septic tank system: a. So in you most likely have some sort of a clog between the house and the septic tank - or even in one of the branch drainage pipes between rooms and plumbing fixtures. Slow drains. NEVER put the following items or substances into a septic system: fats, oils and grease, gasoline, antifreeze,Yes, condoms do block drains when flushed down the toilet. In general, a septic tank should be inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5 years. Unfortunately, flushing condoms is also one of the most dangerous things you can do to your plumbing and septic system. Lastly, flush the drains with boiling water. Dishwasher and laundry detergent. Ply Amount. Mix about 1/3 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of vinegar in a large container, and once they start fizzing, pour them into the drain. More critically, most people are unaware of the steps that need to be taken to ensure the health and longevity. Some may think more slope is better, but if you have too much slope, the liquids can outrun the. This precaution ensures that the microbial ecosystem responsible for breaking down waste in the septic system remains undisturbed. To be able to do this successfully, there are several methods you would need to follow. There is then the clear water at the middle and then the fats, oils and grease forming a. Monitor your toilet cistern and bowl’s water level. Large amounts of toilet paper or debris could easily clog a baffle area and prevent wastewater from entering the septic tank. That’s a long time for one condom to take up space in your tank. While a full septic tank also emits weird noises when you drain the water, the clogged septic tanks also have weird vibrations in the pipes. Of course, if the septic tank outlet tee baffles are missing, the condom will join other floating debris on its way out to clog the drainfield, so ask your septic pumper to check the condition of the. We also like the Rockwell Labs InVade Bio Drain Gel. These items can clog a septic tank, cause backups into the home, and ultimately make your septic system overflow. Adhesive bandages. One sign someone’s got to unclog a septic tank is a clogged baffle. Inspect and Pump Frequently. From here, beneficial bacteria in the chambers digest the solids and wastewater, breaking it down into layers. Cotton balls and swabs. The exact figure will depend on whether you are installing a conventional system or an advanced one. Depending on the size of the tank and your location, plan on spending about $200 for. The first step in fixing a clogged toilet is to use a plunger. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. To start, one may well have a sewage pump, that can manage heavier solids (up to 2 inches), and therefore is typically used to transport sewage from the lift station or sump in the building to the septic tank, either between multiple. These backups can be messy and unpleasant to clean up, and they can also pose health risks due to exposure to raw sewage. What you allow to get into your septic tank will directly impact on its efficiency and longevity. paper towels, menstrual products, feminine hygiene products, condoms, or any other solid item. If not, your wife or even. Condoms are one of the few items that can clog your plumbing. With proper maintenance, septic tank systems are relatively trouble-free. Prophylactics. One of the main reasons is a full septic tank from the build up of sludge or solid wastes. 2. 6774 to get started on solving your septic system problem today! If you need emergency help, we are available after-hours at 804. 232. The winner is Scott 1,000. The scum layer on top of the tank should be no more than 6" thick. This article will assist those interested in the benefits and disadvantages of a septic system. A clog in this crucial component can cause sewage backups, unpleasant odors, and even septic system failure. 2. 5, creating an environment where these bacteria thrive and break down waste effectively. The average cost of a septic system replacement is $26,000. 7. Another option to clear the clog can be found right in your kitchen. Back in the 50's in old home town, the creek downstream of the sewage treatment plant was called 'rubber creek. Step3. Conserving water is useful for a number of reasons — for example, it’s better for the environment — but it also. However, if you have a larger. Septic tanks overfull with sludge and scum allow untreated wastewater with solid material to flow out of the tank, clogging pipes and the absorption trenches. But, you might be surprised how easily we can create clogs during the course of everyday life. Solution 3: Pour Dish Soap to Lubricate the Clog. We do not only have common English names, but also uncommon ones that have unique origins and meanings. If you have your kitchen sink draining into your septic tank, you are going to clog up your septic tank faster than if you did not. If the tank moves, the pipe leading to the inlet may move into an angle that makes it malfunction. Tree roots can penetrate septic tanks and septic tank drain field pipes. This is because these solid waste products can clog up the drain field pipes. On-lot System Operation and Maintenance. Use a hose and spray nozzle to lightly spray the cartridge tubes with water in order to remove solid material stuck to the insides. Prophylactics, or condoms, are another common item many people flush down their toilets because it seems like the most convenient option for disposal. Fortunately, this is also one of the easiest problems to remedy; broken pipes can be replaced or mended and clogs can be dislodged to allow proper. On the one hand, you’ll save money by reducing the frequency of septic repairs and complications. 1. One downside of septic tanks is that they can be smelly if they are not maintained properly (especially so if you have a broken pipe). On 2017-04-16 by (mod) - household cleanser is ok. Mixing these household products together will create a carbonic, septic tank-safe solution that loosens up deep clogs and. Diapers. When this happens, the cleanup process can be difficult and costly. Septic tank inlet and outlet baffles direct the flow of wastewater in and out of your tank, and are critical to helping. A holding tank that has reached its capacity could create a backup that clogs the toilet and stops it from working properly. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for a septic tank. inspecting the septic tank at least every year and pumping out its contents if needed. 4. Call us for any of your wastewater systems needs and let our professionals help you with your septic installation and maintenance requirements: 210. ” It was fed through the hole, looking for the issue, but it got stuck. This is one disadvantage of a septic system vs. Inexpensive: If you don’t. However, if your septic tank needs repairs, this can run anywhere from $200-$6,000 . 2. Best Bang for the Buck. Here are ways to unclog your drain without damaging your septic and plumbing system: 1. harsh cleaning chemicals, and chlorine bleach. A back and forth push is exerted while rotating to help dislodge the foreign objects or clog. Your septic tank may also clog when the dispersal pipes that lead water into a septic field fail to drain water due to hindrances like roots or getting crushed by heavy items above ground. All the things that make it great for use make it pretty terrible for your septic tank. Never flush hair, cat litter, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cigarette butts, or facial tissues. A popular homemade cleaning solution, this combination also works well as a drain unclogger. A high ply is undeniably plusher, more absorbent, and more durable. These will clog the septic tank with sludge and will require more. Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda. Superior Pump 1/2-Horsepower Cast Iron Sewage Pump. While one condom is not likely to cause a blockage, repeatedly disposing of them in the toilet will eventually block your drains. Constantly flushing condoms down your toilet will most likely cause a buildup of latex in your pipes and septic tank, which may lead to clogs and a failing septic system. Grease is bad for your drains, and it is bad for your septic tank. Pour hot water to soften clog and remove it from your drain. A landlord is responsible for emptying the septic tank. If this happens, then the septic tank will be unable to pump out filtered wastewater. Alternatively, you may consider using a five-to-one solution of water and bleach. Use water efficiently. Yes, one tampon can clog a septic tank. Additionally, try to monitor what other materials you’re flushing down the toilet, as flushing feminine hygiene products and other materials like grease can decrease the efficacy of your septic tank and eventually cause clogs. Older clay pipes connecting the house to the septic tank may experience root intrusion at the connection points or at a pipe joint. . The use of paper towels and tissues can block your pipes, and they can take a long time to decompose in your septic tank. Try and find a more durable paper with a lower ply count if possible. Since it’s made specifically for RVs, boats, busses, and any other type of tiny enclosed waste system, the Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper is designed to break down much faster than other types of bathroom tissue so that it never clogs up the system. This 1-ply toilet paper broke down considerably faster than all the others. To try this method, measure out 1/2 cup of active dry baker's yeast and flush it down one of. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products. Condoms: Condoms will clog toilets and septic tanks. This will help melt grease and soap scum that’s tapping other debris and causing the clog. While this service can help clear clogs in your septic tank and drainfield pipes, it works best when the drainfield clog is in the pipe that runs from the septic tank to the drainfield. Today, nearly one in four households in the United States depends on an individual septic (onsite)Runner-Up. The latex used to make condoms is designed to. The Drain Clog Remover uses its high density to cling to pipes and liquefy drain obstructions. For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. Yes, 2 ply toilet paper is septic safe, as long as it is made from dissolvable materials. If you abscond this important step, the sludge in the tank may rise and get into the baffle thereby clogging it. Drain monkeys recommends one of the first thing that you should do is have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 4 years depending on the size of your family. All you need to do is pour 2 cups into your first or ground floor toilet, then flush twice to ensure the water has reached your tank efficiently. However, a large quantity is bound to take up a lot of space in the tank and drain pipes. Condoms: Condoms will clog toilets and septic tanks. including diapers, dental floss, condoms and feminine hygiene products. Fats, oils, and grease poured down your drain can cause serious problems for your septic tank. Cat litter. Do learn the location of your septic tank and drainfield. The airspace (which is what I believe your talking about )should be 8-10" from the ceiling of the tank. This unmistakable smell is a result of the decomposing waste that is unable to properly flow through the system. So to remove the waster water, it needs to be pumped into the sewers. Look at the scum trap at the top to assess how thick the scum layer is. If possible, use a plunger with as thick a rubber cap as. Flooding/Heavy Rain. Hold the effluent filter over the open port of the septic tank so the effluent can flow back into the tank. These wipes will sit in your septic tank causing it to fill. Most unsewered developments in Western Australia use septic tank systems to treat and dispose of sewage, also referred to as wastewater. Put the tools you used to unclog the tank in the bucket and leave them for about 8-10 minutes. Here are some tips for maintaining your septic system: Pump your tank regularly: Your. The caustic and acidic ingredients in Drano can sterilize the septic tank, killing the biological bacteria needed to break down the solids that congregate in the tank or clog the pipes associated with it. One of the most common septic tank problems arises when the distribution box is damaged or clogged, preventing the flow of water from the septic tank into the drainfield. products can clog pipes, quickly fill septic tanks and decrease the effectiveness of the system. Yes if you had a filter it would be on the outlet of the septic tank. 95. Settling tank. Use a plumbing auger and a drain snake. Septic Tank 101. Also be sure to wear durable clothing that covers your arms and legs. One of the easiest ways that you can avoid clogging the effluent filters and having to call a plumber is to minimize the amount of solids that go into the septic tank. What you can do is purchase a septic system powder treatment and dump that down the tank. sanitary tampons, condoms, and disposable diapers will not break down and can cause problems in your septic tank system. By learning the basics of septic tank maintenance, you can save in more ways than one. Let the mixture sit for an hour in the pipes before rinsing with hot water. A new. Instead, dispose of all feminine hygiene. A clogged septic tank can produce unpleasant odors in. The good news is that Tampons will most likely not going to clog the sewer line or ruin the tank, they will still be in there years to come. Flushing condoms is not only harmful for your own plumbing system, but it’s terrible for the environment, too. Neglecting to Pump Your Tank Regularly. Flushing Some of the things you should never flush include baby wipes , diapers, condoms, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls or swabs, and cigarette butts. The condom can clog a septic tank system and cause damage to its wastewater treatment process. There are some drain cleaners that are safe for septic systems. 5 Ways a Washing Machine Can Impact a Septic TankA clogged toilet septic tank can be a big problem. have shown that it would take somewhere around two gallons of bleach to completely destroy all the bacteria inside a septic tank, but only one teaspoon of drain cleaner to have the same effect. The effluent from the second chamber is usually discharged via gravity into a manhole cover or outflow pipe which leads away from your property. Pooling water. It contains billions of active, organic bacterial enzymes. Chemicals, paints, grease, automotive. Now, hopefully you read the bullet points above and don’t bother trying any of those methods. Signs of Septic Malfunction. A clog in the inlet or outlet baffle can slow or stop water drainage. These 2 chemicals work together to fizz up and start working on breaking up the clog. Clogged septic tank. The average household septic system should be inspected. In general, a septic. 641. Have questions or need to schedule an inspection or repair? Contact Advanced Septic Services at (352) 242-6100. It would help if you first lifted the tank’s access lid close to your home to check the pipe inlet. Earth Breeze Eco Sheets — 9. A full septic tank is one of the primary causes for this strange gurgling. The product will then begin to slowly eat away at the clogs in your tank, so it’s important to stay patient. Septic Tanks + Get Alerts. Otherwise, it will send all of your. This typically happens when the tank was. Tampons can cause blockages in the septic tank, which can result in backups and overflows. 2. Dental floss. Use their 24/7 Emergency line if it’s after business. It is an effective way to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently, and it can also extend the life of your septic tank and. Step. 3. Do condoms block drains? Safe sex can be bad for the environment — if you don’t dispose of your condoms correctly. The answer is yes. The most obvious sign of a septic tank clog is a sewage backup in your home. Using the first time, flush a 12-cup package of dried baking yeast down the toilet. 2. It is stringy, tough, and can attach to other objects, causing severe clogs to your drainage pipes. Septic systems provide an effective way to treat and dispose of wastewater in areas without access to public sewer systems. This method can be used to clear out stubborn buildups of debris, grease, or sludge in your septic system. Will Baby Wipes Clog A Septic Tank. Drain Clogs: A clogged drain is by far the simplest problem to fix. Extra vegetation provides another layer of insulation. Flush the toilet less – the saying if it’s brown flush it down, if it’s yellow let it mellow is a good one. Bad smell. Reasons to Separate Kitchen from Septic Tank. Using baking soda in your septic tank is very easy. Well, one tampon is less likely to clog your septic system. Septic filters are placed either in the septic tank at the outlet tee or in a separate chamber outside of and close to the septic tank. The Truth About Toilet Paper and Septic Tanks. This is useful for accessing the system and will prevent damaging system components when doing. 2. When you flush condoms, they stick to your drain pipes or septic tank. You like to be fresh and clean. But like any system, septic tanks have limitations on what they can handle. Wait 15-30 minutes, then pour a gallon of boiling water down the drain. 7. On 2019-01-31 by (mod) - Pumping a septic tank is not a proper repair for clogged drains. You do not want to wait if you suspect your holding tank if full. In Missouri, the septic tank size for a newly constructed system should be 1,000 gallons for a three-bedroom home, based on a flow of 120 gallons per day per bedroom. Septic tank systems generally consist of one or two watertight cylindrical tanks called septic tanks and one or two sets of drainage receptacles which have holes in their sides and no base. The CDC reports that 48. That’s why popular drain cleaner techniques won’t do much if a condom caused a clog somewhere in your plumbing system. Turn on water full blast and more the. Wait 2 minutes and pour another ½ cup of vinegar into the drain, again stopping it with a rag or stopper. The filter, called the Septic Protectorä, retails for $149. Final Verdict. Don’t leave a trickle of water running, as people do to prevent pipes from freezing. 1. [3] Most septic tanks need to be emptied every 3 to 5 years. That said, tanks also have weaknesses that correlate with material composition. As you’re waiting, start heating a couple of gallons of water almost to a boil. 6. Claim home. The septic tank will be a buried, water-tight container. Do not wash more than one or two loads of laundry per. And while they will eventually end up in landfills when you throw them. Larger houses with four bedrooms or more typically need a 1,500-gallon tank, which costs around $320 to pump. First dump 1 cup baking soda and 2 cups vinegar into the toilet. Grinder pumps pump the wastewater coming from a house situated below the main sewage line in the area. Related Questions. The tank will have a concrete slab on the bottom, filled, steel reinforced hollow block walls and a concrete top with clean-out ports. Septic Tank. What we like: A wider-mouth version of our favorite. Additionally, it should be positioned at least 8 feet away from the leach. 8. Clogs your septic tank. Check for any tripped breakers or blown fuses in your electrical panel. Liquid gold? Belle Pumping a septic tank is not a proper repair for clogged drains. If you start to notice a persistent sewage smell, it. However, if your septic tank needs repairs, this can run anywhere from $200-$6,000 . Just because you haven’t seen improvement yet doesn’t mean the. Chemical drain cleaners have the potential to harm beneficial microorganisms in your septic tank, which might lead to another clog in the future. Place the plunger over the toilet drain and push down gently to create a seal. Human or animal hair combings will not biodegrade in septic tanks and have the potential of clogging septic drains. Read our article on the pricing of septic tank installation for more information. One of the main reasons is a full septic tank from the build up of sludge or solid wastes. Wastewater backing up into household drains. Pumping out your septic tank is the best way to remove flushable wipes from the tank. Condom foil wrappers stay just like new. Schedule regular septic tank pumping based on the size of your tank and household water usage. Unfortunately, “somewhere else” is the. Prevent clogged pipes with a plumber’s snake or try to remove the tampon manually with your hands. If you are lucky, it will be a plumber. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap has proven its worth as one of the most versatile, eco-friendly cleaning solutions. SEE IT. Open the pantry and grab some vinegar and baking soda to unclog a toilet or drain. Use White Vinegar. When you have a septic tank, the safest approach to unclogging a drain is to use a plunger. Photo: depositphotos. If risers have been installed in the system, you or your maintenance provider will have easier access to monitor the accumulation6. Latex condoms may pass through plumbing but continue to clog the drainfield. Toss the cigarette butts in the trash. Toilet paper for septic tanks should be made from natural, dissolvable materials such as recycled paper or plant-based materials.