Is Liquid-Plumr Safe for Septic Systems?

If you own a home with a septic system, you likely know how important it is to carefully select which products are being poured down your drain, into your septic tank. Chemical drain cleaners, such as Liquid-Plumr are commonly used to clear clogs within your pipes, yet many homeowners will often ask: “Is Liquid-Plumr safe for septic systems?”.

The short answer is yes, when used with caution. While Liquid-Plumr products are labeled as “septic-safe”, excessive or repeated use may disrupt the beneficial bacteria residing within your septic tank. This in turn may lead to long-term issues.

In this full-scale guide, we’ll explore:

• How Liquid-Plumr works

• Potential effects on a septic system

• Safe usage guidelines

• Septic-safe alternatives for unclogging drains

• Best practices for septic system maintenance

How Does Liquid-Plumr Work?

Liquid-Plumr is a chemical drain cleaner, designed to break down common clogs such as hair, grease, oil, soap scum, and food particle buildup.

Most Liquid-Plumr products contain the following combination of ingredients:

• Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach): This chemical is a disinfectant which dissolves organic matter

• Sodium Hydroxide (Lye): This chemical is a strong alkaline chemical which breaks down grease and fat buildup

• Surfactants: This chemical helps to loosen debris and enhances chemical effectiveness

When the product is poured down the drain, the above chemicals will react with the clog, breaking down the clog itself, and allowing water to flow freely through the pipes.

This is great and all, but what happens when these chemicals reach a septic system?

Is Liquid-Plumr Safe for Septic Systems?

According to Liquid-Plumr’s manufacturer, the product is “septic-safe”, when used as directed. An occasional use of Liquid-Plumr will likely not result in any immediate harm, yet if it’s used on a regular basis, the exposure to strong chemicals may negatively impact the proper bacterial balance in your septic tank.

Potential Effects of Liquid-Plumr on a Septic System

✅ What’s Safe:

•Occasional use of Liquid-Plumr for minor clogs
•Small amounts of Liquid-Plumr (preferably less than 1 cup of the solution at a time)
•Always follow up with plenty of water down the drain to not only ensure the clog is properly cleared, but also to further dilute the chemicals once they reach the septic tank.

❌ What’s Risky:

•Consistent, frequent use of Liquid-Plumr
•Pouring excessive amounts of Liquid-Plumr down the drain

Killing Beneficial Bacteria

A septic tank will rely on balanced amounts of natural bacteria to properly break down solid waste. The bleach and lye within Liquid-Plumr may kill off some of these essential bacteria, resulting in:

• Delayed waste decomposition

• Higher frequency of clogs

• Possible septic tank backups over time

pH Imbalance in the Septic Tank

Liquid-Plumr also contains highly alkaline chemicals which may alter the natural pH bacterial balance of your septic tank system.

• A properly balanced pH (between 6.5 and 7.5) is necessary for bacteria to reside within your septic tank to thrive.

• Consistent, repeated use of Liquid-Plumr may raise pH levels too high, reducing the capabilities of the bacteria to properly break down waste solids.

Potential Damage to Pipes and Tank Lining

While rare, long-term use of strong chemical cleaners may: While certainly rare, long-term use of chemical cleaners may result in the following:

• Corrosion of older pipes, especially if they are constructed of metal.

• Damage to septic tank linings, whether they’re made of concrete or plastic.

How to Use Liquid-Plumr Safely with a Septic System

If you decide to use Liquid-Plumr in your home, follow these best practices to minimize risk to your septic tank system:

Always Use in Small Amounts

• Be sure to NOT pour an entire bottle down the drain in one sitting

• Stick to 1 cup of Liquid-Plumr poured down the drain at a time, followed by plenty of water 

Wait Before Using More

• Always allow at least 24-48 hours before pouring additional amounts of Liquid-Plumr down your drain 

• If the clog persists, consider contacting a professional plumber to resolve the issue, as there may be more going on internally which needs to be addressed

Flush with Plenty of Water

• After using the Liquid-Plumr, run very hot water for 5-10 minutes to help dilute the chemical and also help it reach the clogged areas successfully

Avoid Using Other Harsh Chemicals Simultaneously

• Do NOT mix Liquid-Plumr with bleach, ammonia, or vinegar, as this will create toxic gases

Follow Up with a Septic Treatment

• After you use Liquid-Plumr, consider adding a bacterial additive to your septic tank such as RID-X to properly restore good bacteria within your septic tank

Septic-Safe Alternatives to Liquid-Plumr

If you prefer a natural and truly septic-safe method to clear clogs in your home’s drainage system, consider using the following options:

Boiling Water (Best for Grease Clogs)

• Pour a pot of boiling water down your drain to melt any grease and loosen debris

• Repeat multiple times if necessary

Baking Soda & Vinegar (Gentle & Effective)

• Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain

• Pour 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain

• Allow to sit for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water

Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners

• Natural enzyme cleaners are great alternatives to breaking down organic matter in a safe, eco-friendly fashion

• These eco-friendly products will not harm your septic tank’s natural balance of bacteria

Plunging or Drain Snakes

• Simply use a plunger for mild to moderate clogs

• A plumber can use a drain snake or auger to successfully remove hair and debris in most cases when it comes to clogs deep within the pipes of your home

Best Practices for Septic System Maintenance

To best avoid clogs and keep your septic system running as efficiently as possible, be sure to follow these best practices:

Pump Your Septic Tank Regularly

• A family of four should have their septic tank pumped every 3-5 years for best results

Use Septic-Safe Products

• Choosing biodegradable soaps, detergents, and cleaners will help to ensure your septic tank's bacteria is not disrupted

Limit Grease & Oils in Drains

• Try your best to avoid dumping cooking oil, grease, or fat down the drain, as they can easily solidify and cause difficult clogs

Flush Only Septic-Safe Items

• Only flush septic-safe items (septic-safe toilet paper and human waste) and never flush wet wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products

Avoid Excessive Water Use

• Spread out laundry loads and dishwashing loads to prevent an overload on your septic system

Inspect Your Septic System Annually

• Contact a septic professional or plumber to inspect your septic system every 1-2 years to proactively identify any early signs of trouble which may be developing

Is Liquid-Plumr Safe for Septic Systems?

YES, if used sparingly and properly
NO, if used excessively or in large quantities

Liquid-Plumr is septic-safe when it’s used as directed, yet it’s still a good idea to limit its use for the occasional mild to moderate clog. If Liquid-Plumr is used excessively, it may end up harming the beneficial bacteria, alter the desired pH level, and lead to long-term septic issues which may result in an expensive problem.

Whenever possible, try to utilize natural, septic-friendly alternatives such as baking soda and vinegar, enzyme-based cleaners, or manual drain snakes.

Through following these best practices when it comes to septic tank system management, you’ll be able to prevent clogs without having to damage your septic tank system in the process. This could end up saving you several thousands of dollars down the road. Feel free to browse through our wide array of septic supply products by clicking on the button below. We look forward to working with you soon!