How to Unblock a Drain in an Eco-Sewage System

If you live in a house that is not connected to the main water and sewerage system, you'll have unique challenges when trying to unclog your drains. This is especially true for eco-based sewage systems such as blackwater recycling systems where the dirty water and debris are broken down using a cocktail of 'organic-loving bacteria'. Such systems must be treated with extra-caution. Below are ideas about what to do and not do when clearing out such drains.

Things not to do when unclogging eco-based drain systems

Use of chemicals to unclog eco-based drains is the worst idea – most of these chemicals are very toxic and will kill of all the bacteria responsible for acting against your waste water. Pouring caustic soda (sodium hydroxide powder) or other commercial unclogging products is therefore not advisable.

Caustic soda in particular is very corrosive, and isn't good to use even in non-eco-based systems connected to the main sewage system. It is a dangerous chemical that should be kept away from children, and there are eco-friendlier options for unclogging drains.

Alternatives for breaking down clogs

Baking soda and vinegar – One alternative is pouring equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar into the drain followed quickly by a lot of boiling water. The reaction between the baking soda and the acid in vinegar can break down most clogs, and the hot water melts and washes away the grease holding particles together to form the clog.

Enzyme-bacteria preparations – this is another method which is especially useful in eco-based drainage systems. There are different kinds of enzyme/bacteria preparations available at your local home improvement or hardware store. They are more expensive than the more common chemicals like Drano and caustic soda, but they are advantageous because they are natural and will continue to work in the drain even after the drain is cleared. These preparations establish colonies of bacteria that break down all organic matter that goes down your drain, so that your system will be kept clean and clog-free afterwards. In addition, they are non-toxic to human beings, eco-friendly and easy to use – all you need is to pour it down the drain.

For best results, pour your enzyme preparation in the drain at night, to allow time for the cultures to grow and settle in your drainage system. If you follow immediately with large amounts of water, you may wash out the solution before it has had time to settle in the system.

You can prevent clogs in the future by investing in sink strainers which hold back large food particles. You should also follow your dishwashing every evening with a jug of hot water and some baking soda – this is a very cheap and readily available commodity in the house – so that food particles are not allowed to build up to the point of causing a blockage.