Soap scum buildup inside waste line
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Soap scum buildup inside waste line
I cut into my waste line yesterday to do some rework in the basement and found the main waste line has a Pretty heavy buildup of what i believe is soap scum. The house is only about 2 years old and is a PVC system. Also i am on a septic system with a leach field.
What is the best way to clean pipes/get rid of the buildup? Ive read Different combinations of baking soda/vinegar/boiling water/ammonia but not sure I agree with a lot of it. Anybody know what really works, and is also safe for plumbing and septic?
What is the best way to clean pipes/get rid of the buildup? Ive read Different combinations of baking soda/vinegar/boiling water/ammonia but not sure I agree with a lot of it. Anybody know what really works, and is also safe for plumbing and septic?
#2
Forum Topic Moderator
I'd be surprised too to see a buildup in a 3" or 4" pvc pipe. Could it be grease? Does anyone in the fam dump grease down the kitchen sink? Is there a 1/4" slope of the pipe where you cut into it?
I know there are some enzyme products that folks here recommend - I'll let them make the recommendation as I've never used them.
I know there are some enzyme products that folks here recommend - I'll let them make the recommendation as I've never used them.
#3
Since the pipe is now open, I would ream it out and then put in a flexible or removable coupling (I assume this is an exposed waste line). Then make sure no debris such as oil or greases, or viscous type of material is ever poured down the drain. And yes use an enzyme type of product. There is a new (to me) one called GREEN GOBBLER. Suppose to be very good.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the responses. Yes pipe is pitched. Actually where i cut into it was the vertical stack part. And no its no longer open, all hard tied back together. We do not dump grease down the drain but maybe the previous owners did, not sure. Keep the suggestions coming. What is enzyme bAsed and why should i use it.
Also i should add, this is a buildup but not a clog. I looked into the Green Gobbler. How does this or something similar work when being poured down the drain. Seems like it would just pass by the scum and not remove anything.
Also i should add, this is a buildup but not a clog. I looked into the Green Gobbler. How does this or something similar work when being poured down the drain. Seems like it would just pass by the scum and not remove anything.
#5
Seems like it would just pass by the scum and not remove anything.
And you are correct it won't help in this case. But enzyme chemicals for septic tanks are good. Rid-X being the most popular. Is it possible to open that section up again and ream it out?
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Id rather not open it back up. I do have an upstream cleanout which would be the place to do it but no snake. I found this liquid stuff by Zep called Drain Defense, claims its a buildup remover and is enzyme based. Also found something called Septic Defense, also by Zep, also enzyme based this one is little packets, you drop one in the toilet, let it dissolve and flush it. The liquid drain build up remover says to pour 1 oz down the sink and run the hot water. Was thinking of giving both a try, at the same time. Thoughts?
Also -- If i was to start reaming -- im worried that could actually cause a clog if enough of it broke free and built up in a section of pipe, especially a fitting.
Also -- If i was to start reaming -- im worried that could actually cause a clog if enough of it broke free and built up in a section of pipe, especially a fitting.
#7
Member
I have a similar situation with one of four bath sinks in my 30 year old house. I have to disassemble the drain pipes about once a year to clean the scum. Its the sink where I shave and I believe the buildup is the foam shaving cream I use.
#8
a Pretty heavy buildup of what i believe is soap scum
I have opened up my plumbing, horizontal lines, after 10 years, with 4 people and heavy shower use, and never found anything other than some residual crud, nothing resembling blockage!
What does "heavy blockage" mean? I'm going to take a stab at this and say, it's not soap, something else!!
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Quote:
a Pretty heavy buildup of what i believe is soap scum
Just doesn't sound right. A 2 year old house, with a layer (on a vertical pipe???) of soap scum.
I have opened up my plumbing, horizontal lines, after 10 years, with 4 people and heavy shower use, and never found anything other than some residual crud, nothing resembling blockage!
What does "heavy blockage" mean? I'm going to take a stab at this and say, it's not soap, something else!!
a Pretty heavy buildup of what i believe is soap scum
Just doesn't sound right. A 2 year old house, with a layer (on a vertical pipe???) of soap scum.
I have opened up my plumbing, horizontal lines, after 10 years, with 4 people and heavy shower use, and never found anything other than some residual crud, nothing resembling blockage!
What does "heavy blockage" mean? I'm going to take a stab at this and say, it's not soap, something else!!
#10
Zep has a pretty good enzyme drain cleaner, just follow instructions. But, I prefer a powdered enzyme product. The one I use is the best I have ever found, it's called Plumb Clean. It isn't the cheapest, but I believe it to be the best.
https://www.plumbclean.ca/
https://www.plumbclean.ca/
#11
One is a buildup remover and one is a tank treatment pack
Pee, poop, white toilet paper, you system, pipes will live a long and happy life!