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Roto-Rooter® Septic Tank & Cesspool Treatment

Roto-Rooter® Septic Tank & Cesspool Treatment

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Contact your local Roto-Rooter to purchase this product.

Call 800-768-6911

how a septic system works

How a Septic System Works

In a typical septic system, household wastes – including water from kitchen and bathroom drains, and toilets – flow to a watertight septic tank, where they are broken down by natural bacterial processes so they can percolate into the subsoil surrounding a drainage field.

Inside the tank, the majority of the waste decomposes into sewage water. Heavier solids settle to the bottom and accumulate as sludge. Other lighter particles – including grease and oil – rise to the surface and form a scum. The decomposed sewage water then flows from the tank, through a distribution box and into a drainage field – a series of perforated pipes laid below ground in a bed of gravel. The liquid leaches out through the gravel and is further purified as it percolates through the soil. The more complete the decomposition of household waste, the more efficiently and trouble free a septic system functions.

When a septic system is overloaded or not properly maintained, the bacterial decomposition can slow or stop, causing untreated liquid and solid wastes to overflow into the soil. Excessive use of bleaches, disinfectants and caustic or acid drain cleaners also deters the bacterial action of the system, and greases and solids can build up until they choke the system and block the flow of the liquid into the soil. When this happens, the drainage field may have to be dug up and replaced – a costly undertaking.

How to Prevent Problems in Your Septic System

septic system

  • Have your septic system checked – and the accumulated sludge pumped – every two or three years.
  • Add Roto-Rooter® Septic Treatment to your septic system to maintain a healthy, free-flowing system. For normal system maintenance, pour 32 ounces (one quart) of the liquid product directly into a toilet bowl and flush. To ensure peak system performance, repeat this procedure every four to six months, as well as each time your tank is pumped. If you are using the powder product for normal system maintenance, place one pouch monthly into a toilet bowl and flush. For best results, do not add disinfectants, laundry bleaches, or caustic or acid drain cleaners to the system for several days following treatment.
  • If problems persist, contact your local Roto-Rooter company to check the condition of your septic system. Severely clogged or damaged drainage fields may have to be dug up and replaced.

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Purchase Online

Online purchase is not available.

Contact your local Roto-Rooter to purchase this product.

Call 800-768-6911

Customer Reviews

Purchased another gallon of Pipe Shield. Have been using this product for maintenance since 2010 and am very pleased with our trouble free drains. John K.
I ordered Roto Rooter Pipe Shield over the phone and Roto Rooter delivered to our home. The Roto Rooter driver called ahead to say that he was ...Read moreJudith M.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What drain cleaning product could I use to get my drains flowing better?
We recommend an enzyme-type product, such as Roto-Rooter Pipe Shield®. The natural enzymes eat the grease and hair and keep the pipe from filling with sludge. Pipe Shield's exclusive formula uses natural bacteria to breakdown deposits, so it's safe for the environment. When used as directed each month, build-up can be prevented for up to 30 days. Pipe Shield® is available only from Roto-Rooter locations.
I have a jug of Roto-Rooter® Pipe Shield® liquid drain cleaner. The directions say I should mix two ounces of Pipe Shield® with 32 ounces of water. When I do this, should the total of 34 ounces be applied to each drain or to all seven drains in my house?
You pour a portion of the 34 ounce solution into each drain once a month. A little bit of Pipe Shield® goes a long way. Depending on how many drains you have in your home, your Pipe Shield® could last a year or more.
Is RootX® something I can flush down my toilet or is that something Roto-Rooter or a professional should handle?
We recommend hiring a professional to apply RootX. However, you can do it yourself, but please read the instructions carefully before using. Flushing drain cleaning products down the toilet can cause additional problems if not done carefully. This product works best when applied through a sewer clean-out port with the water running. A two pound container provides effective drain care for the first 50 feet of a 4-inch sewer main.