Tips to keep plumbing healthy

**Judi Dial** · 10-26-2010, 11:21 PM

I do some of these, I'd bet most of us do!

See here:
Seven stupid things people do that ruin plumbing on Shine

Judi

**Debbie-cat** · 10-26-2010, 11:55 PM

Thanks for the link Judi. We have a septic system and never thought about not using antibacterial soaps. I knew about the bleach but not the soap. Thanks!

**Palooka** · 10-27-2010, 12:02 AM

Thanks for posting. I learned my lesson about rice and the kitchen disposal last year.

**frugalfranny** · 10-27-2010, 02:08 AM

Thanks Judi..........I am guilty of number seven......I flush spoiled food down the toilet...........on the sewer now and would NEVER have done that when on my septic.

**freebs** · 10-27-2010, 08:11 AM

For anyone on a septic to keep it healthy put a packet of yeast down the toilet once per month! It adds back all the good bacteria that you need to keep a septic happy and running smooth...lol. Laundry soap, bleach, vinegar, printed toilet paper, all these things can cause a sad septic system! So make your tank happy and give it some bacteria...lol(I am a plumbers daughter so have lived this for ever!)

**coolcat7fl** · 01-15-2011, 10:53 PM

and ya'll know the "Plumbers secret" too right? squirt dishsoap around the edge of the toilet bowl if you're having problems flushing-- kinda "greases" the water and makes it slipperier -- its worked for me before

**renmerc446** · 01-21-2011, 10:46 AM

Quick question about the vinegar and baking soda for clearing slow drains. What's the ratio of vinegar to baking soda that I should be using? Also, how long should I let the 'mixture' sit? I picked up some baking soda last night (already had the vinegar). I tried the vinegar/bs trick but I don't think I let it sit long enough. (Only about 20 or so minutes.) Should I let it sit over night?

**craftypam** · 01-21-2011, 11:59 AM

Hi,

We just did this to our bathroom drain and it worked. Its one cup of each put baking soda first then pour vinegar and let sit for a few minutes. Then pour boiling water over it.

**renmerc446** · 01-21-2011, 01:39 PM

Thanks. I did put the baking soda in first and it bubbled but I'll try the 1:1 ratio. I might not put enough in as well. Sigh. I think I'll have to try another place to find more baking soda. The store I went to last night only had the fridge packs. But it worked on the counters well enough.