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    listerli's Avatar
    listerli Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Oct 8, 2012, 05:23 PM
    How to remove Calcium buildup in pipes leading to septic system
    Hi, to make a long story short, the plumber found that calcium has been building up in the last segment of pipes near to septic, reason is the water conditioner line is tied into the bigger pipe, the plummer put his camera down and that's what he saw, and son in law noted when he put the hose in with force etc, it was breaking it up. But bottom line is, short of digging up the pipes which is not a reality in this case, WHAT CAN HE USE TO DISOLVE THE CALCIUM. Thank you
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Oct 9, 2012, 09:05 AM
    Well for one thing I wouldn't be putting harsh chemicals in your septic system, I would divert the softener discharge to the out side and then I'd go after the calcium in the pipe.
    Here's a assortment of auger tips, (see image) I'd use the top cutter blade and break the mineral up. Good luck, Tom
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    01coltcolt's Avatar
    01coltcolt Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Mar 17, 2013, 08:26 AM
    I have this same problem. I have to dig up the top cover to the first chamber in my septic tank and use the hose and a shovel handle to break up the calcium depistit in the main line coming off the house. I am sick and tired of doing this. There has got to be something I can treat my water with to prevent this and allow my septic tank to remain healthy. Anyone? Please help.
    Thanks Donavan <phone number removed>
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
     
    #4

    Mar 17, 2013, 08:34 AM
    01coltcolt

    I removed your telephone number as it is against site policy to post it. If you subscribe to the thread or just pop back over the next day or two I am sure someone with septic experience will post on your problem!

    Good luck!

    Mark
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #5

    Mar 17, 2013, 08:39 AM
    Locate the clean out and snake the line using a cutter tip as shown above, Flush it out with a hose. Good luck, Tom
    1956nomad's Avatar
    1956nomad Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #6

    Apr 27, 2014, 01:15 PM
    I have a similar issue... Large chunks build up at the entrance to the septic tank on the top of the baffle and eventually restricts flow to the tank. I am told this is calcium. My septic guy says that most people knock/break off the first baffle to prevent the clog. He says that they do not have any more issues. I have not done this. I currently have to open the tank every few months and knock off the calcium chunk. It floats, so I scoop it out. I do not see build up inside of the line that enters the tank. I have not had to snake it yet. I am wondering/concerned that some day the calcium will clog the drain field... I do not know if it can even get that far before it solidifies. But it seems to make sense that it would get to the drain field. Have you had any luck finding a solution that might solve this problem without rerouting the softener line? It seems that vinegar is safe for septic systems. Is this a solution? To just dump some down the drain every few months? Or is the best solution to just open the tank and knock the chunk off?

    It is not very practical for me to run a separate line from the water softener (under driveway and 10 feet deep)... Now I am wondering what would keep the softener discharge line from getting clogged up. Many unanswered questions... Does anyone have a solution? Dan

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