FAQs

Having questions is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, having questions is a good thing. And getting answers for those questions is even better. Check back regularly for additions and updates. 

Waste Reduction

Q: Why isn't the waste in my septic tank getting reduced? 

Septic system treatments (like Scycle) contain live bacteria to break down the waste, however, many household cleaners and soaps these days are "anti-bacterial." If you use these cleaners often or in large amounts and dispose of them in the toilet or sink, it can kill off some of the bacteria in Scycle, which can affect how well it reduces waste and odors. Larger than average households with heavy waste loads can also overload the system. In either case try applying Scycle more regularly to maintain better activity or increase dosage as needed. 

Q: Can Scycle be used for commercial business systems? 

Yes. Scycle is formulated to treat all waste products, regardless of location or setting. Just be sure to adjust the dosage accordingly for tanks of larger volumes or tanks that receive greater usage. 

Odors

Q: Why do I still have odors in my septic system? 

Even though Scycle begins to work once added, it still takes some time to create an aerobic environment that is free from odors in your tank. Organic waste tends to compact at the bottom of the tank and become septic and odorous. These odorous layers can be lifted and exposed for the first month or two causing odors to get worse before they get better The science and technology behind Scycle's contents will break down waste products every time it's applied to soon reduce odors during use. If you feel this is the case with your tank and you don’t have the patience to wait it out, we suggest adding another dose in order to accelerate the aerobic process.

Septic system treatments (like Scycle) contain live bacteria to break down the waste, however, many household cleaners and soaps these days are "anti-bacterial." If you use these cleaners often or in large amounts and dispose of them in the toilet or sink, it can kill off some of the bacteria in Scycle, which can affect how well it reduces waste and odors.

Some septic tanks are designed with a shelf that can become exposed if your water level is low. When this happens, sometimes the exposed waste can have solids that have remained and can contribute to an odor. 

Clogged Pipes or Slow Flow

Q: Does Scycle treat clogged drains in bathroom or kitchen sinks, showers, and the like? 

Scycle is specifically designed to treat household waste materials. However, it will not quickly dissolve hair clogs in your bathroom sink or shower drain. The reason for this is due to the amount of hair that is likely causing the clog. For these types of clogs, you'll either need to physically remove the hair clog or use a chemical-based drain cleaner. 

Some kitchen sink disposal drain lines clog over long periods of time from the combination of water hardness and other materials that shouldn’t be put down the drain, like egg shells, fruit or vegetable peels, or other foreign objects that naturally don’t break down quickly and can become hardened from hard water. Scycle was well designed to dissolve and reduce such materials in your kitchen sink drain pipes and will likely improve flow and help prevent drain pipe replacement if used occasionally or as needed in your disposal drain lines.

Try pouring a 7.5 ounce dose of Scycle directly into your sink before you go to bed at night. This allows Scycle to be in direct contact with the buildup for an extended period of time. Rinse and wipe off any residue of Scycle from your sink finish and drain fixture as it could discolor the hardware finish if left on for an extended period.

If the problem persists we recommend you contact a professional plumber if you’d prefer to keep your pants upright.

Q: What should I do if my pipes are draining slowly?

If your septic pipes aren’t draining like normal, it’s likely that your drain filed pipes or soil have some areas of excessive buildup from not being treated. We recommend shocking your system with heavy doses of Scycle. Pour 15 ounces of Scycle into your system every 12 hours until flow improves to your satisfaction. Heavy shock treatments allow more Scycle to be in direct contact with the buildup for an extended period of time. If the drainage problem lies in your drain field, it can take one or two days for Scycle’s ingredients to fully treat the drain field openings and the soil capillaries since they’re at the end of your system.

Scycle is also well suited to unclog systems that are overflowing. If your system is plugged use an entire 60 ounce bottle of Scycle every 8-12 hours until flow improves to your satisfaction.

If flow doesn’t improve in 48 hours there’s a chance that the reason for your slow drains could be tree roots or a more serious problem with your system. Over the years, tree roots can often grow into drain field openings since they’re a source of water. Scycle will not kill or get rid of tree roots. If you believe you have a problem with tree roots in your pipes or drain field, we suggest you consult a plumbing professional.

Q: What should I do if my pipes are clogged?

If your system is completely backed up from a clog and overflowing, Scycle can unclog it. The amount of Scycle you use can differ depending on the size and reason for the clog. We typically recommend using an entire 60 ounce bottle of Scycle every 8-12 hours until flow is restored. You should be able to restore flow in 24 to 48 hours with this type of shock treatment with Scycle.

If flow doesn’t improve in 48 hours there’s a chance that the reason for your slow drains could be tree roots or a more serious problem with your system and we suggest you consult a plumbing professional.

Inspections

Q: How often should I have my tank inspected and/or pumped?

While Scycle helps you maintain a healthier septic system, the EPA still recommends that you have your system inspected every 3 years by a professional.

Non-Flushable Substances

Q: Which substances should I avoid flushing down my toilet or sink?

Overusing bleach, bacterial cleansers, cooking oils, grease, cigarette butts, wipes, paper towels, paint thinners, or solvents.

Q: Will Scycle break down flushable wipes?

Scycle will quickly break down most of the finer materials in flushable wipes however the thick fibers can persist for long periods of time. Although makers of flushable wipes claim they’re disposable and safe to use in homes with plumbing systems, we have yet to see one that easily breaks down as stated - the Baltimore City Department of Public Works has seen similar findings. The EPA also recommends to only flush toilet paper.

Other

Q: Will Scycle kill tree roots or help get rid of tree roots?

No. Scycle will not kill tree roots or get rid of tree roots. If you believe you have a problem with tree roots in your pipes or drain field, we suggest you consult a professional or find a product designed to kill roots.

Q: I have a hard time seeing the surface level in the Scycle bottle. How can I better see the amount I have left?

Because Scycle is a highly-concentrated fluid, it’s very dark, which can sometimes make it hard to see the amount you have left in the bottle at the transparent dosage strip. To help you see the surface level, holt it up against a window or light source. You can also give the bottle a good shake to create some bubbles at the top to show the height of the liquid.

Health

Q: I have questions about the ingredients and first aid measures of Scycle. Is there a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

Scycle’s ingredients are all natural, however it can still irritate sensitive skin or irritate if your skin is exposed to it for a longer period of time. Simply wash it off if it gets on your skin.

Please keep it out of reach of children. If it is ingested its low pH will also cause considerable irritation that requires dilution with water. If overly ingested please read the side label on our bottle for information relating to Scycle’s effects on the body and consult a physician. Additional information for health professionals and physicians can be found in our Safety Data Sheet SDS.

RV & Marine Holding Tanks

Q: How much Scycle should I use in my RV, marine, or portable toilet?

Shake Before Use. For each 40 gallons of tank capacity, add a 3 oz. initial dose of Scycle through the toilet into the holding tank. Follow with one gallon of water if you are not draining water into the system. Continue to apply 3 ounces of Scycle each week during use until it is emptied to help loosen and suspend solids for easy removal.

For holding tanks less than 15 gallons or small portable toilets add 2 oz. of Scycle, and then follow with ½ gallon of water. For best results, holding tanks and portable toilets should be emptied once a week or as needed. In addition, when cleaning your toilet bowl, always clean right before you empty your holding tank to prevent any antibacterial cleansers from slowing down Scycle’s bacteria.

If temperatures are above 90°F a second dose may be needed mid week; treat as needed to achieve desired results. If tanks are held longer than one week, an additional dose should be added weekly.

Other Questions?

Can't find what you're looking for? We'd love to hear from you so we can help. Please email support@scycle.com and we'll work to get you some answers. 

Ready to Try Scycle?

The best way to find out whether Scycle actually does all that it claims to do is to give it a try. Upgrade to a more complete solution for your septic system needs with Scycle.