Are drain unblockers for septic tanks commercially available in France?
    Supermarkets offer a variety of standard unblockers
    
    
        Property owners may still need to use drain unblockers, even if they are not connected to the water mains
        kharoll Mendoza / Shutterstock
    
        
 
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
    
    
    
Reader Question: Can someone with a septic tank use a standard drain unblocker purchased at a French supermarket?
Drain unblockers of all types are available in France. 
They usually come in a liquid format which you pour down the plughole of your sink and leave overnight (or for a certain amount of time). 
Variations of the products exist in supermarkets that are quick-acting, specifically for bathrooms (to remove clumps of hair), extra-powerful for bigger blockages, etc. 
Drain unblockers made to work with septic tanks (fosses septique) are available, although you usually have to buy them from a special supplier as opposed to a normal supermarket shelf. 
We found at least two brands (STARWAX and EPARCYL) selling septic tank-friendly products on their own websites, with the goods also available through online marketplaces such as Amazon. 
These are more expensive than those you would buy in a supermarket for normal drains, however, reaching around €17 for a one litre bottle. 
If using the drain unblocker does not prevent issues, you should contact an expert, as there may be a larger problem with your septic tank.
Read more: Can I install a septic tank myself at my second French home?