The sewer line of your home or business is one of the most important pipes or pieces of plumbing on your property. When it fails, you can experience serious damages to the property and costly repairs. To avoid these problems in the future, it’s critical you take steps to maintain your sewer line.
You may be wondering how to maintain your sewer line when it sits so far below the surface of the ground. Well, our team will cover a number of ways to reduce the risk of damage or clogs in your sewer lines. Many of these things include being mindful and contacting a professional annually.
1. Seek Yearly Sewer Cleanings
You should have your sewer line cleaned on an annual basis. This service helps reduce any buildup of debris in your sewer line that could cause a clog. You can expect debris to collect and prevent wastewater from passing without a sewer cleaning. In turn, you have a serious sewer backup on your hands.
Water jetting is the best way to clean a sewer as it removes all the debris from the sewer line. It doesn’t damage your pipes and is eco-friendly. This process uses high-pressure water to blast any debris from your sewer line, providing a comprehensive cleaning.
2. Avoid Putting These Foods Down the Drain
Sewer clogs or blockages are commonly caused by certain foods. Being mindful of the foods that go down your drain, whether you have a garbage disposal or not, will greatly reduce the chance of a sewer backup.
To prevent debris from building up in your sewer line, avoid putting the following foods down the drain:
- Fats, oils, or grease
- Pasta
- Rice
- Oatmeal
- Coffee beans and grounds
- Eggshells
- Flour
- Bones
- Stringy vegetables
Even if you have a garbage disposal, the foods listed above should not be going down your drain!
3. Avoid Flushing These Items Down the Toilet
The toilet is a common source of problematic items for sewer clogs. The only things that should be going down your toilet are waste and toilet paper. Anything else can lead to a serious toilet or sewer backup. Many are surprised at the thought of flushing some of the items below, but we assure you it’s on the list for a reason.
Avoid flushing any of these down the toilet
- Disinfectant or baby wipes
- “Flushable” wipes
- Paper towels
- Tampons
- Condoms
- Cotton balls
- Floss
- Hair
- Cat litter
4. Remove Clogs Sooner Rather Than Later
If you notice an issue with your sewer line, such as a clog, address it as soon as possible. Sewer clogs should not be taken lightly as they can cause damage to your plumbing, water damage, and serious messes. There are many signs of a clogged sewer line, the most common include:
- Slow draining
- Frequent clogs in drains
- Gurgling sounds
- Sewer cleanout is overflowing
Get in touch with a certified plumber as soon as possible. They’ll be able to remove the clog and clean out your entire system to reduce the risk in the future.
5. Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners like Drano use a chemical reaction to eliminate hair or food debris buildup in your drain. These types of chemicals can have an acidic or basic pH. Both are bad for your pipes as they can cause damage to them over time, especially when used regularly. We recommend you avoid these types of cleaners as they can greatly increase the chance of your sewer line corroding over time.
Instead, you should use an enzyme drain cleaner. This works by utilizing bacteria and enzymes to eat away organic material in your drains. These cleaners are entirely organic and aren’t harmful to the environment. There are only two drawbacks: they take longer to work and can be difficult to find in the store. However, your plumbing and sewer line will thank you!
Maintain Your Sewer Line With Help
If you are looking to have a professional clean your sewer line, get in touch with ASAP Plumbing Experts. Our certified plumbers will provide your home with effective sewer cleaning. Give us a call at (832) 925-4418 or visit our contact page to fill out the form. We are available 24/7 for all your sewer and plumbing needs.