5 Tips for How to Avoid a Clogged Sewer Line
If dealing with frequent drain clogs feels like a constant hassle, it might be worth taking a closer look at your household routines. Everyday habits can sometimes lead to blockages and overflows, but the good news is these issues are often preventable. Pouring grease down the drain or to avoid a clogged sewer line inspections are just a couple of avoidable missteps that could be behind the problem. Keep reading to discover common mistakes that can cause drain clogs and backups, and how to prevent them.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
When a chemical cleaner travels to a clog, it’s usually too diluted from the drain to work effectively. Instead of breaking down the blockage, the weakened solution often just swirls uselessly. Even worse, using chemical cleaners can sometimes cause harm rather than simply being ineffective.
If your drain line is already backed up with wastewater, pouring in a chemical cleaner might cause it to splash back. These harsh substances can irritate your skin or even cause chemical burns. Some drain cleaners (like copper sulfate used to clear tree roots) can damage septic systems or certain pipes. For these reasons, chemical drain cleaners are rarely a wise choice when dealing with clogs.
Watch Out for Warning Signs
If your drains are slower than usual, it could be an early sign of a sewer pipe issue, often caused by sludge buildup. You might notice showers, sinks, or other drains taking longer to release water.
This is your chance to take action before a full blockage occurs. Sluggish drainage warns that a complete clog might be on the way. Reach out to a sewer pipe cleaning company for sewer line inspection to address the problem before it worsens.
Avoid Flushing Clumping Cat Litter
Be cautious about clumping cat litter when preventing sewer line clogs. Although it may seem convenient, this type of litter can lead to significant issues in your home. It contains a high amount of clay and other substances not easily processed by wastewater treatment systems. This can cause solid chunks to accumulate in your pipes, particularly if your home has a compact plumbing system with limited spacing.
Be Cautious with Oily Foods
Grease is a common culprit behind serious drain problems and frequently leads to clogs. Even if it doesn’t block your drain right away, grease can accumulate further along in the pipes and cause issues later. Problems aren’t limited to pouring fat directly down the drain; greasy foods and sauces also contribute. Items like butter, salad dressings, meat scraps, and creamy sauces should never go down the drain, even if you use a garbage disposal.
Use Lint and Hair Traps
Everyday items like hair, lint, and even undissolved soap can contribute to clogged pipes over time. To help prevent this, you can find hair and lint traps at most hardware stores. A hair trap for your shower is typically a simple plastic or rubber cover with a suction cup that rests over the drain, making it easy to remove and clean. For sink drains and washing machines, there are also tools designed to stop lint, soap, or food particles from entering your pipes, helping to keep water flowing smoothly.
Endnote
Avoid these typical errors and adopt best practices to maintain a clean sewer line, prevent unwanted blockages, and minimize expensive plumbing repairs. This upkeep can significantly help ensure your pipes run smoothly.
