Key Takeaways
- Do not flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste.
- Refrain from pouring grease, fats, or oils down the drain.
- Install drain screens to block hair and debris.
- Look out for early warning signs such as slow drains or gurgling noises.
- Be aware of tree root intrusion, especially near older pipes.
- Schedule regular sewer line inspections and cleaning.
More than just an inconvenience, sewer line clogs can cause extensive damage and costly repairs – not to mention unsanitary conditions. The good news is, most sewer line clogs are preventable with a few proactive steps and knowledge of the causes.
Here’s how to keep your plumbing running smoothly while preventing sewer line clogs before they happen. If you do run into an emergency situation, it’s wise to partner with an experienced plumber in Sacramento to make the necessary repairs or replacements.
Be Careful What You Flush
Don’t treat your toilet like a trash can. The only two things you should be flushing are toilet paper and human waste. No “flushable” wipes, no feminine hygiene items, and no paper towels – none of these items break down easily and can cause blockages further down the line.
Do not flush:
- Wipes
- Diapers
- Dental floss
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Hair
- Medication
Flushing improper materials is the top reason that clogs start.
Keep Grease Out of the Drain
Grease is an enemy of your residential sewer system, and one of the top reasons why clogs form over time. You may not think you’re doing anything wrong as you pour cooking grease, oil, or fat down your kitchen sink because it’s in liquid form. However, as it cools, it congeals, solidifies, and clings to the inside of your pipes – eventually blocking the flow of wastewater.
To properly dispose of grease:
- Let it cool down and solidify, then toss it in the trash.
- Pour cooking oils in cans or jars and place in trash.
- Before washing greasy pans, wipe them down with paper towels.
Use Drain Screens
Drain screens are affordable to purchase and easy to use. Just place them over the drains in your sinks, showers and tubs to ensure soap scum, food particles, and hair can’t make it down the drain.
This is a simple, inexpensive way to keep your pipes clear. Just be sure to clean out the screens regularly so they can keep working properly.
Be on the Lookout For Warning Signs
There are often warning signs that tell you a clog is worsening. Here’s how to spot a developing clog:
- Gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets
- Backed-up water in low drains such as the shower
- Slow-draining sinks or tubs
- Foul odors emanating from drains
If these are happening to you, call a reputable Sacramento plumber to clear the blockage before it escalates.
Be Mindful of Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots can cause sewer line clogs—especially in older homes featuring clay or cast iron pipes. Roots can get into even the smallest cracks in pipes; one inside, they grow and expand, eventually strangling the pipes and blocking the flow of waste.
To prevent this from happening:
- Do not plant large trees near your sewer lines.
- Ask your plumber or utility provider where your sewer line runs.
- Schedule regular video inspections form your local plumber if you have an old home or have dealt with root intrusion in the past.
Tree roots can be removed with hydro jetting or rooter services before they result in a major and expensive clog.
Schedule Regular Sewer Maintenance
Your sewer line needs regular TLC in the form of annual or biannual sewer inspections. Choose a plumber that specializes in the use of video camera technology to non-invasively look for small issues in the line before they cause worsening damage. Homeowners who have dealt with these sewer line issues in the past should make it a priority to schedule regular maintenance, but it can benefit all homeowners – new and experienced.
Sewer cleaning services such as hydro jetting can restore your pipes to like-new condition by removing years of buildup, grease, and debris.
Consistent Prevention: Ensuring Healthy Sewer Lines
Consistent maintenance and preventive actions can prevent clogged sewer lines that would otherwise cost a lot of money to fix – not to mention unpleasant odors and water damage. It’s important to understand what you should flush and what you shouldn’t. Do your part to avoid grease buildup and schedule regular inspections to keep your plumbing system working optimally.
