There are a few simple things you can do to keep your sewer line clear and in good working order. Here’s a quick overview of what they are!
Depending on the problem, a sewer line repair can cost a few thousand dollars. Because it can be such an expensive undertaking, it is important that you learn how to maintain a sewer line to help you avoid sewer line clogs.
Be Cautious About Putting Food in Drains
While most kitchen drains have a garbage disposal, this does not mean that you should be putting all leftover food down the kitchen drain. One of the best habits you can adopt is limiting the food that you put down any drains, especially in the kitchen.
Food waste is heavier than other types of waste, meaning it does not flow through your sewer line as other things would. This also means that food can gather in the line and cause buildup.
By scraping food off of your dishes and into the garbage can, you can avoid sewer line clogs.
Some foods that you specifically want to avoid putting down the drains are stringy foods, eggshells, coffee grounds, and starches.
Use High-Volume Flush
Something else that can help you keep clear sewer lines is to have your toilets set to high-volume flush. While lower volume flush or low-flow toilets will save more water, they may not be able to flush waste out of your system, especially if you have low areas or a negative slope in your sewer lines.
Using a high-volume toilet will flush any solid waste out of your sewer line, even in areas with a negative slope.
Don’t Flush Any Non-Food Items
Next, it is important that you learn how to dispose of non-food items. This is especially important for your bathroom drains, as people often flush things like wipes, dental floss, and more.
Any item that does not properly break down will not flush through your entire plumbing system. They will catch on debris and may eventually create a blockage in your plumbing system.
Even products that are labeled as flushable, like tampons and baby wipes can create blockages. Instead, it is best to throw these away.
Maintain Your Roots
Many people do not realize how easily roots can damage a sewer line. While trees provide a lot of value for homeowners, the roots can grow into your sewer line. With roots blocking part of your pipes, they can lead to blockages and sluggish sewer lines.
Roots can even cause your sewer lines to crack, which will lead to an expensive repair or sewer line replacement. If your sewer lines crack, you may also have a sewage leak or a sewage backup in your home.
One way to keep roots out of your sewer lines is to avoid planting any bushes, trees, or other plants near your sewer line. If you already have trees planted in these areas, you can regularly get your roots removed by a professional plumbing company.
Avoid FOG Buildup
Something else that is important to sewer line help is avoiding buildup, especially from FOG, also known as fats, oils, and grease. In fact, fats, oils and grease are the main cause of sewage overloads. When you put these materials down your drains, it makes it easy for other foods to stick to your pipes and harden inside your sewer line.
Because fats, oils, and grease are high-protein materials, they frequently cause buildup in drains. As the buildup increases, the pipe passageway gets smaller and smaller.
To keep your sewer lines clear and free from blockage, it is important that you never let fats, oils, and grease go down your drain. If you cook greasy foods, it is best to wipe them out with a cloth or paper towel to get most of this grease off of your dishes.
Use One-Ply Toilet Paper
Just as you should not flush things like “flushable” wipes, using thick toilet paper can potentially cause blockages in your sewer lines as well. One way that you can prevent this problem and keep your sewer line clear is by only using one-ply toilet paper.
Because this is a much thinner alternative to the extra soft or extra thick brands, one-ply toilet paper will dissolve much more quickly.
Not only will this help you avoid any sewer problems and blockages, but it will also help you save money by choosing more affordable toilet paper options.
Do Preventative Flushing & Cleaning
Finally, you can do preventative cleaning and flushing to keep your sewer line clear. One way that you can do this is by filling all of your water-holding appliances in your home, like washing machines, sinks, and bathtubs, with cold water.
When you drain these at the same time, you can flush all the toilets in your house as well to flush any blockages out of your sewer line.
You can find other natural cleaners that are safe for sewer lines that will keep your sewer line clean and free of blockages.
Find the Best Sewer Line Repair Today
Learning how to properly maintain a sewer line is vital to keeping it clear and avoiding clogs. By following each of these tips, you can prevent many clogs in your sewer line.
While there are many things you can do to prevent sewer line clogging, there may be times where you cannot avoid sewer line clogs. In these cases, it is important that you hire a professional sewer line repair company to prevent any further problems in your home.
Are you looking for a sewer repair company in Omaha? Eyman Plumbing can help! Contact our team today at (402) 731-2727 to schedule service for your sewer line or to learn more about how you can prevent clogs.