5 Tips on How to prevent clogged sewer lines

Are your pipes clogged? Or maybe, your faucets are no longer working?

When most people think of clogs and other home plumbing problems, they might imagine a troublesome sink or toilet. While clogs such as these can be a problem, it’s usually fairly easy to solve these. Just about everyone has to deal with a clogged sink or drain once in a while, and a plunger or drain cleaning solution is usually enough to fix the problem. The best way to find out is with a Sewer Scope to identify the exact problem so our experts can fix it!

If you get your drains cleaned and use these 5 tips it will save you money.

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What You Can Do to Keep Your Sewer from Clogging

Plumbing problems can be much more serious than a simple stopped up sink, especially in older homes. In the worst cases, a home’s entire sewer system can become backed up, a problem that often requires the services of a professional plumber. Fortunately, there are things you can do to maintain your home’s pipes and keep your sewer system from clogging.

Woman Cleaning Sink

Use Enzyme Cleaners on Your Drains Monthly

The simplest thing you can do to keep your drains clear is to use a drain cleaner once a month. Being careful about what you throw down your drains is the first step. Grease, oil, and fat shouldn’t be put down the sink since they can harden and clog your pipes. Instead, discard these materials in the garbage with a sealed container. Additionally, refrain from flushing anything else down the toilet, such as paper towels, baby wipes, or feminine hygiene products. If you are suffering from a build up or a clog then a chemical solution may be the next best step for you. There are quite a few different cleaners available, but it is recommended that you use an enzyme cleaner instead of a chemical-based cleaner. Enzyme cleaners are better for your pipes, your health and the environment overall than the harsh chemicals that are frequently used in commercial cleaners.

Keep Trees, Bushes, and Other Plants Away from the Sewer Line

A common cause for clogged sewers comes from trees that are planted too close to the sewer line. Not only can the close proximity of these trees make maintenance difficult, but their roots can grow into the pipes, clogging them and even destroying them if the problem goes unchecked. Tree roots are one of the most frequent causes of obstructed pipes. Infiltration of tree roots into sewer systems can result in jams and backups. Avoid growing trees or huge plants close to your sewer line to avoid this. Additionally, if you notice sewage backups or slow-moving drains, contact a licensed plumber to examine your pipes and remove any tree roots.

Flushing down disinfectant wipes as toilet paper

Avoid Flushing Wipes and Other Hygiene Products Down the Toilet

The only thing that should ever be flushed down the toilet aside from human waste is toilet paper. Sanitary napkins and other hygiene products can clog pipes and lead to more serious plumbing problems. Additionally, refrain from flushing anything else down the toilet, such as paper towels, baby wipes, or feminine hygiene products. Use common sense to avoid preventable blockages like this.

Be Cautious what you put Down your Drains

Being careful about what you throw down your drains is the first obvious step to avoid unnecessary blockages. Grease, oil, and fat shouldn’t be put down the sink since they can harden and clog your pipes. Instead, discard these materials in the garbage with a sealed container.

Use Drain Screen Protectors

So if you can’t always be sure what is going down your drains, especially if you have a house full of kids, then consider purchasing drain screens. Simply put, use drain screens! By covering your sink, shower, and bathtub drains with a drain screen, you can avoid clogs caused by hair, soap scum, and other debris. To prevent accumulation, make sure to routinely wipe the screens.

Plumber Man Digging Out Clogged Sewer Line

Sewer Line Inspection

Regularly inspect your sewer line to look for any signs of damage or obstructions because sewer line issues can result in significant clogs and backups. Your sewer line can be inspected with a camera by a qualified plumber to spot any potential problems early on.

Be mindful of Your Garbage disposal

It’s not all toilets, sinks and drains that can lead to issues. Garbage disposals are a potential problem maker too! Keep in mind that not everything should go down the garbage disposal, even if they might be useful for getting rid of food scraps. Rice, celery, potato peels, and other fibrous or starchy foods shouldn’t be dumped down the garbage disposal because they can tangle up and clog the machine. Additionally, to help flush any debris down the drain, run cold water for at least 15 seconds both before and after using your disposal.

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Replace Old Clay Pipes

Pipes tend to corrode over several years, so if you live in an older home with clay or lead pipes, consider having them replaced. The older your pipes get, the more likely they’ll be to become susceptible to damage, cracks, warping and blockages. Replacing them is key to getting more longevity out of your drainage system. This is much easier before there is a serious clog.

Old clay pipes for plumbing in the old ruins

Perform a Maintenance Rooter Cleaning Once a Year

Regular cleaning once a month can be great but you should also consider a deep cleanse at least once a year. An annual rooter cleaning can help keep your sewer line clear of debris and anything else that could cause a serious clog. Depending on how old your pipes are or how many clogs you have had in the past, you may need to perform these rooter cleanings more often, but most homes will be fine with one cleaning a year. Use your own judgement or consult a professional for the best advice.

Have your Water Pressure Checked

Another factor in avoiding clogged pipes is water pressure. Low water pressure can make drains move slowly, which can encourage the accumulation of debris and jams. Keep an eye on your water pressure and take fast action if there are any problems. A clogged faucet aerator, which is readily cleaned by unscrewing the aerator and removing any debris, may be the cause of a drop in water pressure.

Overall, preventing clogged pipes is being cautious about what you put down your drains, keeping an eye on your water pressure, routinely cleaning your drains, and taking care of any problems as soon as they arise. By adhering to these expert recommendations, you can keep your plumbing system operating efficiently while avoiding the annoyance and the expense of clogged pipes.

Drain Cleaning and Clogged Drain Service

Simply Sewers provides fast, honest, and affordable drain cleaning and sewer repairs. You can get free estimates and face time estimates where possible. Many of our customers save hundreds and even thousands of dollars on sewer line replacements compared to larger companies.

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Fast quality service is our priority. We are a locally owned and operated small business that wants our customers to get the best deal every time. We are dedicated to providing a top quality service at a reasonable price for all our customers.

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Logan Schoenbaechler

We live in a tri-level home and we were having a sewer back-up issue in our basement shower. Called Nick first thing in the morning and he had a technician out the same day. Technician was very helpful and efficient. Would recommend them for any sewers issues you may have. Pricing is also great and I will continue to do annual clean-outs with them.

Erin Barnes

i didn’t use them bc i needed a service (grease trap cleaning) they don’t provide but Nicknwas SUPER nice and helpful and referred me to a couple other companies. Thanks Nick!

Jenny Uebbing

After a frustrating first call/service with Simply Sewer, Nick, the owner came out and made things right – I appreciated his integrity and commitment to making things right. He was also respectful and kind to his employee, which I always appreciate seeing in a boss. Would recommend.

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