Have you heard neighbors talk about having sewer line problems? It’s not unusual to get a little freaked out when you about these types of plumbing problems hitting close to home. However, you have more control over sewer line damage than you realize. Check out these helpful tips to minimize sewer line backups at your home.
Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain
It’s easy to pour cooking oil or food grease down the drain and think, “Oh, this won’t hurt just this one time.” Yet, it rarely stops at one time because people don’t realize immediate consequences. However, after months or even years of pouring a little grease down the drain here or there, there’s enough solidified grease built up in the sewer pipes to cause a major backup.
Do Not Flush Wet Wipes
Yes, wet wipe packaging often brags that these convenient wipes are flushable, but local plumbers beg to differ. In fact, in October of 2018, the Charleston Public Water Supply in South Carolina had a major breakdown to their sewer system being clogged from hundreds of pounds of wet wipes. While your home might not have this many wet wipes in the pipes, it only takes a small amount to create a major problem.
Install Drain Catchers
Hair causes problems in sewer pipes too. You see, many people assume that only what goes down the toilet affects the sewer system. In reality, all the drains in your home are connected to the sewer system. It’s not just the toilets. Installing drain catchers in showers and tubs prevents substances like soap, shaving cream, and hair from getting into the system. Hair clogs are especially disastrous to sewer lines. The less hair that makes its way down your household drains, the better.
Don’t Flush Feminine Products
Pads and tampons are designed to absorb liquid. As they absorb liquid, these materials expand and block water from moving through residential sewer lines. Instead of flushing these items, make sure to always throw them away. Likewise, don’t flush diapers. Yes, there are people who don’t think twice about tossing a dirty diaper in the toilet and flushing. While you might be able to get away with one or two feminine hygiene products being flushed, you won’t get many chances at all with diapers. Just don’t do it. Period.
Be Careful about Where You Plant Trees in Your Yard
Trees provide shade and add beauty to yards. Yet, as trees grow, their root bases expand. Depending on the type of tree, the root bases can grow twice the size of the tree. If the tree is planted too close to the sewer line, you end up with root intrusion. A good rule of thumb is to plant trees and large bushes at least 10 feet away from the sewer line.
Get Regular Sewer Line Cleaning and Inspections
Have your sewer line cleaned once a year and inspected for signs of damage. Call The Pink Plumber for this essential and affordable maintenance task to prevent costly sewer line backups.
