A Simple Guide to Preventing Sewer Line Blockages

As homeowners, we all know the headache that comes with plumbing issues, especially those pesky sewer line blockages. Slow drains, foul odors, and potential backups can disrupt our daily lives.

Don’t worry! This guide gives you ten tips to protect your home from plumbing problems. Let’s dive into the proactive measures that will make a real difference in maintaining the health of your home’s sewer system. 

Understanding the Culprits 

Your home’s sewer system is vital for maintaining a hygienic and comfortable living space. However, blockages can turn this essential system into a headache. Grease, tree roots, and non-flushable items can cause problems such as slow drains, bad smells, and sewage backups. 

Check out this Goettl Homeowner Tip on YouTube for solutions to prevent sewer line blockages. 

Prevention Tips 

Mindful Flushing 

Let’s talk about what goes down the drain in your home. It’s essential to be mindful of what you flush down the toilet and send down the drains.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they recommend sticking to waste and toilet paper for these channels. The reason? Well, non-flushable items like wet wipes, hygiene products, and paper towels can create quite a hassle. 

Imagine your plumbing system as a delicate orchestra; everything needs to flow smoothly to avoid any unwanted surprises. When we toss non-flushable items into the mix, it’s like introducing a disruptive note.

Unlike toilet paper, these items don’t break down easily. They can stick together, causing blockages and, in the worst-case scenario, damage to your pipes. The ripple effect spreads beyond your home, affecting the whole neighborhood and putting pressure on community sewage systems. 

Now, why should you care? Because being mindful about flushing is not just about avoiding plumbing issues. It’s about being a superhero for your community and the environment. These non-biodegradable items can end up polluting our water bodies, causing harm to aquatic life.

But fear not! By making simple, thoughtful choices about what goes down your drains, you’re actively contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment. 

So, the next time you’re about to flush something other than waste or toilet paper, pause and think about the bigger picture. Your actions have a big impact. By flushing mindfully, you’re helping your home and the world. 

Educate Your Household 

Make it a household mission to share the wisdom of proper disposal with your family and friends who drop by. You become the hero, guiding them toward waste disposal righteousness. The EPA is all smiles when we take the time to educate our communities about the do’s and don’ts of what goes where. It’s not just about avoiding plumbing issues; it’s about building a community that cares about waste and helps the environment. 

Tree Roots and Landscaping 

When you’re thinking about sprucing up your yard, tree roots can be sneaky. As they grow, they can infiltrate your pipes, causing a bit of a headache. So, before you start planting, make sure to give your sewer lines some space to avoid any plumbing drama down the line. 

Bonus tip: Call in the pros for a camera inspection. At Goettl, our plumbing experts use advanced cameras to look beneath the surface and find problems before they become major headaches. It’s like giving your plumbing system a checkup to help prevent any major issues. 

Install Drain Screens 

A simple yet game-changing hack for a happier home is to Install drain screens! These little wonders are like superheroes for your plumbing, catching hair, soap scum, and pesky particles before they can cause any chaos.

Not only does this keep your drains clear and squeaky clean, but it also significantly lowers the chances of those annoying blockages.

Dispose of Cooking Grease Properly 

Avoid pouring cooking grease down the drain. It might be tempting to pour that leftover bacon grease down the drain, but trust us, your pipes will thank you if you take a different approach.

Instead, let it cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash. Grease can congeal in pipes, creating a sticky situation that can lead to stubborn blockages over time.

Use Hot Water Regularly 

Run hot water down your drains regularly to help break down soap scum and grease accumulation. It might sound like a small thing, but your pipes will thank you for this little act of kindness.

Here’s the deal: running hot water down your drains on the regular helps break down the sneaky buildup of soap and grease. These everyday culprits tend to stick around, causing potential blockages that can turn into major plumbing headaches.

So, turn on the hot water tap and let it flow! This straightforward practice works wonders in preventing blockages, ensuring that your pipes stay clear and the water keeps flowing smoothly.

Be Mindful of Exterior Drains 

Keep an eye on exterior drains, ensuring they are free from debris like leaves and dirt. When they’re clogged with outdoor bits and bobs, it can lead to blockages that could potentially affect your whole plumbing setup.

So, make it a habit to regularly clean these areas. It’s not a massive task, just a simple sweep or clear-out to ensure everything stays flowing smoothly.

Monitor Water Flow 

Pay attention to water flow in sinks, toilets, and showers. It might seem like a small thing, but paying attention to how water moves through your pipes can save you from potential plumbing woes down the line.

Think of it as your plumbing’s early warning system—a way for it to let you know when something might be amiss. Slow drainage is often the first hint that there might be a little something causing mischief in your pipes.

If something seems off, don’t procrastinate—tackle it right away or give us a call for professional help. By being proactive, you’re ensuring that your plumbing stays in top-notch condition, keeping your home running smoothly.

Regular Maintenance 

Make regular cleaning with enzyme-based drain cleaners a part of your maintenance routine. Enzymes act as tiny superheroes, breaking down blockages and keeping your sewer lines in great shape.

Steer clear of products with caustic chemicals. Plumbing associations give them a thumbs down because, in reality, they can do more harm than good. Opt for the enzyme-based cleaners instead. They’re gentle on your pipes but tough on build-ups, ensuring a clean and smoothly flowing plumbing system.

Professional Inspections 

When it comes to maintaining the integrity of your home’s plumbing, consider taking a step beyond the ordinary—opt for professional sewer line inspections.

At Goettl, our plumbing professionals act as detectives for your plumbing system, using cutting-edge cameras to uncover potential issues before they evolve into major problems. Consider these professional inspections as a comprehensive health check for your home’s plumbing.

It’s a strategic investment that pays off in peace of mind, knowing that your plumbing is in capable hands.