A malfunction with your sewer line can very quickly turn into an expensive hassle. The problem is it can be very difficult to regulate the health of your sewer lines when you can’t access or see them. One thing is certain, we don’t want to find out the hard way – or the messy way!
Gotelli wants to provide as much knowledge as possible about the health of your sewer lines so that you know the steps to take to avoid a sewer problem at all costs.
Tips To Maintain Sewer Line Health
We all know repairs happen when they happen, but by following some of these DIY home maintenance steps you may be able to avoid major system failures and delay repairs as long as possible.
Natural Cleaner
Liquid chemical drain cleaners are made to be very harsh in order to clear tough blockages. The problem is that they are also harsh on your pipes and the environment.
Instead of popular chemical drain cleaner brands, we suggest you look for a natural cleaner that only targets organic waste. Materials like hair, food and paper can be targeted to be cleared from the line while your pipes stay safe from corrosive chemicals.
Full Plumbing System Flush
A flush of your plumbing system basically helps to send a large quantity of water through the low areas of your sewer lines to help carry buildup out of the line. To do a flush simply fill your bathtubs, sinks and washing machine full of cold water and proceed to drain them all at once. You can also flush all your toilets quickly while the water is draining.
Though this may seem like a waste of water, your sewer lines could benefit tremendously from the process every few months.
Disposing of Non-Food Items
Items that are not meant to be flushed down the toilet or drains should never be sent into the sewer system. Non-flexible items like dental floss and twist ties can get caught in the pipes and cause real damage.
Even some materials that are labeled ‘flushable’ can contribute to clogs and blockages. We recommend throwing away all wipes, paper towels and sanitary products instead of flushing them down the toilet.
Food Down The Kitchen Drain
Drains can be deceiving. They may seem like an effective means of throwing away food materials, but they are limited in what they can dispose of for you. Food waste is typically a lot heavier than what pipes are supposed to transport, which causes it to collect, get caught and settle in your pipes.
It is a great idea to form the habit of putting as much food from your plate or cooking into the trash can instead of the drain. While crumbs and small pieces of food may be okay for the sewer lines to work with, there are several foods you should never put down your drain.
- Fibrous Foods – Celery, corn husks, potato peels, etc. are good examples.
- Egg Shells – Shells grind down to a sand-like substance that clogs drains.
- Coffee Grounds – They have a similar consistency to egg shells and cause clogs.
- Fats, Oil and Grease – Clean off greasy dishes before using the sink, and do not pour these substances down the drain. Collect them in a separate container and allow them to congeal as they cool. Then dispose of them in the trash.
- Starchy Foods – Potatoes, pasta, rice and beans absorb water and become a clogged paste in your drains.
Need Your Sewer Lines Cleaned?
Your sewer lines will thank you for taking any of the steps listed above, but they can also benefit from a professional clearing and cleaning. Gotelli Plumbing is happy to use our experience and tools to make sure any buildup and clogs in your system are resolved before they make a small problem much bigger. Give us a call for more information!
