Does your sink have an odd smell, or have your pipes been making strange sounds? Are your drains running sluggishly? You might have a blockage in your sewer line that requires clearing.
Having a clear sewer system is important for waste removal. It also helps you avoid expensive sewer repairs. A few simple steps will help you keep your lines clear.
Be Careful What Goes Down Your Drains
The wrong types of food waste in your kitchen sink will eventually cause a blockage. Coffee grounds, egg shells, pasta and raw meat move through the pipes more slowly than other food waste. When food waste is heavy, it will cause a blockage faster.
If you have a garbage disposal, it’s best to scrape leftover food into the trash instead. Non-food waste like hair should also go in the trash. Baby wipes, dental floss, hygiene products, and paper towels can cause problems with a sewer line. These items should also go in the trash, even if they’re labeled flushable.
Use a High-Volume Flush Setting
Flush settings on toilets determine water usage. Low-flush toilets, while conserving water, are less effective for flushing waste. If your sewer lines run more uphill, effective flushing will be more difficult.
High-volume flush toilets dispose of waste more effectively than their low-flush counterparts. Switching to a high-volume flush toilet is a good idea.
Don’t Use Multi-Ply Toilet Paper
Multi-ply toilet paper often causes sewer line blockages. Brands marketed as flushable are not immune to this problem. One-ply toilet paper is less likely to block your plumbing. This kind of toilet paper is also more cost-effective.
Keep Fats, Grease, and Oil from Building Up
Fats, greases, and oils are some of the worst substances for causing clogs. Buildup from any of these is a root cause of many sewer line backups. Because these substances stick to the sides of drains and pipes, they can trap other debris in there as well.
The fattier the grease, the harder it is to clear and the more likely to cause failure. If your drain has a foul smell, this is one sign of a grease blockage. Always remember to wipe grease residue off your plates before you wash them. You’ll be able to prevent a blockage and expensive repair.
Sewer inspections can make it easier to find a blockage and resolve it. When you need sewer line services, contact us at All Clear Plumbing & Drain in Laurel, MD. Our plumbers will work with you to get a satisfactory resolution.
