Keeping your sewer drains clear will prevent sewage from damaging your pipes or backing up into your yard or home. Below, we'll cover common causes of clogged sewer drains. We'll also share maintenance tips that can help you prevent plumbing problems and failures that can impact your quality of life.
What Materials Can Damage My Sewer Drains, and How Do I Keep Them Out?
One of the best ways to preserve your sewer drains is to keep them clear of debris. Here are some things you can do to avoid clogs and blockages:
Throw Away Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOGs)
When sewer drains get blocked or damaged, a buildup of excess fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) is usually the culprit. These substances can stick to your plumbing, collect other solid debris, solidify, and reduce the inner diameter of your pipes, eventually causing blockages or drain failure. Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down your drain; they will coat all the pipes that connect to the main sewer line. Instead, let the leftover oil in your pots, pans, and fryers cool down, then place it in a container, seal it, and dispose of it in the trash. Keep your grease traps clean, and wipe oily residue off your dishes before you wash them to prevent clogs and damage.
Throw Food Waste and Hair in the Trash
When you're cleaning your plates, it's easy to let little pieces of food go down the drain. Unfortunately, these solids can build up and clog your sewer drain. Food waste, such as eggshells, coffee grounds, meat scraps, and pasta, may not break down quickly; instead, it settles in your drain and causes blockages. It's always a good idea to wipe or scrape food residue into the garbage can before rinsing off your plate, even if you have a garbage disposal. Also, take care to keep hair out of your tub and shower drains; it can build up in your pipes, collect grease and debris, and clog your plumbing.
Don't Flush Away Wipes, Paper Towels, or Personal Care Products
While it's fine to flush away reasonable amounts of toilet paper, materials like wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, and dental floss can build up in your drains and clog your pipes, even if they claim to be flushable. Avoid putting personal care items down your drain. These non-biodegradable items won't decompose in water, so you need to put them in the trash. If you flush away these items and they fail to break down, your sewer drain could clog, back up, and cause major damage to your property.
Manage Your Tree Roots
Trees are wonderful things to have on your property, but their roots can cause serious damage to your sewer drains. Roots can naturally grow toward pipes as they seek out water, which can eventually cause damage or ruptures. To avoid these incursions, try to keep your trees and sewage lines at a safe distance from each other. If making space isn't possible, you'll need to keep your tree roots away from your sewer drain by pruning them or creating root barriers to divert them away from your pipes. Trim your trees regularly, and if you're planting new greenery, consider how its roots could affect your sewer drain.
How Can I Protect and Maintain My Sewer Drains?
When it comes to maintaining your sewer drain, regular maintenance is crucial for preventing major failures that require extensive repairs or replacements. Here are some tips to help you maintain your drains in good condition.
Keep Your Drains Clean
The easiest way to preserve your sewer drains is to keep them clean, allowing wastewater to flow through them freely. Running hot water down your kitchen drains after heavy use can help dissolve grease and keep pipes clear. However, deeper sewer lines may still require professional cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as these toxic substances can corrode and damage your pipes, putting your health at risk. If you notice that your drains are slow, clog frequently, or back up, you may have a more significant issue that requires a plumber's attention.
Use High-Volume Flushing Where Needed
While modern low-flush toilets help conserve water, they may be more prone to clogging in older sewer systems, especially if your pipes are not sloped properly. If this is a concern, a plumber can recommend a higher-flow toilet or adjust your current setup to improve drainage and reduce the risk of blockages.
Check Your Water Pressure
Did you know that high water pressure can strain your plumbing system? If an excessive amount of water flows through your pipes and presses against joints, seals, and valves, your sewer drains could leak, crack, or break. To prevent these issues, make sure your water pressure is set below 80 psi. You can check your home’s water pressure using a pressure gauge attached to an outdoor faucet or by asking a plumber during an annual inspection. A pressure-reducing valve can also be installed to help regulate water flow and protect your plumbing.
Use Drain Screens
Installing drain screens is an easy way to prevent food particles and debris from entering your plumbing and sewer drains. Mesh screens and basket strainers over your drains can significantly reduce the likelihood of clogs by catching debris before it enters the sewer system.
Avoid Pouring Chemicals Down Your Drains
Many homeowners use chemicals such as paints, cleaners, and insecticides that contain hazardous pigments, solvents, and corrosive compounds. Flushing these substances into your plumbing system can corrode your pipes and harm the environment. Instead, take hazardous waste to a designated collection facility, even in small amounts.
Schedule Professional Inspections and Periodic Cleanings
Maintaining your plumbing system is one of the most effective ways to keep your sewer drains clear. A plumber can inspect your drains for signs of wear, clogs, leaks, or root infiltration and take action to keep them from worsening. They can also perform a video inspection to assess the condition of your plumbing, conduct a hydro jetting treatment to clear out buildup, and recommend backflow prevention devices or sewer alarms if needed. These tools are especially useful in homes with basements or in areas prone to flooding.
Protect Your Sewer Drains With Regular Maintenance and Cleaning from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®
Keeping your sewer drains clean, clear, and intact is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life. Your sewer drains play a vital role in diverting wastewater away from your home, keeping the air fresh and clean, and maintaining sanitary conditions in your bathrooms and kitchen. Well-functioning sewer drains also lower the risk of sewage and wastewater backups, water damage, and environmental contamination. To preserve your sewer drains and ensure they serve you reliably, it's essential to call a dependable plumber who can keep them in optimal condition. Redmond, WA, residents trust Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® to meet all their plumbing needs and keep their sewer drains clean. Call us today to schedule a sewer drain inspection, cleaning, and backflow prevention session, and put your mind at ease.
