Just about everyone deals with a clogged toilet or drain from time to time. It’s to be expected, even among home owners who exercise extreme caution.
Of course, expecting a clog shouldn’t stop you from trying to prevent them, especially with your underground sewer lines. Those tend to be the most difficult and costliest to repair.
So, to help keep everything flowing smoothly and freely, here are five ways to prevent a clogged sewer line clogs:
Throw Out the FOG with Your Trash
Fats, oils, and grease, FOG), are among the worst substances to toss down the drain. Any one of them can clog secondary drain lines and your main sewer line alike. But, when it reaches the sewer main, it can be especially difficult to remove. Your best bet? Pour FOG into an empty coffee can, or something similar…then place it in your trash.
Keep Trees, Bushes and Other Plants at a Safe Distance
When trees and shrubs are planted too closely to underground sewer lines, their roots can penetrate through cracks or gaps where pipes are connected. If that happens and the problem goes undetected for too long, your sewer line clogs can clog up completely, allowing nothing to pass through.
Avoid Flushing Wipes and Other Hygienic Products Down the Toilet
The only thing that should ever be flushed down the toilet aside from human waste is toilet paper. Sanitary napkins and other hygiene products can clog pipes and lead to more serious plumbing problems.
How would you even know if your sewer was clogged? Here are a few common warning signs:
- Your toilets start percolating like a coffee pot once your washing machine stops.
- Water puddles around the floor drain in your basement.
- Multiple drains (or toilets) are clogged at the same time.
- Water backs up in your tub or shower when you flush a toilet.
- Your toilet water bubbles while you run water in a nearby sink.
- One small area of your lawn is wet and spongy and while the rest is dry.
If any of that occurs, chances are you have at least a partial sewer clog, one that should be cleared right away. Who can help you with such a project? Anthony’s Plumbing, Heating & Air…just like always. Contact us today for the service you need, when you need it.
