Drain clogs are plumbing headaches, but they are, for the most part, simple to eliminate. However, when there are blockages in the main sewer line, those headaches can turn into expensive and hazardous problems for you and your family. Since the sewer lines are hidden underground, it is easy to forget that they are present and performing one of the most critical services for your home. A clogged sewer line can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing and cause slowly-draining or stagnant water and raw sewage to back-up into sinks, toilets, and tubs.
Sewer lines can be repaired and replaced by the professionals at Priority Plumbing & Drains, but we would rather save you the time, money, and frustration by providing some valuable information on the common culprits of sewer blockages to avoid.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots are strong and unyielding. They can easily puncture or wrap around sewer lines, causing leaks and blockages. Although this issue may be unavoidable for some, it can be prevented in a couple of ways.
There are some chemicals you can use to discourage root growth, but they can end up killing the tree if used incorrectly or for too long. The best option is to purposely have the sewer line installed away from large trees or remove trees from the area above the pipe.
Fats, Grease, & Oils
Do not, under any circumstances, pour fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down the drain. This is a rule of thumb that many homeowners seem to forget frequently. When FOG enters the drain and pipes, it immediately begins to cool off and solidify into a mass which eventually hardens and causes terrible clogs.
The best solution to this issue is simply not to pour FOG down the pipes. You can also prevent these clogs by performing annual drain cleanings and installing a grease trap.
Installation Errors
If your sewer line was installed or connected incorrectly or the pipe materials used were not of the best quality, you can expect blockages and leaks to occur.
To prevent bad drain and sewer line connections, seek out reliable plumbers from reputable services to install and perform maintenance on your main sewer lines.
Foreign Objects
This may be obvious, but objects not meant to be flushed down the drain can cause bad drain and sewer pipe clogs. Diapers, feminine care products, paper towels, and other solid items are bound to stop the water flow. Essentially, if it is not human waste or toilet paper, don’t dispose of it in your plumbing system.
Main sewer line blockages can cause a whole host of problems for your home and added expenses for repairs and replacements. Instead of ponying up the cash, avoid clogs by following the above suggestions. For more details on sewer line clogs or our pipe clearing, repair, and replacement services, schedule an appointment with a skilled technician by calling Priority Plumbing & Drains today!