The main job of your sewer line is to get rid of wastewater. Unfortunately, things like food scraps, grease, and mineral buildup can accumulate within the pipes and create blockages. This leads to slow drains or even a complete backup. Understanding how your sewer line works and knowing the best way to care for it will go a long way toward avoiding these issues.

Common Causes of Sewer Line Blockages

Fats, oils, and grease are the primary culprits when it comes to sewer line issues. They seem harmless when they’re hot liquids, but they cool once they pass down your drain. There, they solidify and cling to the walls of your pipes. Over time, they build up and trap other debris.

Your garbage disposal can handle small bits of food, but it shouldn’t be a substitute for your trash can. Large quantities of food waste create clogs, especially if you’re disposing of fibrous or starchy items.

Tree roots continuously look for water to survive. As a result, they penetrate through any cracks or weak points in your sewer line to get to the water. This intrusion not only clogs the line, but it can also break or collapse pipes over time.

Be careful what you flush. Wipes, even those marketed as flushable, can clog your sewer line. Paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and excessive amounts of toilet paper should be avoided, too.

Important Maintenance Tips

Never pour grease down your drain. Instead, pour it into a disposable container. Once it solidifies, you can throw it away safely.

You can also install drain strainers in your sinks and shower. These devices catch food, hair, and other debris, which keeps them all from entering your sewer line.

While you want to avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, you can use enzyme-based ones. These eco-friendly cleaners break down organic matter in your pipes and are especially helpful when it comes to grease buildup.

Make sure to avoid tree roots when planting near your sewer line. If you already have trees with invasive root systems, you need to schedule regular root removal services.

While all these tips are helpful, you still need the assistance of a professional. Schedule regular sewer line inspections every two to three years. Your plumber can use a video camera during an inspection to detect hidden issues. They can then repair them before they escalate into bigger problems.

You can also take advantage of biannual drain cleaning. This may involve using a high-pressure water jet to effectively remove debris and prevent future blockages. Being aware of what causes clogs and learning ways to prevent them will help you keep your sewer line healthy and free flowing. Call Kyle Plumbing in Deerfield Beach, FL for help with all your sewer line service needs.