Plumbing problems are some of the worst nightmares homeowners encounter eventually. Given that water is valuable in the household, having it be affected by a broken pipe or blockages doesn’t bode well for everyone. After all, even the slightest issue could worsen over time until it disrupts the entire house. Knowing about the basics of drain and sewer maintenance can you loads of trouble.
Several problems are often caused by faulty drainage and sewage. The moment you come in contact with wastewater, your well-being is likely to get compromised, especially if overflow comes from the sewage. Fortunately, Mr. Plumbing & Drains and other professionals offer specialized services for drainage problems.
Professionals are fully capable of resolving your issues. But as the homeowner, you’re the first person who encounters those problems before contacting the experts. Thus, understanding the basics of maintaining your drains and sewer is a must.
Here are some tips for dealing with maintenance:
Table of Contents
1. Evaluate Landscaping
Since the plumbing system consists of underground pipes, it’s safe to say that the environment could cause as many problems as the people inside the house. Experts were supposed to take extra care before installation because they’re underground. Those with plants in their yards require extra caution. Because even though trees and shrubs are gorgeous additions to the property, some of them have roots that are strong enough to penetrate pipes and damage plumbing.
Keep an eye on your yard even after conducting a drain pipe installation and other plumbing treatments. Ensure that your plants stay a safe distance away from the house. That way, their roots are free to spread out without worrying about them damaging the pipes.
2. Watch What You Flush
Aside from the landscaping, another factor directly impacting the drainage and sewage’s integrity is what you flush down. Many disregard this as an issue since they assume the systems can mince those obstructions to make them easier to travel through the pipes. Little did they know that some of what’s flushed down is blocking the pipes and causing trouble left and right.
Although blockages call for drain plumbing services, preventing them from happening in the first place could save you the hassle. Being conscious of what goes down the drain is one way to keep it from getting blocked.
Avoid draining solid objects like food scraps. Even if they’re flushable, throw away your wipes and tissues in a trash can instead. Smaller materials like hair can be countered by a drain screen. That way, you can collect them much easier.
3. Avoid Draining Grease
Watching what you flush down the drain is one of the simple plumbing hacks you can do to prevent damaging the sewer system. But aside from solid objects, many homeowners might be surprised that even some liquids harm the pipes. Grease is one of the most common causes of backups and blockages. Since it sticks to any surface, it accumulates over time until nothing can access the pipes anymore.
Instead, pour grease into your garbage. For those who want a less messy approach, pour it all into a plastic bag before throwing it in the trash. Consider wiping down any oil from your utensils since even the smallest amounts could result in bigger headaches down the line.
4. Look Up Natural Cleaning Solutions
Even though you can contact various professionals, consider trying out some DIY cleaning solutions to resolve the problem. But before you get ahead of yourself, remember to do extensive research. Otherwise, what’s supposed to be a quick alternative might end up causing more problems for your sewer line. Or it’s nothing more than a myth that wastes your time.
One of the most common natural solutions homeowners often use is pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Baking soda is a valuable ingredient even outside baking. By itself, its texture is abrasive enough to dislodge particles. Pairing it with vinegar doubles their efficiency as an alternative removal since the solution can even cut through grease.
Meanwhile, some might assume that chemicals are far superior to natural solutions. After all, they’re manufactured to deal with tough stains or blockages. But they tend to be tough on metal, causing the pipes to erode the more chemical solutions are used. Thus, natural solutions must be your go-to.
5. Pay Attention
Although you’re vigilant about knowing what goes down the drain, it doesn’t hurt to keep a close eye on warning signs. Whether there’s an unpleasant smell coming out of it or unusual gurgling noises in the drain, avoid shrugging them off. Paying attention to these warnings will help you resolve the issue earlier before it worsens.
Takeaway
Dealing with drainage and sewer line problems is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. But instead of managing the consequences, maintenance could improve your chances. Fortunately, the homeowner can handle most of the maintenance practices since they’re simple. Still, if something severe comes up, consider contacting a professional to handle it efficiently.
