5 Tasks to Keep Your Home Sewers Clean

It’s important for homeowners to maintain the longevity and function of their sewer mains. Otherwise, failing to maintain sanitary conditions within the home will lead to devastating consequences to their larger community as the damage will carry and impact systems outside the home. For more sewer cleaning advice, mains continue below for an outline of the most impactful care tactics.

1. Don’t Wash Oils or Fats Down the Drain

One of the most damaging impacts that homeowners can have on the conditions of outside sewer systems are caused by improperly washing oils and fats down the drain. Many homeowners are under the misconception that they can pour these liquids down the drain without impact.

However, this is a common error that can result in a number of devastating impacts such as costly home repairs, maintenance work and an ineffective plumbing system. Washing these substances down a drain will have these consequences because the oil and fat will not be able to dissolve in water regardless of how long it sits in the drain for. This will cause the substance to harden and remain in the system as a build-up. This can result in damage to outside systems is the oil is carried in additional systems and attaches to their systems as well.

2. Avoid Using Wipes or Cloths

Although some toiletry wipes and cloths are able to be flushed down the toilet the majority of these products cannot be dissolved quickly enough to prevent damage to the systems outside of the home. Despite what some companies claim, most of these items leave behind residue and particles that can clog waterways by preventing the sewage from flowing. To avoid a potential back up it is recommended that all homeowners avoid flushing dissolvable toiletries down the drain as a way to mitigate against its larger impact.

3. Have the Sewer Rodded

Another way for homeowners to ensure their community sewer mains are sanitized is to have the sewer rodded regularly by a professional. During the appointment a professional plumber will be able to assess your systems and clear it of any root growth or debris that may be impacting its function or will persist into greater issues in the future. Ultimately, helping to increase the flow of the system and prevent a sewer back up in the future.

4. Ensure Backup Systems are Connected Correctly

It is critical that homeowners have any sewer back-up systems or water mitigation devices installed and maintained by a professional. This helps avoid errors in the installation process which can result in a number of costly maintenance issues if it is not including: backed up pipes, home flooding, burst pipes, community damage and a delay in service.

A common example of an improper installation is if homeowners connect their storm drain to the sanitary sewer system. This is a common error made by untrained professionals who don’t understand the difference in the systems and which one is able to accommodate larger quantities of water. When incorrectly installed the system will be overworked, and inevitably cause back up of flooding that could have been avoided by having the installation professionally handled.

5. Keep Medications Out of the Sewer System

Another common irritant of sewer main is medication. Not only can medication have an impact on the pipes but once it gets into larger systems it is at risk of entering into the community water way and impacting the filtration system. This can have a further impact to the eco system and livestock if animals come in contact with the toxic chemicals in medicine.