Tree roots, food waste, and paper products are the three most common reasons for a sewer clog. So, what can you do to keep a sewage blockage away? Plumbing problems can be a lot more serious than a simple stopped up sink. In worst case scenarios a home’s entire sewer system can be backed up, a problem that often requires the services of a professional plumber. Fortunately, there a lot of things that can be done to maintain your home’s pipes and keep your sewer system from clogging.
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Use enzyme cleaners on your drains monthly. It’s really the simplest thing you can do to keep your drains clear. It’s recommended that an enzyme cleaner be used versus a chemical-based cleaner. Enzyme cleaners are better for your pipes, your health and the environment in comparison to the harsh chemicals that are frequently used in commercial cleaners.
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Compost and Collect. It may be convenient and easy to throw food in the garbage disposal, and send it down the drain, but this can lead to clog drains thus creating more plumbing issues further down the road. Here’s a better solution. Collect your food scraps and waste to add into a compost pile. Avoid putting meat or other greasy foods in this bin because it will take too long to break down in the compost bin. Also, rather than dumping grease down the drain, keep a jar handy to collect the grease, and dispose when it’s full. Or cook with it! There are a lot of great gadgets and tools out there!
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Keep Trees, bushes, and other plants away from sewer lines. A common cause for clogged sewers, stems from trees that are planted too closely to the sewer line. Not only can the close proximity of these trees make maintenance difficult, but the roots can grow INTO the pipes, clogging them and even destroying them if the problem goes unchecked.
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Avoid flushing wipes (regardless of what the packaging says), and other hygiene products down the toilet. Keep in mind that items such as: dental floss, paper towels, cotton balls, bandages, gum, and feminine product sanitary napkins and other hygiene products can clog pipes and lead to more serious plumbing problems.
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Perform a maintenance rooter cleaning once a year. Tree roots search for water so. scheduling an annual rooter cleaning can help keep your sewer line clear of debris and anything else that could cause a serious clog.
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Call Leak Geeks! We literally roll out the red carpet at your door. Polite, clean-cut, licensed professionals will look after your home and needs with utmost respect. We’ll put covers on our shoes, and we’ll clean up after, leaving your home looking every bit as tidy as we found it. It’s the little touches of care that can make the most of your customer experience.