You may not think about your sewer lines often since they’re out of sight, but these pipes are critical to your home’s plumbing system. Sewer line issues can be expensive and time-consuming to fix, so it’s wise to treat your pipes carefully so that you don’t end up with unnecessary repairs. This guide shares helpful facts about sewer line maintenance. 

Do: 

Run your disposal with the water on. 

Your disposal breaks down chunks of foods so that your pipes don’t get clogged with food waste. While operating the disposal, be sure to run the faucet so that the food can easily travel down the pipes without getting caught. If food gets stuck, it can quickly turn into a clog that’s hard to remove. 

Use a drain screen. 

If you don’t have a disposal system, you’ll need to prevent food from going down your drains with a drain screen. Before washing your dishes, you’ll want to toss excess food in the trash since drain screens are designed to catch small crumbs. After you’re done with the dishes, throw the contents of the drain screen into the garbage. 

Be careful about what you put in your toilets. 

Toilets are built to accommodate waste and toilet paper. Items like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels can damage your plumbing system because they don’t break down like toilet paper after they’ve been flushed. Always throws these items in the trash instead of the toilet. 

Don’t: 

Use chemicals. 

Caustic chemicals do more harm than good to your plumbing system. If you have a clog, try removing it with a natural remedy or have a plumber use a tool to loosen it. These methods can be just as effective without causing damage to your sewer lines. 

Pour grease down the drain.

Grease is a common culprit for clogged drains. It may not seem dangerous at first, but grease hardens as it dries and coats the inside of your pipes. To avoid clogs, let grease harden in a container and throw it in the trash instead of using your sink.

Try to repair the lines on your own.

Sewer line issues can be complex, and mistakes from a DIY repair could cost thousands of dollars to reverse. This is a job that’s best left to professionals since it impacts your entire home.

If you need sewer line repair, turn to the professionals at Valley Mechanical in Naples, NY. They keep projects affordable through flat-rate pricing and are available at all hours of the day to assist with plumbing emergencies. Learn about their services online, or speak to a representative at (585) 374-6866.