Keeping your sewer and drain lines clean is essential for a well-functioning home. Over time, you’ll likely find that gunk, hair, and even tree roots can clog up your lines. This isn’t a fun situation, as it can lead to slow drainage and even sewage backup.
In this article, we’ll cover 7 tips to help you keep your sewer and drains clean and clear.
Need immediate assistance from a trusted plumbing company? Please call Valentine today, or schedule a service request below.
1. Clean Your Lines Often
One of the best pieces of advice the plumbers at Valentine can give you is to clean your lines often. Aim to clean your lines every few months to prevent build-up and to keep things flowing smoothly. Regular cleaning can help you avoid bigger problems down the line, such as severe clogs or even sewage backup into your home.
For cleaning your lines, you should consider using an enzyme cleaner. You’ll typically find enzyme cleaners available for eradicating pet stains, or for cleaning out drainage lines. These can be found at any plumbing supply store or general hardware shop. You can even make your own enzymatic drain cleaners for a “green” alternative.
Carefully read and follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer when using the enzyme cleaner. You should apply the cleaner to a sizable drain, such as one in the basement, although any large drain should work. Note that because enzyme cleaners operate through a biological process, they will require time to be effective. Exercise patience and allow the cleaner ample time to achieve its purpose.
2. Flush Your Lines
If you know that you’re not dealing with a blockage, a straightforward way to clean your lines of minor clogs and buildup is to simply flush them with water (and add a small amount of drain cleaner also). We recommend flushing your lines via the toilet. The toilet is good for flushing lines since it can accommodate a large volume of water at one time.
If you know that you have a clog in your sewer system, flushing your lines on your own is not recommended. In fact, if you add more water to an already blocked line, it will only cause the problem to get worse. If you discover any blockage, make sure that you, or your local plumbing company addresses the issue first.
3. Get a Snake
A plumbing snake can be a relatively easy and very effective tool for removing clogs deep within your pipes. Snakes can reach places that ordinary cleaning methods can’t and are particularly useful for dealing with smaller clogs. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure you don’t damage your lines while using the snake. Here is some information about how to properly snake a drain.
Plumbing snakes are relatively easy to use. However, if you’re unsure about how to use them properly, or you encounter a significant clog that your snake can’t pass through, it may be best to call the professionals at Valentine Plumbing. Very significant clogs could indicate that there’s damage in your sewer lines.
Related: 7 Signs You Should Call a Plumber
4. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can also try to use a mix of baking soda and vinegar as a natural degreaser. When baking soda and vinegar mix, they create a foamy and bubbling reaction that works together to help dislodge grease.
Even without deliberately pouring grease down your drain, it can accumulate over time, becoming sticky as it cools. This sticky grease can then trap other debris, exacerbating clogs in your lines. The baking soda and vinegar method is quick and easy and can be easily done at any time to help prevent buildup and dislodge any grease that’s lingering in your drains.
5. Flush Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners can be effective in removing clogs; however, we advise that you use them sparingly since they can wear down your pipes over time. As such, using them a couple times annually may be beneficial.
When using a drain cleaner, don’t overuse water or flush other drains simultaneously. Also, be sure to allow the chemical cleaner plenty of time to sit and break down any accumulating debris in the pipes. By flushing drain cleaners, you proactively take steps to ward off future clogging.
Related: Reasons Why Your Tap Water is Cloudy and How to Fix It
6. Make Sure to Do Preventative Cleaning
Maintaining clean sewer lines doesn’t have to be a reactive thing, and prevention is always better than cure. For example, some simple habits to keep in mind include avoiding putting grease down the kitchen sink, installing drain guards to catch hair, and regularly running hot water through your lines.
Also, every month or two, you can utilize a citrus-based cleaner, along with baking soda to help clean out your lines. If you’re not sure what steps you can take to conduct a preventative cleaning, talk with our experts today!
7. Look for Professional Drain Cleaning
Despite your best efforts, sometimes professional help is necessary. If you’ve tried multiple methods and are still experiencing problems with clogging and buildup, it might be time to call a trusted local plumber.
The good news is that a professional plumbing company will have all the specialized equipment and expertise to effectively deal with even the most stubborn of clogs.
Why Choose Valentine Plumbing?
When it comes to sewer and drain cleaning, it pays to call a local plumbing professional you can trust.
Valentine Plumbing in Appleton, WI offers a wide range of plumbing services, utilizing the latest technology to quickly solve your sewer and drain issues! Beyond Appleton, we also serve the areas of Menasha, Neenah, and Oshkosh.
With experienced technicians and a commitment to customer satisfaction, you’ll find peace of mind knowing your home’s plumbing is in good hands. Contact our plumbing company at (920) 788-5369 for a reliable, high-quality service!