As a homeowner, if you could think of one of the last things you want to discover when you come home, what would that be? Among some other things, it’s most likely safe to say a sewer backup is at the top of your list. Home plumbing issues and damages can happen for a variety of reasons.
A clogged sewer line is one of the main reasons why you may experience a sewer backup. To keep your wastewater system in great working condition, it’s essential to know how to properly care for and maintain your home’s plumbing.
Do you know what you should and shouldn’t be flushing down the toilet? Do you know what you should and shouldn’t be placing down your kitchen drain?
Many homeowners might be surprised to learn about the common dos and don’ts of home plumbing systems. In the guide below, you’ll find several tips on how to prevent a sewer backup in your home. Continue reading to find out more!
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Only Flush Toilet Paper
What items do you find yourself flushing down your toilets? What do you allow to be flushed down the toilets?
Although cotton balls, paper towels, sanitary pads, tissues, and other soft items seem like they can flush down the toilet easily, they’re not good for the plumbing system. These items won’t break down easily as toilet paper will. This can cause a serious clog in the pipes, which then leads to a backup.
Flushing wipes labeled as “flushable” is okay though, correct? It’s not. Don’t flush wipes down your toilet, even if they state they’re flushable.
Again, although flushable wipes will break down over time, it takes them much longer than your average piece of toilet paper. It’s better to keep these products in the trash and only flush toilet paper. You can read more now about the negative side effects of flushing wipes.
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Take Care of Your Kitchen Drain
The condition of your home’s plumbing system doesn’t only rely on your bathroom plumbing. It also relies on the kitchen’s plumbing. Not only do you want to take care in regards to what you flush down your toilet but what you place down your kitchen sink as well.
Even homes with a garbage disposal should be wary about what’s placed down the kitchen sink. Garbage disposal is a great tool for sending small scraps down the drain, but you shouldn’t be placing large items in it. You also don’t want to send grease down the drain.
Grease will harden as it cools and can create the perfect build-up to clog a pipe. Instead, allow the grease to cool and then throw it in the trash, even if you have a garbage disposal.
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Replace Pipes With Plastic Ones
Plastic piping is a wonderful upgrade to make on a plumbing system. Replacing your current pipes with plastic ones will not only give you new piping, but it’ll also help prevent tree roots from growing into the pipes. Now would also be the perfect time to make any corrections to your old plumbing system.
For example, It depends on where you are living, It is maybe not legal to connect a flood control system and french drains to your sewer. These types of connections may cause a build-up in the pipes. Be sure to contact your local officials to determine what’s allow and what’s not.
Then, determine if making these connections is the best option for you.
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Install a Backwater Valve
When you notice a sewage backup in your home, you most likely were able to flush the toilet, but the water came back up. A sewer backup happens when sewage flows in the opposite direction it’s supposed to and comes back up the pipes.
A backwater prevention valve will install into your current sewer line. It then prevents sewer backflows. This valve allows the sewage to pass through and out of the plumbing system but not enter back in.
If installed correctly by a plumbing professional and maintained, a backwater valve might be a great addition to your sewage system.
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Remove Threatening Tree Roots
If you have any large trees on your property or on surrounding properties, then you’ll need to ensure the roots don’t threaten your plumbing system. If you don’t already have plastic pipes, then you’ll want to check your sewage system to ensure no tree roots have caused damage. You should know Salinas arborists for tree removal.
Any pipes with tree roots currently wrapped around or broken into them should be immediately corrected by a professional plumber. Tree roots that haven’t caused damage to pipes yet but threaten to do so should also be corrected or removed as soon as possible.
Even after cutting the tree roots, keep in mind you’ll want to keep an eye on them. The roots will continue to grow, and you may need to schedule routine removal with a professional.
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Conduct Regular Sewer Maintenance
Did you know that as a homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining the plumbing attached to your home that connects to the city’s mainline? That’s right! Even though you can’t visually see what’s happening with the pipes under the ground, it’s your responsibility to have them checked and cared for on a regular basis.
Contact a local plumber and ask about setting up routine plumbing inspections and maintenance.
Stop a Sewer Backup From Causing Havoc in Your Home
You can stop a sewer backup from causing havoc to your home’s plumbing system starting today! All you have to do is remember the helpful information listed in this guide above. The majority of sewer backups can be prevented by homeowners if they know how to properly care for the plumbing.
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