Sewer lines are vital to a home’s overall plumbing system. A fault in your sewer line can cause sewage to flow into your home and contaminate the environment, as well as cause major structural damage. Severe sewer line issues require professional tools such as a high-end sewer camera to fix. However, there are some simple steps that ordinary people can take to prevent these problems from occurring.

1. Watch out for signs of sewer problems

Keeping an eye out for any tell-tale signs of wear or tear will help you address any potential problems before they escalate. One of the most common symptoms of a sewer line problem is slow drainage or clogs in your drains or toilets. Other signs are foul odors rising in your bathroom through your shower trap or toilet. If you notice unexplained pooling around your home foundation or random wet spots on your lawn, it may also be a sign of a leaking sewer line. Sometimes, grass or plants can spring up in spots where your sewer line is leaking waste.

2. Flush with care

Watch what you flush down the toilet or wash down the sink. Common kitchen residue like grease and coffee grounds should not be put down the sink or garbage disposal. They can accumulate on the walls of your pipes and clog them over time. Pour grease and oil into a container and put it in the trash instead. Similarly, do not flush cotton swabs, facial wipes, diapers, sanitary napkins, condoms, or anything else that has the potential of clogging up your plumbing. Even items that claim to be “flushable” can pose a danger to your sewer system and should be thrown in the bin.

3. Use a drain snake

Drain snakes are thin rods with a loop at the end that can be pushed through sewer pipes to clear out any clogs or obstructions. You can rent or buy them at most hardware stores. Drain snakes are inexpensive so you should use them instead of using wires or make-shift cables to avoid damaging your pipes. You should be able to remove small clogs easily with a drain snake. However, if you meet an obstruction that you cannot remove or push through, it is time to call a plumber.

4. Clean out your drains naturally

Use a chemical-free concoction of vinegar and baking soda to clean your drains regularly and keep unwanted debris from accumulating in your pipes. Both these substances are cheap and easily available. Do this by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the drain and then following it with half a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture work its magic for a few minutes before pouring boiling water down the drain to clear out the debris. Then, flush your pipes out with hot water. This method of cleaning your drains can remove grease buildup while being gentle on your pipes.

5. Try a chemical solution

You can also use store-bought drain cleaners. However, these can be abrasive and damage your pipes in the long run. Therefore, you should only use them a few times a year to clear out your sewer lines instead of as a regular cleaning solution. Chemical drain cleaners typically need to sit in your pipes for a short amount of time to dissolve debris before you flush them out with water. Be sure to read the label carefully to ensure that you use the product appropriately. Never combine chemical cleaners with other substances such as bleach as this can lead to dangerous results.

6. Keeps trees and bushes away

Tree and plant roots can cause major damage to your pipes as they grow in search of moisture. They may even make their way into your sewer lines causing them to burst. The best way to avoid this is by keeping trees and shrubs far away from your sewer lines. If you have trees growing near the lines, you can prevent their roots from invading your system by burying root barriers that run along your pipes. You can also use homemade root killers to remove existing roots and inhibit root growth near your sewer lines. Use these with care though, as too much can harm your garden.

7. Call in the professionals

It is a good idea to get a professional to inspect and clean your sewer lines once or twice a year to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Sewer contractors have specialized tools and cleaning machines that can clear out any clogs and prevent future blockages from occurring in your plumbing system. They can also detect and fix any problem areas while they are still small and easily manageable so that you do not have to worry about serious damage occurring later. This could save you a whole lot of inconvenience and thousands of dollars in repairs down the road.

Sewer lines are essential to maintaining a healthy and clean living environment. There are many things a homeowner can do to keep their sewer working properly. Following these simple tips can help you to keep your sewer lines in good working order and avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future.