Sewer lines are one of the most used plumbing systems in the house – and all this use can equate to a whole mess of problems. Unfortunately, there are no good (or safe!) DIY solutions to a clogged sewer line, but our experts at Pratt Plumbing are ready to lend a hand.
And to help prevent the problem arising again, we have outlined the main causes below.
The Culprits
Here are the culprits that will most likely lead to your clogged sewer lines! Make sure to avoid them at all costs.
Fats, Grease & Oil – Oh My!
What is liquid going down, can be solid at the bottom! Never pour these materials down your drain, they are some of the most common culprits of a clogged line.
Instead, let your fats and grease solidify before throwing away in the trash. If you are going through a lot of fats then it might be helpful to reach out to your local waste disposal service and see if they have a dropoff or pick up service for grease.
A Green Thumb
You must be too good of a gardener! Your trees love you, but your pipes don’t. If your roots are growing too big and strong, they can crush your pipes completely.
If you suspect this is the case, then big solutions might be needed. It’s best to call in experts to take a look and see what can be done.
Flushing Disaster
Almost every public restroom you go into will have the same sign. “Flush Toilet Paper ONLY.” Maybe it’s time you invested in one for your home bathroom, too. Diapers, tampons and any other type of bathroom trash will lead to a locked up system.
Instead, throw them in the trash. It can be useful to have a small waste basket in the bathroom so you, your family, or any visitors don’t accidentally flush something that clogs the pipes.
Prehistoric Pipes
If your sewer system is older than you are, you could have corrosion, shifts in soil, bad plumbing connections or broken pipes that are letting in dirt and leaves into your pipes.
It can be hard to update or replace old plumbing systems. This is definitely not a DIY project since it can require a lot of technical expertise
These problems can be expensive to fix, so making sure to avoid them where you can will save you money in the long run.
If it’s too late, give us a call at 806-373-7866 to reach Amarillo’s locally-owned expert plumbers for over 55 years.
