Drain and Sewer Plumbing
Drain and Sewer Plumbing, Cleaning and Maintenance
Drain and sewer problems often take time to develop, only to suddenly manifest as backed up drains and sewage backflow. Learn how regular sewer drain cleaning and home plumbing maintenance can help detect or prevent drain and sewer obstructions.
Home Plumbing Habits to Avoid
Home plumbing repair and maintenance begins with proper use of your drain and sewer system. Avoid disposing the following in drain and sewer systems, as they increase the risk of blockages:
- Cat litter
- Coffee grounds
- Diapers
- Eggshells
- Grease and fat
- Hygiene products
- Wet towels.
Grease and oil can solidify and quickly clog kitchen drains. Instead of pouring either cooking product down the sink, collect grease and oil in an old can and dispose of the can in the garbage.
Landscaping and Home Plumbing
Landscaping choices have a significant impact on drain and sewer systems. Don't plant trees and other vegetation with spreading roots near sewer lines that run from the house to the main sewer system. It takes years for roots to penetrate sewer lines, but once inside, vegetable matter quickly causes serious obstructions.
Sewer Drain Cleaning
Regular sewer drain cleaning removes material that would otherwise build into blockages. Mix a cup of salt in a cup of vinegar and pour the mixture down drains. Wait for five or ten minutes and then rinse the drain with boiling water. The salt/vinegar mixture helps remove dirt and other material from inside drains and sewer lines.
Other people take a different approach to sewer drain cleaning. Once a week, they pour a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. If you do this, wear gloves for protection, as baking soda and vinegar reactions can be irritating. After waiting five minutes, rinse the drain with hot water.
Home Plumbing Inspections
Experts recommend that you hire a professional to do an annual home plumbing inspection. A professional has the tools and experience to do this properly.
You can also do a visual inspection of your own from time to time. Anyone can find leaks by looking for water spots near joints and elbows. If you notice a change in water pressure, look for leaks around sinks faucets, outdoor taps and around your water heater.
Toilets should be firmly attached to the floor. If your toilets are slow to flush or you hear water running long after the flushing cycle is complete, you may need to call a home plumbing professional.
Unclogging a Bathtub Drain
To unclog a blocked bathtub, first remove the overflow cover and stopper lever. Take a large wet rag and stuff the overflow hole closed; the rag must be large enough that it won't be sucked down the drain as you use the plunger. Plunge the drain until the water flows and then replace the overflow cover and lever.