Sewer backups are not only inconvenient but can also cause significant damage to your property. While dealing with a backup is frustrating, the good news is that with regular maintenance and a few preventative measures, you can minimize the risk of blocked pipes and sewer backups. At B.S. Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we’re here to help you understand how to keep your plumbing system in top shape. Here are some essential tips for maintaining clear pipes and preventing sewer backups.

1. Avoid Flushing Non-Flushable Items

One of the most common causes of sewer backups is the improper disposal of non-flushable items. Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. Items like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), and grease should never be flushed down the toilet. These items can easily get stuck in your pipes and cause blockages that lead to sewer backups.

Tip: Always use a waste bin for non-flushable items and educate everyone in your household about proper flushing habits.

2. Regularly Clean Your Drains

Routine drain cleaning is crucial to prevent slow drains from turning into full-blown backups. Hair, soap scum, food particles, and grease can accumulate over time and create clogs in your drains. Periodic cleaning, using a plunger or a drain snake, can help keep your pipes clear.

Tip: Schedule regular professional drain cleaning services to address buildup that might be hard to reach with DIY methods.

3. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

Grease might go down the drain as a liquid, but it solidifies as it cools, coating the inside of your pipes and creating blockages over time. It’s one of the leading causes of sewer backups in kitchen plumbing.

Tip: Instead of pouring grease down the drain, collect it in a container and throw it away once it hardens.

4. Install a Backwater Valve

A backwater valve is a device installed in your main sewer line that prevents wastewater from flowing back into your home during a backup. This is especially useful if you live in an area prone to heavy rainfalls or have experienced backups in the past.

Tip: Have a professional plumber assess your home and determine if a backwater valve is a good investment for your property.

5. Address Tree Roots Near Sewer Lines

Tree roots are notorious for infiltrating sewer lines and causing blockages. Roots naturally seek out moisture, and if they find even the tiniest crack in your pipes, they will grow into the system, causing severe damage over time.

Tip: If you have large trees near your sewer line, consider having a plumber inspect the pipes regularly to identify and address any root intrusion before it causes significant issues.

6. Regular Sewer Line Inspections

Prevention is always better than cure. Scheduling regular sewer line inspections with a professional can help catch small issues before they become major problems. A professional plumber can use specialized equipment, such as a camera inspection, to check the condition of your pipes and address any concerns.

Tip: We recommend annual or bi-annual inspections, especially for older homes or properties with large trees nearby.

7. Be Cautious of What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are convenient, but they aren’t designed to handle all types of food waste. Items like coffee grounds, egg shells, bones, and fibrous vegetables (e.g., celery, potato peels) can cause clogs and backups if they build up in your pipes.

Tip: Use your garbage disposal wisely, and always run cold water while it’s in use to help food waste pass through your plumbing system smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Preventing sewer backups requires a combination of mindful habits and regular maintenance. By being cautious about what you flush, pour, or dispose of down the drain and scheduling routine cleanings, you can greatly reduce the risk of a sewer backup in your home or business.

At B.S. Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we offer professional drain and sewer cleaning services that can help you maintain clear pipes and prevent costly backups. Contact us today for an inspection or to schedule regular maintenance. We’re here 24/7 to ensure your plumbing stays in top shape!

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—let us help keep your sewer lines flowing smoothly!”