5 easy practices you can do at home to avoid expensive sewer pipe repairs

Hey! It’s Mike, the Matador Plumber.

If you’re a homeowner looking for simple and affordable ways to maintain your sewer system, this article is for you! Maintaining a well-functioning sewer system prevents sewer issues that will save you from headaches and costly repairs. Fortunately, maintaining the health of your sewer system is not a daunting task. In these tips, we will explore simple practices that will help ensure your drainage works as it should — without breaking the bank. Read on and learn how small changes around the house today can save time, money, and hassle tomorrow.

Practice #1: Disposal of Bathroom Waste

Flushing anything besides human waste and toilet paper down the toilet might seem like a quick and easy way to dispose of unwanted items, but it can have major consequences. Items like wet wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products can cause blockages in your plumbing system and potentially damage your septic tank or sewer pipes. In addition to the hassle and expense of fixing such problems, improper flushing can harm the environment by contaminating waterways and harming wildlife.

Practice #2: Disposal of Kitchen Waste

Pouring grease, oil, or leftover food down the drain may seem like an easy solution, but it can lead to serious problems for your plumbing and the environment. This common but harmful practice can cause blockages by solidifying and obstructing your sewer pipes, leading to backups and costly repairs. Additionally, these substances can harm wildlife and contaminate water sources if they are not disposed of properly. By simply disposing of these items in the trash, you can help protect your home sewer pipes and the planet.

Practice #3: Install Fixture Drain Screens

Do you find yourself constantly unclogging your sink sand shower drains from hair, soap scum and debris? Well, installing a filter screen strainer in your drains can help solve this pesky problem. These affordable and easy to install screens fit directly into your existing drain and catch any hair, small debris, or other potential clog-causing items before they have a chance to enter your pipes. Not only will this save you from the frustration of constantly clearing out your drains, but it can also prevent costly plumbing repairs down the line. You only need to regularly clean these screen strainers to prevent blockages which is easy to do. So, take a few minutes to install a filter screen and enjoy a cleaner, more hassle-free drain experience.

Practice #4: Landscape Considerations

We all love the shade and beauty that trees bring to our yards, but did you know that planting them too close to your sewer line can cause major problems? Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients found in sewer lines, and once they make their way inside, they can cause costly damage by creating root blockages or leaks from cracking your pipes. To avoid this, it’s important to plant trees at a safe distance away from any burrowed pipes. By keeping your sewer line safe from thirsty roots, you can enjoy a beautiful yard without any plumbing headaches.

Seek a Professional (like us!): If you already have trees near your sewer pipes, consider scheduling regular inspections to detect root intrusion early. A professional can use a camera to inspect the condition of your pipes and can provide drain cleaning services to clear out any blockages from roots.

Practice #5: DIY (Do It Yourself) Clog/Blockage Test

Nothing puts a damper on your day quite like a clogged drain. Whether it’s the sink in your kitchen or the shower in your bathroom, a blockage can cause all sorts of issues. So, what can you do to prevent these pesky clogs? One simple solution is to perform a “water test.” It’s a straightforward process that involves running water down each drain in your home and watching for slow draining or backups. By doing this regularly, you can catch any potential blockages before they turn into a full-blown clog.

Bonus Practices Involving A Pro!

Practice #6: Regular Professional Inspections

Your sewer pipes are an essential part of your home. If they’re not in good working condition, it can lead to some significant plumbing problems and a huge headache. That’s why it’s so important to schedule a sewer camera inspection every year. Having a professional plumber come out and use a specialized camera to inspect the lines can help catch any issues before they become bigger problems. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but it could also save you a lot of money down the road. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make sure to have your sewer lines inspected annually.

Practice #7: Regular Drain Cleaning

Cleaning your sewer system allows proper flow of waste and prevents blockages. Blockages can cause backups or overflows, which could cause significant damage to your property. It is essential to clean sewer lines frequently, depending on usage, to ensure a steady flow. Hire a professional to perform a drain cleaning service on your sewer line.

And remember, while these tips and practices are here to help you prevent and manage minor clogs, we know that sometimes the job is just too big to handle on your own. Whenever you’re facing stubborn clogs or other serious drainage concerns, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals – we’re here to help! At Matador Plumbing, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch services, tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of your plumbing system. So, when in doubt, give us a shout – let Matador Plumbing turn your plumbing problems into solutions!

Time for me to get back to unclogging. Talk to you soon!

– Mike, the Matador Plumber