If you have been suffering repeated sewer line clogs, you will need to pinpoint the cause so you can remedy the problem. Knowing the common reasons for sewer line clogs can help.
1. F.O.G.
F.O.G. refers to fat, oil, and grease. When these items are washed down a drain with hot water, they are typically in liquid form so most people don't think they will pose a problem. Unfortunately, as soon as they cool, F.O.G. items solidify and form a blockage. Even worse, the oily, sticky nature of these items captures hair and other debris, which worsens the clog. Avoid putting F.O.G. items down your drain and dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Tree Roots
Sewer pipes have small joints in them that tree roots can sometimes work their way through. Once the roots gain access to the pipe, they grow quickly due to the high nutrient and moisture content in the sewage. Eventually, the mass of roots blocks the sewer line. Annual treatment to stop root growth prevents issues, but you will need to have the line augered out first if it is already blocked by extensive tree roots.
3. Hygiene Items
Hygiene items like tampons, sanitary napkins, diapers, wet wipes, and even kitty litter are well known for causing clogs. Even those labeled as flushable can block up your sewer line so they should be disposed of in the garbage. Floss is another hygiene items that can cause clogs but is often overlooked. Floss can become hung up in the pipe, and then the string will catch other debris flowing past and form a clog. If it's not human waste or toilet paper, don't put it into your sewer line.
4. Construction Debris
If you have recently had work done in your home, then debris could be causing the trouble with your sewer line. For example, paint poured down the drain on purpose or as an accident when cleaning a brush or roller can dry inside the drains, leading to a blockage. Dust from plaster and drywall, or sawdust, can also get into drains and cause a clog. Cover drains, particularly floor drains, in the rooms where work is occurring to prevent problems.
5. Damage
A damaged sewer pipe is more likely to experience a clog even if you are careful about what you put down the drain. Over time, pipes can collapse or become damaged by tree roots. You will need to replace the damaged section to fix the issue.
Contact a sewer cleaning service to schedule a consultation today.
Share11 June 2020
Hello, my name is Yvonne Michaels. Welcome to my website about plumbing components. Plumbing systems of all kinds use interconnected components to bring fresh water in and waste water out of the building. By clearly understanding the plumbing components used in your commercial or residential building, you can ensure your systems remain in great operational condition for years to come. On this site, I will help you learn all about plumbing components for every system imaginable. I hope to inspire you to learn about these components and understand how they operate to keep your plumbing system in great shape. Thanks for coming by.
