How Do You Keep Your Sewer Lines Clean?
Does it seem like every time you turn around, one of your friends or neighbors needs to have their sewer lines cleaned? They complain of backed-up toilets and sinks that won't drain. Thankfully, there are residential sewer cleaning companies that offer this service and can get your lines flowing freely again. But it would be nice if you didn't have to deal with backed-up toilets, wouldn't it?
You don't have to wait for a blockage to do something about your drain lines. Have them cleaned every couple of years, and watch what you put down them. If you care for your sewer lines via the following tips, you should be able to avoid this sort of situation.
1. Have your lines cleaned proactively.
The best way to keep your sewer lines flowing freely is to have them cleaned before you start noticing signs of a clog. Chances are, there is already some grease and soap scum built up on the inside of the pipes. Your sewer cleaning company can clear it away before it has a chance to grab onto too much debris and cause an actual clog. If you follow the other advice in this article, you should only need to have your lines cleaned every couple of years. If you're laxer about otherwise caring for your sewer lines, then consider having them cleaned once a year.
2. Don't put anything greasy down the drain.
You don't have to pour a whole pan of bacon fat down the drain to end up with grease buildup in your sewer lines. Little bits of butter and animal fat can build up over time, leading to blockages. So, pay close attention to these products and make sure they don't go down the drain. Wipe off your butter knife before putting it in the sink. Scrape greasy sauces into the trash can rather than rinsing them out of the pan. If you use oils in your beauty routine, wipe them off with cotton or gauze rather than rinsing them away. Your lines will stay a lot cleaner.
3. Use detergents, not soap.
Bar soap can smell nice, and it works well on your skin. However, it definitely forms a lot of soap scum when it comes into contact with dissolved minerals in the water. And this soap scum can really contribute to clogged drain lines. Switch to body washes, detergents, and other washes that are not made with real soap, and your lines will stay significantly cleaner.