Keeping your sewer line maintained is an important part of home ownership. The pipe that connects the main sewer line to your home is solely your responsibility, so keep it in good shape or you'll face messy, expensive repairs in the future.
Follow these steps to keep your sewer line flowing:
Start with a clean slate. Call a licensed technician to inspect and repair any damage in your line before it causes a problem. Prevention is always the best way for homeowners to save money.
Plant roots can damage or destroy the pipe. Place trees and bushes far away from from your sewer line. Before buying new plants, talk to the experts at the garden center—they'll know which species have far-spreading roots that can damage underground pipes.
Cooking oils, grease and fat can clog the line. Allow your pots and pans to cool, then wipe the oily residue out and throw it away. Or, pour the liquid fats in a metal container and store it in the freezer. Don't pour hot grease in the trash; it could start a fire.
Diapers, paper towels and other hygiene products don't belong in the toilet. They won't dissolve fast enough (or at all) and will clog your pipes. Only flush products which specifically say they are flushable and safe for sewer systems.
Clean your drains weekly. You don't need to buy dangerous chemicals to do it—you only need 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of baking soda and boiling water. Pour the baking soda, then the vinegar in the drain. Wait a few moments, then follow it with a rinse of boiling water.
A clogged line can backflow into your house. It will make a mess and contaminate your fresh water supply. Luckily, you can prevent this by installing a sewer backflow prevention device. If the sewer backflows, the sewage will escape into your yard instead of your house.
Home maintenance is an essential part of being a homeowner in Oklahoma. If you have more questions in the Tulsa metro area, contact the award-winning experts at Air Assurance in Broken Arrow.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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