The sewer lines and drains around your home move material and water from those locations out to your street or other sewer collection areas.
When these systems are working properly, the water moves quickly and without any risk. When they’re not, it can be a nightmare.
The good news is that most often, you can prevent larger buildups and problems from occurring. In some situations, your home insurance can cover sewer line backups — but there are many limits to this. That is why it is best to avoid problems in the first place. Here are a few ways to do that.
#1: Filter Items Through the Drain
Don’t allow larger items to get into the drain if possible. In the kitchen, for example, use a garbage disposal to break up material. Do not shove any item into the drain itself. Instead, remove items and toss them in the trash. Preventing large items from heading into the drain can minimize clogs.
#2: Never Pour Grease into Your Drains
Grease of any type of dangerous for all drains and sewer lines. It easily attaches to the interior pipelines and drains, creating a narrowing of these areas. As a result of this, water and waste cannot flow through them. As the grease solidifies, this can make it very hard to clean.
#3: Use Liquid Chemicals in the Drain Responsibly
There are a wide range of liquid plumbing cleaners on the market. Most plumbers warn you on how to use them. These products break down the interior lining of the pipe, weakening them. As a result, there are areas where tree routes or even small pieces of debris can break through the line. This can cause a large and expensive repair to occur. Therefore, you should only use these items in recommended ways.
#4: Have Your Drain Lines Flushed
If your sewers have had problems in the past, your plumber may recommend having them snaked or flushed at least one time a year. Other times, doing this every few years can help to prevent blockages. It can also help to remove any debris already trapped.
#5: Use a Licensed Plumber
Having your plumbing inspected and repaired often is important. Using a licensed and insured plumber to do the work is always the best option. It ensures the work is within the requirements of local building codes. It also helps ensure problems do not happen.
If you have a sewer line break, your home insurance policy may offer some coverage for it. Yet, prevention is always best.