When your sewer system backs up, it can be an incredibly frustrating experience. In addition to being inconvenient, it can also be dangerous for both your home and your neighbours. Luckily, preventing future clogs is fairly simple. To prevent your sewer system from clogging again, you will need to keep your drains clean and clear of debris. To do so, there are a few steps you can take at home and some precautions you can take when moving through your neighbourhood. In this blog post we will discuss everything you need to know to keep your sewer clean and prevent clogs in the future.

Change your appliances.

The first thing you should do is change out any appliances in your home that are causing your sewer to back up. Appliances like washing machines and dishwashers are notorious for causing sewer backups, so if you have one in your home, you should consider replacing it. There are also many other appliances that can cause problems. If you have a garbage disposal, it can also cause sewer issues. If your home has a composting toilet, be sure to keep it clean, as this will help prevent your drains from clogging. If you have any appliances that are not properly equipped for your home’s sewer system (like a clothes dryer, an ice maker, or a sump pump), they can also cause problems. Make sure to check your manual and ensure that they are all set up correctly.

Clean out your sewer lines.

Another way to prevent sewer clogs is to make sure that all of your drains are clean. If you have a clean-out plug in your yard, you can use it to clear out any debris or trash that may be blocking your sewer lines. If you don’t have a clean-out plug, you can use a shovel and scoop tool to dig up your lines and clear out any debris. If you have a crawl space (or basements), you can also clean out your crawl space with a shovel and scoop.

Add a trap to your toilet.

If your toilet is clogged, you can try using a plunger to clear it out. However, if this doesn’t work, you may need to add a trap to your toilet. A trap is a small channel that connects the toilet’s water tank to the sewer line. This channel prevents water from flowing back into the toilet, which can cause clogs. To add a trap, you will need to remove the toilet’s old trap and replace it with a new one. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your local plumber when adding a trap.

Clean out your yard and garden.

One of the easiest ways to prevent a sewer clog is to keep your yard clear of trash and debris. Make sure to clean out your yard and garden on a regular basis, and be sure to dispose of any trash and debris in a safe, legal way. You can also add mulch to your garden to help prevent weeds and other plants from growing in your yard. Mulch traps water and prevents it from flowing into your sewer system.

Don’t flush non-flushable items.

One of the easiest things you can do to prevent future clogs is to make sure you aren’t flushing non-flushable items like paper towels, coffee grounds, diapers, and wipes. These items can cause clogs, so be sure to only flush things that are safe to flush. If you are unsure whether something is flushable, check the packaging or the instructions to be sure.

Don’t dump your kitchen scraps down the drain.

While it is fine to flush most of your kitchen scraps, you should be careful not to dump large amounts of food down the drain. This can cause your sewer to back up, and it can also create a health hazard for other people in your home.

Conclusion

Clogged sewer drains can be incredibly inconvenient, and they can also be dangerous. Luckily, there are a few ways to prevent them from happening again. To do so, you will need to keep your drains clean and clear of debris. Keep in mind that it can also be helpful to work with a plumber and your municipality to learn how to properly maintain your home’s sewer system. With these tips, you are well on your way to preventing future sewer clogs.

Frequently Asked Question

  • Loosen the cap on the drain pipe
  • Allow any sewer buildup to come out of the drain
  • Gently feed the auger cable into the main line drain
  • Run the auger until the clog is broken up
  • Hose out leftover debris
  • Pull the auger cable back out of the main line drain
A good general rule is to have your home's sewer lines cleaned out every 18 to 22 months. That may be difficult to remember, but think of it as a year and a half to slightly less than two years
Consider using a sewer jetter to clean and remove dirt, sand, and yard debris that clog the foundation perimeter drain tile outside your home. A sewer jetter that's powered by your pressure washer can help you flush away the silt and debris so fewer clogs come back.
Perimeter drains or weeping tiles can last for decades. If properly installed, you can expect to have a problem free basement for a very long time. Older clay weeping tiles tended to deteriorate, and become clogged with soil and tree roots, but even these systems lasted for many years.