A clogged sewer drain can cause a range of issues in your home, from unpleasant smells to unpleasant stains. It can also lead to serious health problems and increased maintenance costs. Luckily, many of these issues can be prevented with regular maintenance and a few preventative steps. Whether you own a home or apartment, sooner or later every property owner must tackle the inevitable challenge of clearing clogged drains. A clogged sewer can be inconvenient and expensive to fix, but there are precautions you can take beforehand to avoid this problem in the first place. The consequences of a clogged sewer can be costly for any property owner. Fortunately, there are a few preventative measures you can take to avoid this problem altogether and keep your drains flowing freely. In this blog post we will discuss the causes of clogged drains, common issues with clogged drains, and preventative measures you can take to avoid this problem in the future.

What causes clogged drains?

The two most common causes of clogged drains are hair and grease build-up and tree roots pushing into the sewer system. Hair and grease build-up occurs when food particles and animal hair get stuck in a sewer pipe and cannot be flushed away. Tree roots pushing into the sewer system is a common issue in older properties. Over time, tree roots will grow into the sewer system and create blockages. Both of these issues can be prevented by keeping food scraps and cooking grease in a designated container and flushing them regularly.Excessive rain can cause clogged drains as well. If you have a storm sewer that runs directly to a nearby creek or river, excess rain can cause water to back up into your home. This can be prevented by installing an underground pipe that connects your home's sewer system to a nearby outfall. This will prevent excess rainwater from backing up into your home. It will also create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and make it easier to access your home's sewer system.

Repairing a clogged sewer

If you have a clogged sewer that cannot be fixed with chemicals or a plunger, you'll need to hire a professional. Fortunately, the cost of sewer repair is relatively low. However, this is an expense you should budget for and plan accordingly. If you live in an older home, you may have to replace your sewer pipes. If this is the case, you'll need to budget for this expense as well.

Conclusion

A clogged sewer can be inconvenient and expensive to fix. Fortunately, there are several preventative measures you can take to avoid this problem altogether. In addition to avoiding hair and grease build-up in your kitchen, you can keep an eye out for signs of tree roots growing into your sewer system. If you live in an older home, you'll want to make sure your sewer pipes are in good condition and in compliance with local codes. If you take these precautions, you can avoid a costly clogged sewer repair in the future.

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.