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Near the top of any homeowner’s “please don’t let this happen” list is a sewer clog. This means that the sewer line that connects your home’s toilets, sinks, garbage disposal, washing machine, etc., to the sewer main line on the street is blocked and potentially backing up. Preventing a sewer clog is much easier, and less stressful, than getting rid of one. Here’s some advice on avoiding sewer clogs:

Prevent a Sewer Clog

The number one rule is don’t flush stuff down the toilet that’s likely to clog the pipes. Don’t flush tampons, diapers, paper towels, cotton swabs, or your wife’s tuna casserole. These materials tend to stay solid when they move through plumbing, and eventually may block the pipes, either inside your home or in the line going out to the main line. Even so-called “flushable wipes” are suspect; better safe than sorry–when in doubt, throw them in the trash.

Other materials that are better off disposed of alternately include paints, solvents, oil, or abrasive chemicals. Even solutions that purport to be drain cleaners can cause problems in your pipes.

More Tips on Blocked Sewer Pipes
  • These first two tips apply if you’re considering purchasing a home. Make sure a sewer pipe inspection is included in any home inspection checklist. You don’t want to buy a home that already has expensive fixes awaiting you.
  • Ask a professional plumber to inspect your pipes with a video camera that can be snaked deep into the plumbing. You’ll have a better idea of what you’re getting into, and if the pipes are old or suspect, you can factor that into purchase negotiations.
  • Clear roots away from the sewer line that connects your home to the main line. Uproot bushes or shrubs that may pose a threat.
  • For professional help addressing a sewer clog in your Northern New Jersey home, please contact us at Pipe Works Services
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