Property owners can do many things to prevent sewer backups/blockage. Grease:
Cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of in the garbage after it cools, NOT down the drain. Washing grease down the drain with hot water is not the answer. This grease goes down the drain, cools off, and solidifies in the drain, the property owner's sewer and/or the sewer main. When this happens, the line eventually clogs.
Paper Products:
Paper towels, disposable diapers, and feminine products cause a great deal of problems. These products do not deteriorate quickly. They become lodged in portions of sewer causing sewer backups. These products should be disposed of in the garbage.
Sewer Root Control:
The continual flow of nutrient-filled water found in sewer pipes attracts tree roots. Roots growing along pipes exert significant pressure on pipes. These roots may push into and around gasket connection points, which may expand and break seals.
Root infiltration can cause a blockage to the sewer, resulting in sewage backup in your home and damage to your property.
Tips For Controlling Roots:
The conventional method of removing roots by a professional drain cleaning service involves cutting or tearing roots to solve an immediate problem. However, this method does not stop the growth or destroy the roots outside the pipe. This is similar to pruning the bushes and shrubs surrounding your residence.
An annual chemical root control program is an effective preventive maintenance measure. A product that foams with the addition of water is the most effective means of coating the roots and pipe surfaces. These products may be purchased from your local hardware store or home center.
Illegal Plumbing Connections:
Do not connect French drains, sump pumps, roof gutter drains, or foundation drains to your sanitary sewer service. Not only is it illegal, debris and silt will clog your service line. Consult a plumber to correct any illegal connections.