One of the most unpleasant plumbing problems you have to deal with is sewer blockages. Regardless of the cause of the blockage, it’s always a major inconvenience. The good news is that you can prevent serious blockages from forming in your pipes and sewer. This article lists the most common causes of sewer blockages and how to avoid them.
Common Causes of Sewer Blokages
Fats, Oils, and Grease
This cause of blockage is very common. Grease, oil, and fat are not substances that should be drained into the sewer. When these unpleasant cooking byproducts enter the sewer, they cool down and turn into a stubborn (and disgusting) blockage. Fatty blockages accumulate quickly, causing damage to your pipes and leaks. The best way to prevent your sink or garbage disposal from clogging with grease, oil, or fat is to never pour them down the drain. After cooking, pour these byproducts into an empty container and dispose of them later. Use paper towels to absorb excess grease from your pots and pans before washing them.
Hair and Pet Fur
Another common cause of drain blockages, especially in showers and bathtubs, is hair. If you have pets and bathe them in the tub or sink, pet fur can also cause significant blockages. Fur combines with soap scum to form thick, stubborn plugs in pipes. Frankly, if you have hair and you shower, it always gets into your pipes. You can reduce the amount of hair blockages by using a drain strainer. If you have long hair, combing your hair before showering can also reduce hair clogging in the sewer.
Paper Products, Toilet Paper, and Wipes
Toilet paper is the only paper or hygiene product that can be flushed down the sewer, and even then, you shouldn’t flush a lot. Paper wipes, towels, and other paper products should be disposed of in another way. Paper products do not break down completely, so they will fill with soap scum, hair, and anything else in the sewer. Soon you will have a serious blockage. Simply throw paper products in the trash to avoid trouble.
Soap Scum and Soap Residue
Soap residue is another common cause of sewer blockages. Soap residue slides into the sewer and sticks to the insides of your pipes, often mixing with hair and other materials. When this happens, blockages are inevitable. Therefore, use a drain strainer or siphon. This will prevent most of the soap and hair from entering the sewer.
Food Residue
Pieces of food get into the sewer and accumulate until a large blockage occurs. Do not throw things like eggshells, tea leaves, coffee grounds, pasta, or rice down the drain, as they can get caught on soap scum and any other obstructions in your pipes, leading to a serious sink blockage. It is advisable to use a drain plug, cover, or strainer to prevent food residue from entering the sewer.
Mineral Buildup
Another cause of sewer blockages is mineral buildup in the system. For hard water systems, mineral buildup can be an extremely common problem. Over time, the minerals contained in hard water accumulate in your pipes, leading to reduced water pressure, slow flow, and clogged pipes. Mineral buildup also causes damage to water heaters, eventually wearing them out. Installing a water softener is an important first step. You should also check and clean your pipes at least once a year. Mineral buildup in your water heater can be prevented by installing a tankless water heater.
When it comes to practice, the best way to prevent sewer blockages is to be proactive. Therefore, monitor your pipes and call a professional plumber once a year for regular sewer cleaning.