29 Mar Avoid Sewer Replacement By Following These Tips

When pipelines and drains become blocked, sewage from the home returns through pipes and surfaces in sinks, toilets, bathtubs and drains. The sewage is not only difficult and expensive to clean, it also poses a serious health risk to members of the household. Depending on the extent of the problem, the homeowner may need to replace the entire sewer system, a procedure that costs thousands of dollars.

One of the most serious problems in sewers and pipelines is tree roots. Even cutting roots in blocked drains often does not help to avoid sewer replacement as it frequently works only as a temporary solution and is still very expensive. Homeowners can best avoid sewer replacement by taking action before the pipe becomes completely blocked by regularly flushing half a cup of copper sulfate into the pipes via the toilet over a two week period. Copper sulfate should never be added to drains through the sink or shower as it may damage the plumbing.

Another common cause of drain blockage is garbage disposal abuse. The purpose of the garbage disposal is to clear away small pieces of refuse that remain in the draining water, not for vegetable peeling or other large objects. Especially dangerous are coffee grounds, eggshells and grease. None of these should be allowed down the drain as this can lead to clogging and, consequently, to sewer line replacement. Similarly, the toilet should not be used as an alternative method of garbage disposal. Diapers, feminine products, pads, paper towels and any other non-biodegradable objects should be thrown in the trash as, when flushed, they can block drains.

Adding chemicals to drains, especially paint and drain cleaner, can lead to chemical corrosion and almost certain necessity for sewer line replacement. Although drain cleaners are advertised as being beneficial for cleaning pipes, they can actually cause backups and permanent damage to a sewer system.