As the new year falls upon us and we think about all the New Year’s resolutions we want to make, why not think about how you can best take care of your sewer system? It may not seem like your sewer system needs any attention from you, but that could not be farther from the truth. If you don’t want to be saddled with surprise sewer problems, then read on. By making some simple adjustments to your everyday living, you’ll be able to enjoy the peace of mind of having a healthy sewer system in the new year.

1. Use Single-Ply Toilet Paper

We get it. Two- or three-ply toilet paper is thicker, softer, and more comfortable to use. However, thicker toilet paper also doesn’t break down as easily in your sewer pipes. If you really want to stay sewer-safe, you’ll stick to single-ply toilet paper. Companies have improved the comfort level of single-ply toilet paper and it is much easier to break down due to its thinness, making it safer for your sewer and/or septic system.

2. Stay Away From “Flushable” Wipes

Though flushable wipes claim to be safe for your pipes, they’re actually not. Flushable wipes don’t fully break down, meaning they will stick around in your sewer pipes and eventually contribute to a clog. The only things that should ever be flushed down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper.

3. Install Drain Catchers

Hair in your sewer pipes can become a real problem over time. It biodegrades, but extremely slowly, and will end up catching on to other debris and cause a backup. When you shower and inevitably shed some hair, you want to make sure that hair doesn’t then clog up your sewer lines. The easiest way to prevent hair from entering your sewer system is by installing a drain catcher. This device catches the loose hair and allows you to clean it out rather than allow it to flush away down the drain.

4. Properly Dispose of Grease

If you have extra cooking grease in your home or business, don’t pour it down the drain. Grease can damage the pipes, and it hardens as it cools, making it a major contributor to clogs and backups. If you have a commercial kitchen, you will likely have a grease trap installed that will catch the grease and prevent it from entering the sewer pipes. Make sure your grease trap is regularly cleaned so that it works properly. In a residential kitchen, you can prevent grease buildup in your sewer system by waiting until the grease cools and then pouring it into a sealed container and throwing it away.

5. Have Your Sewer System Inspected Regularly

Sewer pipe problems can sometimes develop without your knowledge until things get really bad. Once a problem is bad enough that you notice it, it’s much more costly and complicated to repair. Regular inspections on your sewer system will help you learn about problems as they develop, when they are simpler to repair or even prevent.

 

By following these simple tips, you will help your sewer system stay healthy and working optimally for much longer. At A&L Cesspool, our sewer experts can help you get your sewer system ready for the new year. We are happy to answer any of your questions and to inspect your sewer system so that you start the new year off ahead.