Resident Services > Utilities and Maintenance > Preventing Sewer Stoppages
Preventing Sewer Stoppages
Tips to help prevent sewer stoppages:
DO
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Scrape grease and food residue from dishes and pans into garbage bag before putting in your dishwasher or sink. This will reduce grease build-up in the sewer lines.
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Unclog drains naturally by pouring 1/4 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Follow a few minutes later with boiling water. Pour boiling water down the drains to prevent clogs.
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Avoid release of hair into drains of showers, bath tubs, and wash basins to prevent clogs in the traps and drains.
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Empty washing machine lint into a garbage bag to avoid the discharge of lint into the sewer line.
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Clean vents annually (leading from toilets) located on the roof. It is identifiable by a 2 inch pipe on the roof. Failure to clean vents may result in stoppages, causing dangerous sewer line gases to back up into your residence.
DON'T
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Pour household grease into sinks, garbage disposal, or other drains. This is one of the major contributors to sewer stoppages.
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Flush diapers, sanitary napkins, newspapers, soiled rags, or paper towels down toilets.
