Preventing Sewer Stoppages

Tips to help prevent sewer stoppages:

Things to Do

  • Scrape grease and food residue from dishes and pans into a garbage bag before putting it in your dishwasher or sink. This will reduce grease build-up in the sewer lines.
  • 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.
  • Avoid release of hair into drains of showers, bath tubs, and wash basins to prevent clogs in the traps and drains.
  • Empty washing machine lint into a garbage bag to avoid the discharge of lint into the wastewater sewer line.
  • 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 a vent blockage, causing dangerous sewer line gases to back up into your residence.

Do Not

  • Pour household grease into sinks, garbage disposal, or other drains. This is one of the major contributors to wastewater sewer stoppages.
  • Do not flush any of the following down toilets:
    • Diapers
    • Sanitary napkins
    • Newspapers
    • Soiled rags
    • Paper towels