Ways to Help Avoid Clogging Drain and Sewer Lines
Easy tips to prevent a sewer line clog can help avoid messy backups, costly repairs, and unexpected disruptions. Slow drains, standing water, and flooding often signal problems in a drain line or sewer line that could have been prevented with simple, consistent maintenance. These plumbing care strategies focus on proactive habits and smart prevention to keep water moving freely and reduce the need for emergency drain cleaning.
Be Careful What Is Flushed
Toilets are designed to handle only human waste and toilet paper. Flushing inappropriate items is one of the most common causes of a clogged sewer line. Paper towels, wet wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss do not break down properly in water. These materials often combine with grease and other debris to form stubborn blockages that can obstruct the drain line and lead to a full sewer line clog.
Even excessive toilet paper use can contribute to a clogged drain line before waste ever reaches the main sewer line. Large amounts of paper may clump together, creating dense obstructions. Smaller amounts per flush, or multiple flushes during heavy usage, can help prevent buildup and keep the system clear.
Avoid Putting Food Waste Down the Kitchen Sink
Kitchen sinks are a frequent source of drain line clogs that can eventually lead to a clogged sewer line. Grease and cooking oils solidify on pipe walls, trapping other particles. Coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and other starchy foods expand or clump together, while eggshells and potato peels create abrasive fragments that can damage pipes and catch additional debris.
Even with a garbage disposal, these materials can still cause significant blockages. Disposing of grease in containers, scraping food scraps into the trash or compost, and rinsing only small, soft particles down the sink can help prevent a sewer line clog. Limiting what enters the drain line protects the entire plumbing system and reduces the need for professional drain cleaning services.
Use Drain Screens
Drain screens provide a simple, inexpensive way to prevent both clogged drain lines and clogged sewer lines. These mesh or perforated barriers catch hair, food particles, soap residue, and other debris before they travel further into the system.
Different locations require different types of screens for maximum effectiveness. Fine-mesh kitchen sink screens trap small food particles and grease residue, while bathroom sink and shower screens are designed to catch hair and personal care product buildup. Dome-style screens in bathtubs allow water to pass freely while capturing larger clumps of debris.
Regular cleaning of drain screens—removing debris and rinsing under hot water weekly—keeps them effective. Replacing damaged or worn screens every six months ensures continued protection. This simple preventive step can significantly reduce the risk of a sewer line clog and minimize the need for costly drain cleaning.
About Gwinnett Area Plumbers
Gwinnett Area Plumbers is a trusted plumbing company serving the communities of Loganville and the surrounding areas. With same-day service and written warranties, the customer’s satisfaction is guaranteed. Call them today for expert drain cleaning services in Loganville, Gwinnett County, GA.
