Even before you engage the services of a plumbing professional to check over your sewer connections, there are several things that you can do yourself to lengthen the lifespan of your pipes. They’re all easy to do, too!

Don’t Flush Stuff That’s Not Supposed to Be Flushed

The only two things that should ever be flushed are human waste and toilet paper. Forget “flushable” wipes. They’re not flushable. Everything else will eventually cause a problem.

Control What You Wash Down Drains

Generally, it’s a bad idea to put grease down your drain. Other things cause problems in drains, too, such as coffee grounds, eggshells, stray pieces of pasta, and other similar items. If these items can clog your drain, then they can also eventually contribute to clogs in your sewer connection. If you have a garbage disposal, it’s still not good to dump grease into it. Coffee grounds are already pulverized, so there’s also no need to put them into the disposal.

Avoid Thick Toilet Paper

Even some kinds of toilet paper can be problematic. It’s not as common as other issues, but two-ply and three-ply toilet paper are both known to cause clogs, especially if many people live in the home. Single-ply toilet paper will save you money, too.

Control the Trees in Your Yard

The bigger a tree grows, the bigger its roots will be. Roots will grow toward, around, and into sewer lines. The biggest roots will rupture your sewer lines completely and cause blockages. It’s usually best to have a professional plumber examine both the trees in your yard and your sewer connection to see if anything is wrong. You should also hire a professional to map out your sewer connections so that you don’t cause future root problems by planting trees or other plants with large root systems.

Schedule Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Services

By regular cleaning and maintenance, we mean at least once per year. If you suspect that there might be a problem, then it’s also a good idea to have a professional plumber inspect your sewer line. When you schedule regular cleaning and maintenance services, you’ll not only keep the pipes running as they should, but you’ll also make them last longer.

Plumbing Experts

You should have a professional plumber determine if you need to have separate systems for rainwater and household wastewater or if you have a combined system. Professionals can advise you on the best course of action regarding your sewer connections.

Whenever you need to talk to a seasoned professional about your sewer connections, contact us at Harmon Plumbing in Durham, NC. Trust the experience and skills we’ve honed over our nearly decade of existence.