A Homeowner's Guide to Sewer System Maintenance

As a homeowner, you know that regular maintenance is key to keeping your home in good condition. You probably have a checklist of tasks you perform each year, such as cleaning your gutters, servicing your furnace, and checking your smoke detectors. But does your checklist include your sewer system?

For many homeowners in Seattle, Skagit County, Snohomish County, King County, and Pierce County, the sewer system is out of sight and out of mind – until there's a problem. But by taking a few simple preventative measures, you can save yourself from the stress, mess, and expense of a major sewer backup.

Here's what you need to know about maintaining your sewer system.

What Goes Down the Drain Matters

The single most important thing you can do to maintain your sewer system is to be mindful of what you put down your drains. Your toilets, sinks, and showers are not trash cans. Here are a few things that should never go down the drain:

• **Grease, Oil, and Fat:** These are the biggest culprits when it comes to sewer clogs. When you pour hot grease down the drain, it cools and solidifies in your pipes, creating a stubborn, sticky blockage. Instead, let grease cool and then dispose of it in the trash.
• **"Flushable" Wipes:** Despite what the packaging may say, most so-called "flushable" wipes do not break down in the sewer system. They can get snagged in your pipes and create a major clog.
• **Feminine Hygiene Products, Paper Towels, and Cotton Swabs:** These items are not designed to be flushed and can cause serious blockages.
• **Coffee Grounds, Eggshells, and Other Food Waste:** While some food waste is unavoidable, try to scrape as much as you can into the trash or compost bin before rinsing your dishes.
• **Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners:** These can be corrosive to your pipes and are often ineffective at clearing major clogs. They can also be a hazard to plumbers who are working on your lines.

Maintain Your Drains

• **Use drain strainers:** Place strainers in your kitchen and bathroom sinks and in your shower to catch hair, food particles, and other debris before it goes down the drain.
• **Clean your drains regularly:** Once a month, pour a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar down your drains to help break up any grease or soap scum buildup.

Be Careful What You Plant

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you know that tree roots are a major threat to sewer lines. When planting trees and shrubs on your property, be sure to choose slow-growing species with less aggressive root systems. Avoid planting any trees or large shrubs near your sewer line. If you're not sure where your sewer line is located, a professional plumber can help you find it.

Know Your Home's Plumbing

It's a good idea to have a basic understanding of your home's plumbing system. Know where your main water shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency. If you have a septic system, know where the tank and drain field are located and have the tank pumped every three to five years.

Schedule Regular Professional Inspections

The best way to prevent a major sewer problem is to have your sewer line professionally inspected every few years. A qualified technician can use a video camera to inspect the inside of your pipes and identify any potential problems, such as cracks, leaks, root intrusion, or buildup. This allows you to address the issue before it becomes a major backup.

Regular inspections are especially important if you have an older home, have large trees on your property, or have experienced sewer problems in the past.

Don't Ignore the Warning Signs

Even with the best maintenance, problems can still occur. Be on the lookout for the warning signs of a sewer problem, such as:

• Slow drains
• Frequent backups
• Foul odors
• Gurgling sounds
• Soggy patches in your yard

If you notice any of these signs, call a professional sewer repair specialist in the Seattle area right away. By being proactive about your sewer system maintenance, you can protect your home and property in Skagit, Snohomish, King, or Pierce County and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your plumbing is in good working order.