How to Prevent Sewer Line Clogs
Elizabeth's housing is old, with a median year built of 1957, and most homes are in buildings with two or more units sharing one sewer line. Grease, wipes, and roots build up over time, and in a multi-family building one clog can reach every household.
Habits That Keep the Line Clear
Watch what goes down the drain
Pour cooled cooking grease into the trash, not the sink. Flush only toilet paper; wipes labeled flushable, paper towels, and hygiene products can snag in the line. Use sink strainers and empty them into the trash.
Know the early warning signs
Gurgling toilets, several slow drains at once, sewer odor, or water rising in a tub when the washer drains can point to a main line clog. Do not pour chemical openers into a backed-up line.
When the main line is backing up
Stop running water as soon as more than one drain backs up. In heavy rain, combined sewers can push water toward low drains, so ask a plumber whether a backwater valve suits your home. Tenants should alert the owner or manager.
Call for sewer line help before a slow drain turns into a backup.
Pour cooled cooking grease into the trash, not the sink. Flush only toilet paper; wipes labeled flushable, paper towels, and hygiene products can snag in the line. Use sink strainers and empty them into the trash.
Know the early warning signs
Gurgling toilets, several slow drains at once, sewer odor, or water rising in a tub when the washer drains can point to a main line clog. Do not pour chemical openers into a backed-up line.
When the main line is backing up
Stop running water as soon as more than one drain backs up. In heavy rain, combined sewers can push water toward low drains, so ask a plumber whether a backwater valve suits your home. Tenants should alert the owner or manager.
Call for sewer line help before a slow drain turns into a backup.