Sewer Drain Cleaning For New Homeowners: A Beginner's Guide

If you're like most people who have recently purchased their first home, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by all that you need to learn about home maintenance — and sewer drain cleaning probably isn't included in your current skill set. However, sewer drain cleaning is an essential aspect of home maintenance that should not be overlooked. Your sewer drain is responsible for carrying waste and water away from your home, and if it becomes blocked or damaged, it can lead to serious problems, such as backups, leaks, and even property damage. Here's what every new homeowner needs to know about sewer drain cleaning:

Understand Your Sewer Drain

The first step in sewer drain cleaning is to understand the layout of your sewer system. This includes knowing the location of your cleanout access points, the direction of the sewer line, and any potential problem areas, such as trees or other obstructions that could cause blockages.

Regular Maintenance

One of the best ways to prevent sewer drain blockages is to practice regular maintenance. This includes flushing your drains with hot water, avoiding flushing non-flushable items down the toilet, and being mindful of what you pour down the drain. Additionally, if you have curious children in the home, it's important that they be taught not to flush random objects down the toilet. 

DIY Cleaning

For minor blockages, you can attempt to clear the drain yourself using a plunger or drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into your drain to clear blockages. To use a drain snake, insert the end of the snake into the drain and turn the handle clockwise to move the snake through the pipe. When you reach the blockage, turn the handle counterclockwise to break up the blockage, then pull the snake out of the drain.

Consider a Drain Trap

Installing a drain trap in your sink or shower can help to prevent hair, soap scum, and other debris from entering your sewer drain. These traps are easy to install and can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Professional Cleaning

If you experience recurring blockages or notice signs of a more serious problem, such as slow drains or foul odors, it's time to call in a professional. A licensed plumber can use specialized equipment, such as a sewer camera, to identify and clear blockages safely and effectively.

Prevention Tips

Finally, it's important to take preventative measures to avoid future blockages. This includes scheduling regular sewer drain cleaning appointments with a licensed plumber, avoiding flushing non-flushable items down the toilet, and being mindful of what you pour down the drain.