Many people think they can wash anything down their sinks or flush anything down their toilets. After all, anything that goes down the drain goes into the sewer line where it’s out of sight and out of mind, right?. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. In fact, what you flush down your toilet or wash down your kitchen sink could lead to serious problems with your sewer line, problems that could result in costly repairs later on.

You may not think about it most of the time, but your sewer line is an important part of your home’s plumbing, and it needs as much care as the rest of your home. Here are some sewer line do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do: Use Drain Strainers

Drain strainers catch hair, food particles, and other solid substances that can go down your drains and clog your plumbing. They’re inexpensive and easy to use, and they could prevent a call to an emergency plumber.

Do: Run Your Water When Using Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are helpful when breaking up food waste that goes down your drain, but they can jam and help create the kinds of clogs they’re supposed to prevent. To keep your garbage disposal working properly, turn on your faucet and run water down your drain whenever you use it.

Don’t: Flush Anything That Isn’t Meant to Go Down the Toilet

Never use your toilet as an all-purpose trash can. The only things to flush are human waste and toilet paper. Toilet paper is designed to break apart in your septic system, something that cannot be said for paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or anything else that some people carelessly flush away. Not even “flushable” wipes are safe for most septic systems, so throw your trash in a wastebasket instead of your toilet.

Don’t: Pour Grease Down Your Kitchen Sink

Cooking grease can harden and create a stubborn clog if you pour it down your kitchen drain. Pour cooking grease into a metal can or glass jar instead, and check to see if your local recycling center can take it. If you have excess grease on your dishes after cooking, wipe them down with a paper towel before you wash them.

Don’t: Rely on Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners seem to work wonders when you have a clogged drain, but use them only as a last resort. They usually dissolve just enough of a clog to allow water to pass through; they don’t remove clogs completely. They also contain caustic ingredients that can damage your plumbing with repeated use.

Do: Call a Plumber to Complete a Sewer Line Inspection

Of course, it’s possible to take every plumbing precaution and still have problems with your sewer line. If you notice problems such as frequent clogs, slow drains, or foul smells coming from your drains, contact a plumbing professional to complete a sewer line inspection. Most plumbing problems can be fixed relatively easily if you catch them soon enough, so don’t hesitate to call for help if you think you have an issue. When you need sewer line services in Granada Hills, CA, contact Turbo Plumbing & Rooter.