One of the simplest yet most effective DIY sewer maintenance strategies is to regularly clean your household drains. Mix a half-cup of baking soda with a quarter-cup of salt and pour it down the drain followed by a half-cup of white vinegar. The resulting fizzy reaction can help break down minor blockages and accumulated debris. After letting it sit for a few hours, flush the drain with boiling water to clear out the loosened material. Performing this non-toxic treatment monthly can help prevent clogs from forming.

Preventing debris from entering your sewer system is crucial, and that’s where drain strainers come in. These simple devices are placed over the top of your drains to catch hair, food particles, and other potential clog-causing materials. Make sure to clean these strainers regularly to prevent overflow and backup. They’re especially important for kitchen sinks and shower drains, where the bulk of domestic waste enters your plumbing system.

What you put down your drains can greatly impact the state of your sewer system. Avoid disposing of grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other fibrous materials down the kitchen sink. Also, be cautious with what you flush down the toilet. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed — even products labeled as “flushable,” such as certain wipes and sanitary products, can cause blockages in your sewer system. Adhering to these guidelines can extend the life of your sewer system and save you from expensive repairs.

Tree roots can be a significant cause of sewer line damage as they seek out water sources and infiltrate small openings in your pipes, eventually leading to blockages or breaks. It’s wise for homeowners to consider the location of sewer lines when planting new trees or landscaping and to choose slow-growing, less invasive species. If you’re already facing root intrusion, you might want to consider a root-killing agent specifically designed for sewer lines – but use such products judiciously and follow the instructions closely.

Part of good sewer maintenance is knowing the state of your sewer lines. You can perform basic inspections by looking out for signs of trouble like foul odors, slow-draining sinks, or gurgling noises coming from your toilets. For a more comprehensive assessment, consider hiring professionals every few years to conduct camera inspections. These can reveal potential issues like cracks, blockages, or sagging lines, allowing you to address them proactively rather than reactively after a failure. Remember, staying ahead of sewer line issues is far less costly than dealing with an emergency situation.