Though it might not be top of mind during the busy holiday season, it’s important to take steps to prevent sewer line backups as guests come over for the festivities. Backups are messy and frustrating when things are quiet. When one happens during a holiday party, you can add humiliation to the usual discomfort. Here are ways to prevent party-killing backups.
Remind Guests of What Goes Down the Toilet
Some people don’t know that the only items to flush down a toilet are toilet paper and bodily waste. You don’t have to verbally remind your guests of this. Print signs in an attractive font, frame them, and hang them in your bathrooms where guests can easily read them. You should also make sure that each bathroom has its own trash can, preferably with a pop-up lid.
Install Drain Strainers
Strainers placed in your drains catch hair, soap scum, and other debris that can lead to clogs and backups. These strainers are inexpensive and readily available at hardware and big box stores. You might even find some at your local supermarket or dollar store. Make sure to clean the strainers after each use.
Keep Your Garbage Disposal in Good Working Order
Make sure that your garbage disposal is in good working order. A garbage disposal that can’t chew up waste into bits fine enough to be washed down the sewer drain can add to backup problems. Indeed, the garbage disposal unit can suffer its own blockages and stop working when you need it most.
Avoid Harsh Drain Cleaners
Harsh, lye-based drain cleaners can give you temporary relief when it comes to getting rid of blockages. However, over the long term, they damage your pipes and can cause blockages to get stuck inside of them. If you have a private septic system, they can destroy the helpful bacteria that help break down waste. They’re also terrible for the environment. Swap these chemical cleansers for non-chemical cleaners, snakes, and plungers. If the clog is truly bad, call a plumber.
Have Your Main Drain Inspected and Cleaned
Another thing to do before the partying starts is to have a plumber come over and inspect your main drain. A plumber can use a video camera to find any blockages that may become troublesome during the holidays. You can also keep your drains clear by flushing them with a mix of baking soda, vinegar, and hot tap water now and then.
Call Us if You Need More Tips on Backup Prevention
A sewer line that backs up while you’re entertaining guests for the holidays can be disastrous. If you need your sewer lines serviced, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professional plumbers at A-1 Plumbing and Heating in Farmington, ME.