Are your daily habits silently destroying your sewer system? Most homeowners don’t realize that their everyday plumbing habits could be causing major sewer damage. Without proper sewer maintenance, these small mistakes can lead to costly repairs and frustrating plumbing issues.
From flushing the wrong things down the toilet to ignoring slow drains, there are many ways you might be unknowingly contributing to sewer damage causes. The good news? A few simple changes can help with sewer damage prevention and keep your plumbing system in great shape. Here are some shocking plumbing habits you need to break today!
Table of Contents
Flushing the Wrong Items Down the Toilet
Many people assume that if something fits in the toilet, it’s safe to flush. However, flushing the wrong items is one of the biggest sewer damage causes.
The “Flushable” Wipes Myth
Despite being labeled as “flushable wipes”, many wet wipes do not break down like regular toilet paper. Instead, they accumulate in sewer pipes, leading to massive blockages and costly plumbing repairs. Unlike toilet paper, which dissolves quickly in water, these wipes remain intact and combine with other debris to form stubborn clogs.
Other Items That Should Never Be Flushed
Besides wipes, several other common household items contribute to sewer damage, including:
Feminine hygiene products
These products expand in water and easily clog pipes.
Paper towels and napkins
Unlike toilet paper, they don’t break down properly.
Cotton swabs and dental floss
These small items can get tangled in pipes and cause buildup.
Proper Disposal Tips
To prevent sewer damage, always dispose of non-biodegradable items in the trash. Consider placing a small waste bin near your toilet for easy disposal.
Pouring Grease and Oils Down the Drain
Cooking grease and oils might seem harmless when poured down the sink, but they are a major sewer damage cause.
How Grease Solidifies in Pipes
When hot grease is poured down the drain, it eventually cools and hardens, sticking to the pipe walls. Over time, this buildup restricts water flow and leads to sewer backups. Even if you rinse it down with hot water, grease eventually solidifies and traps other debris.
Other Kitchen Waste That Causes Clogs
Coffee grounds
They don’t break down easily and clump together, causing blockages.
Eggshells
Their sharp edges catch on debris and contribute to pipe buildup.
Safe Disposal Methods
Instead of washing grease down the drain, collect it in a container and throw it in the trash. For small amounts, wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before rinsing. Want to keep your drains clog-free? Check out our blog, Preventing Kitchen Drain Clogs: A Guide to Managing Fat, Oil, and Grease, for expert tips on handling fat, oil, and grease properly!
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners Too Often
Many people turn to chemical drain cleaners as a quick fix for clogged drains, but frequent use can do more harm than good.
How Chemical Cleaners Damage Pipes
Drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes over time, leading to leaks and costly repairs. These chemicals generate heat that can weaken old pipes, increasing the risk of sewer damage.
The Impact on Septic Systems
If you have a septic system, chemical cleaners can kill the beneficial bacteria that help break down waste, leading to system failures.
Safer Drain Cleaning Alternatives
Instead of using chemical cleaners, try natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar. A plumber’s snake or a plunger can also help remove blockages without damaging pipes.
Ignoring Small Leaks and Slow Drains
A slow drain or a minor leak might not seem like a big deal, but ignoring these early warning signs can lead to severe sewer problems.
Slow Drains Indicate Bigger Issues
A slow drain often means there’s a partial blockage forming. Left unchecked, it can worsen and cause a complete clog or even sewer backups.
The Risk of Tree Root Intrusion
If your drains are slow and you notice gurgling sounds, it could be a sign of tree roots invading your sewer lines. Roots seek moisture and can break into pipes, causing extensive damage.
When to DIY vs. Call a Plumber
While minor clogs can be cleared with a plunger, recurring issues should be inspected by a professional plumber to prevent long-term sewer damage.
Flushing Food Waste Instead of Using a Trash Bin
Garbage disposals are convenient, but they can’t handle all types of food waste.
Foods That Clog Pipes
Pasta and rice
These expand in water and create sticky clogs.
Fibrous vegetables
Celery, potato peels, and corn husks can tangle and block drains.
Bones and shells
Hard items can damage garbage disposal blades and clog pipes.
Proper Food Waste Disposal
Instead of flushing food down the drain, scrape leftovers into the trash or compost bin to prevent sewer damage. Want to avoid costly plumbing issues? Read our blog, The Ultimate Guide: What NOT to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal, to learn what should never go down your drain!
Overloading Your Plumbing System with Too Much Water Use
Excessive water use can strain your sewer system and contribute to pipe damage.
How Overuse Affects Your Plumbing
Running multiple water-heavy appliances at once (like washing machines and dishwashers) increases the risk of sewer backups. Too much water can overwhelm your pipes and septic system, leading to long-term damage.
Water-Saving Tips
Use high-efficiency appliances to reduce water usage.
Spread out laundry loads instead of washing everything at once.
Take shorter showers to limit excess water flow.
Letting Tree Roots Invade Your Sewer Lines
Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, making your sewer pipes a prime target.
Signs of Root Intrusion
Slow-draining sinks and tubs.
Gurgling noises from drains.
Unpleasant sewage smells around your yard.
Preventive Measures
To prevent root damage, install root barriers around pipes and schedule regular sewer inspections. If you suspect tree roots are affecting your plumbing, consult a professional for root removal options. Learn more about how tree roots impact your drains and how to prevent costly blockages in our blog, The Role of Tree Roots in Drain Clogs: Strategies for Root Intrusion Prevention and Removal.
Neglecting Routine Sewer Maintenance
Routine sewer maintenance is key to sewer damage prevention.
Why Inspections Matter
Sewer camera inspections help identify blockages before they become serious problems. Regular checkups ensure your plumbing system stays in top shape.
Professional Drain Cleaning
Hiring a plumber for routine drain cleaning removes buildup and prevents sewer damage before they escalate into costly repairs.
When to Schedule Maintenance
It’s best to schedule professional inspections at least once a year to catch potential issues early.
Many homeowners unknowingly engage in plumbing habits that lead to sewer damage. From flushing non-degradable items to pouring grease down the drain, these bad habits can result in costly plumbing repairs. To learn more about the serious risks of sewer line issues, check out our related article: “Miami Sewer Line Damage: Hidden Dangers You Must Know“.
By making small changes—like using a trash bin for food waste, avoiding chemical drain cleaners, and scheduling regular sewer inspections—you can protect your plumbing system and prevent future problems.
Don’t wait for a plumbing disaster to strike! Contact Oasis Plumbing today for expert sewer inspections and maintenance services to keep your home’s plumbing system in great condition.
