Most homeowners should have their main sewer line cleaned every 18 to 24 months to prevent buildup and major blockages. However, if your home is older, has mature trees with roots nearby, or houses a large family, more frequent cleanings—every 6 to 12 months—are recommended to avoid costly backups.
Typically, sewer lines should be cleaned on an as-needed basis. Drain cleaning services shouldn't be needed on a regular basis. If you find yourself needing these services frequently, ask a local plumber if there's an underlying problem with your sewer lines such as tree roots.
The "135-degree rule" in plumbing states that the total (aggregate) horizontal change in direction for a drainage pipe—specifically trap arms—cannot exceed 135 degrees between the P-trap and the vent. Exceeding 135 degrees (such as using three 45-degree bends or a 90 and two 45s) requires a cleanout because sharp turns hinder flow and cause clogs.
Over time, repeated use of chemical cleaners can weaken pipe walls, warp plastic piping, and corrode older metal lines. This gradual damage often leads to leaks, cracked pipes, and sudden plumbing failures that require emergency repairs. Another problem is that drain cleaners do not solve the real cause of most clogs.
Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.
Sewer lines generally last between 50 and 100 years, largely depending on the pipe material and environmental factors. Older homes with aging infrastructure may require repairs sooner.
Avoid making guesses or unsupported statements about what caused the damage to your property. Speculating can lead to inaccuracies in the adjuster's report, potentially affecting your claim.
A straightforward yet effective approach to addressing a clogged drain pipe involves simply using hot water mixed with dish soap. This method, ideal for tackling minor blockages, leverages the degreasing power of dish soap combined with the force of hot water to dislodge and dissolve clog-causing residue.
As the fall rains intensify and the seasons shift, one surprising tip is getting renewed attention: pouring vinegar down your drains to help prevent clogs.
People don't typically dispose of cleaning products - they use them up. Empty packages can then be recycled or discarded with other household waste. Unused amounts of cleaning products can generally be safely disposed of down the drain or in the trash.
To protect your plumbing and the environment, you should never put fats, starches, harsh chemicals, or solid waste down your drains.
Here are the most common plumbing code violations you might not even realize you have—and why they matter.
Generally speaking, you're usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are usually outside of property boundaries, and sewers.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Pouring salt down your drain at night is a popular DIY plumbing trick used for routine maintenance. The goal is to take advantage of the salt's coarse texture and natural moisture-absorbing properties.
Yes, a drain snake (plumbing auger) is highly effective for unclogging a sewer line. It works by physically boring through soft blockages or hooking onto debris to pull it back.
In particular, avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces such as marble, granite, and travertine. The acidity can dull these materials over time and may even break down the sealant that protects them from stains.
Plumbers highly recommend avoiding harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can corrode pipes and only offer temporary relief. Instead, they suggest preventing buildup through daily habits, using natural enzyme or enzymatic cleaners for maintenance, and letting professional cleaners clear severe blockages.
If baking soda and vinegar didn't work, it usually means the clog is physical—like a mass of hair, heavy grease, or soap scum. When these ingredients are mixed, they simply neutralize each other into salt and water, meaning they lack the force to break through stubborn blockages.
It's best to instead opt for a Drano alternative as a safer and more plumbing-friendly way to unclog your drains. Some of the best Drano alternatives include using a plunger or pipe snake, soap or salt mixed with boiling water, or baking soda and white vinegar.
🧼 How It Works: Take a bar of soap (or cut one into smaller pieces). Drop it into the toilet tank—not the bowl. Every flush releases a small amount of soapy water, helping to break down stains and keep the bowl fresh.
Pouring boiling water down your drain risks melting or warping PVC pipes, destroying the glue holding plumbing joints together, and cracking porcelain sinks. It can also push liquid grease deeper into the pipes, where it solidifies and creates stubborn blockages.
The insurance company that denies the most claims depends heavily on the type of insurance you are referring to:
How to Intimidate the Insurance Adjuster
The 80% rule in homeowners insurance dictates that your dwelling coverage must equal at least 80% of your home’s total replacement cost. Meeting this threshold ensures your insurance company covers the full cost of repairs (minus your deductible) for a covered loss.