When it comes to clogged drains and sewer lines, a proactive approach is a lot better solution than calling a professional to come and fix the problem. NYC is a busy city, so learning a trick or two that can help you out with this issue pays off. With that in mind, here is how you can prevent clogged drains and sewer lines in NYC and save yourself a lot of money.
Enzyme cleaners will do wonders to your plumbing system
One of the most common plumbing issues in NYC is a clogged drain. The best way to proactively prevent this problem is to clean your plumbing pipes once a month. There are a lot of drain cleaners at your disposal. However, the best suggestion is to use enzyme-based cleaners. Chemical cleaners are not safe for the environment, and they can be harmful to your health if you are not careful.
Trim trees, bushes, and other plants
If you live in a house and there are a lot of trees, bushes, and plants near the sewer line, that can cause issues. In case of a storm, the wind will pile up broken branches and leaves. If they fall into the sewer line, you have a problem. Always make sure to trim them properly.
Furthermore, the roots of large trees may even grow and damage the sewer line if they are too close. With that in mind, if there is a large tree close to your sewer line, consider removing it. You can plant a new tree in a different place.
Do rooter cleaning once a year
Clogged sewer lines and drain pipes will become a nuisance if not dealt with in a timely manner. As a preventive measure, do rooter cleaning once a year. This includes any method that will completely drain your pipes and make sure nothing is inside. This preventive process should become your regular maintenance if you wish to keep your pipes clean and extend their lifespan for a more extended period.
Replace old plumbing
Old clay or lead pipes will start to rust and deteriorate after some time. If a clog happens, it might be more challenging to take care of it. Pipes in bad condition can burst at any time, and if there is a buildup in pressure due to the clog, you are risking a flood in your place. Thus, it’s always better to pay a little extra, replace the pipes, and avoid potential issues.
Do not flush random things down the toilet
A lot of people use the toilet to flush anything. There are a lot of items that do not dissolve in water and may cause a problem with a clogged drain.
With that in mind, you should never flush:
- baby wipes;
- cotton products;
- diapers;
- large amounts of paper towels and tissues;
- cat litter;
- cigarette butts;
- medication;
- gum;
- hair;
- food;
- cooking grease;
All of these things can cause a clogged drain and only create additional expenses for your wallet.
Check the drain stopper regularly
Even with your best efforts to avoid clogging the drain, accidents sometimes happen. Maybe you forget about it, and you throw away something you should not have, and you end up with a clog.
Or, if you are taking a bath, pieces of your hair might end up in the pipes. The good thing is that they will cause any damage, at least not right away. Remember to check the drain stopper every few days. And if you find something that could clog it, make sure that you remove it before the problem arises.
Always use the plunger or the plumbing snake
Another proactive approach to preventing clogged drains and sewer lines is to use a plunger or a plumbing snake. These tools will help you unclog any clogs that are not too deep in the pipes. It does not take a lot of time to do this, and if you make it a practice, it will reduce the chances of a clog.
Are you moving into a new apartment in NYC?
Many people are coming to NYC every day, hoping to make it their home. The search for an apartment is generally daunting, let alone in a bustling metropolitan like the Big Apple. So, make sure you pull a few strings (contacting someone you know is living in NY, for example) to help you find a place that doesn’t require much work and is move-in ready. Still, to be sure, as soon as you find a suitable place, inspect the plumbing system. It is common that the plumbing is not perfect, which is fine. However, if you discover that the pipes are in terrible condition, you might want to pass on that opportunity. The repairs will cost too much.
What to check when moving into a new apartment?
As soon as you find the right fit, start drafting a checklist of everything you need to check. And that includes plumbing too. Generally, you should start with the pipes and faucets and see if there are any leakages. Then, start looking around your new place, checking for any wet spots or moisture on the walls. That is a good indicator that something is wrong. Next, thoroughly inspect all the drains and ensure that the maintenance was done regularly in the past year. Finally, check if there was any toilet leaking or problems with the sewer line. If the building has issues with the plumbing, you have to know about that.
Schedule regular maintenance with your local plumber
Even if nothing is wrong, you should still have a professional come once in a while and check the system. It is just like going on a regular checkup at the doctor’s office. It is better to go preventively than when you really need it. Keep your plumbing clean and operational so that it can serve you for an extended period.
Act now and prevent clogged drains and sewer lines in your NYC home
As the last piece of advice, never disregard a plumbing problem, even if it’s a small one. If your drain clogs, unclog it now, do not leave that for later because you don’t have time. Someone else might do something and clog it further, thus causing a flood. It only takes a few minutes to prevent clogged drains and sewer lines and stop a problem that could potentially damage your apartment.
