Keeping your home’s sewer line in good working order helps to ensure that it will serve your family well for many years to come. There are certain items that should not be flushed down the toilet and making it your habit never to do so can make a big difference in terms of maintaining your sewer line. Our experienced Westmoreland County, PA, sewer line pros at American Sewer Specialist are here to help you with your questions and concerns.
Paper Products, Including Wipes
Other than toilet paper, you shouldn’t be flushing any paper products down your toilet. This extends to wipes of all kinds, including those that are labeled flushable. While toilet paper is designed to disintegrate easily, other forms of paper bind with grease in sewer lines and can lead to serious blockages.
Paper towels are made to retain their strength when wet, which leaves them unsuitable for flushing. And menstrual products are designed to absorb liquid and to expand while doing so, which can wreak havoc on your pipes.
Liquids, Including Chemicals
Fats, oils, and grease, referred to as FOG, are no-nos when it comes to flushing. Fats harden as they cool, and they can coat pipe interiors with a sticky layer that attracts debris. Paints also coat pipes on their way down, and paint thinners and harsh chemicals wear away at seals and damage the important bacterial colonies in septic systems.
Finally, medications pollute local water supplies and often can’t be filtered out. There are, however, certain drugs that, when there is no take-back option available, the FDA deems flushable in the interest of safety.
Household Waste
Household waste belongs in the garbage and should not be flushed down the toilet. Prime examples of common concerns include all the following:
- Dental floss is made of nonbiodegradable nylon, and the strands are prone to wrapping around the mechanics in sewer systems, and it can damage grinder pump motors in homes that have them.
- Cotton balls, cotton swabs, and cotton pads don’t dissolve when wet, and when they enter bends and traps in sewer lines, they often pack together tightly and cause blockages.
- Hair becomes entangled with other waste products, which can lead to nests that impede the flow of water in your pipes.
- Even kitty litter that is marketed as flushable can harden into cement-like blockages.
Many older homes in Westmoreland County have aging sewer lines that are more prone to problems. If your sewer line is acting up or things aren’t running as smoothly as they once did, it’s time to consult with a trusted sewer line professional.
Our Experienced Westmoreland County Sewer Line Specialists Can Help
Our dedicated Westmoreland County sewer line professionals at American Sewer Specialist have extensive experience helping families like yours keep their sewer lines in excellent condition, and we’re here for you, too. Please don’t wait to reach out for more information by contacting us online or giving us a call at 724-879-8130 today.
