Drain and Sewer Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners

September 19, 2018
If you're new to home ownership, you probably have many things to learn about taking care of a home. Maintaining the drains is one of the ways that you can prevent plumbing problems and avoid costly repairs.
Opened Man Hole — Meridian, MS — Roto-Rooter Plumbers
If you're new to home ownership, you probably have many things to learn about taking care of a home. Maintaining the drains is one of the ways that you can prevent plumbing problems and avoid costly repairs. Knowing how to maintain your home's drains is important for ensuring that your home's plumbing is in good condition.

Use a Drain Strainer

Drain strainers are filters that prevent hair, food, and other items from going down the drain. Use a drain strainer in all sinks and bathtubs. Clean all drain strainers when completing the rest of your household cleaning. Keeping strainers clean can help keep them functional.

Clean Drains Regularly

Products like vinegar and baking soda can help keep your drains clear and flowing smoothly. To clean drains at home, pour equal parts baking soda and vinegar into the drain. When the froth settles, leave the mixture in the drains for about three hours, then with warm water. Doing this regularly will help clear debris from the drains and will help keep your drains free of clogs.

Flush Unused Drains Routinely

The P-trap is the curved part of the drain where water sits. This water creates a seal between the sewer and house, thus preventing sewer gas from entering the home. In unused bathrooms and drains of the house, this water can evaporate over time. If the water in the P-trap evaporates entirely, sewer gas can enter the room. To prevent this from happening, flush unused drains with water once a month (or more if needed).

Use a Plumber's Auger to Clear Clogs

A plumber's auger is basically a hand-powered drain snake. These handy tools can clear clogs in sinks and other drains. To use a drain snake to clear a clog, push the cable into the drain until it will go no farther.

Twist the crank to help the cable push through the obstacle it encounters, then push the cable farther into the drain. Keep doing this until you encounter the clog. When the cable encounters the blockage, it will pierce the clog and break it up. Pull the cable back and clean off any debris from the tip.

Know What Not to Flush Down Your Drains

Flushing the wrong waste into your drains can cause a sewer backup. To protect your home and prevent a sewer clog, never flush food, disposable wipes, grease, diapers, kitty litter or tampons into your drain. Even if a product says that it can be flushed down the drains, it may not be safe for your plumbing or sewer.

Watch for Signs of Sewer Backup

Knowing the signs of a sewer backup can help you get sewer cleaning services when they're needed.
  • The lowest drains of the house are slow or clogged. When the sewer begins to back up, the lowest drains of the house (like the bathtub and shower drains) may all become clogged or slow, all at once.
  • Water drains from one fixture or appliance into another fixture or appliance. For example, water from the toilet may back up into the bathtub when the toilet is flushed.
  • Drains make strange noises when water enters them. If your sewer is backed up, the drains may make gurgling or bubbling noises when they're used.
Watching out for these common signs of a problem can help you avoid a sewer backup or an emergency relating to your home's sewer.

Keep a Plumber's Number on Hand

Keeping the number for a plumber on hand makes it easy to call for help when you need it. Post the number for a reputable plumber on your home's fridge and in your cell phone.

Have plumbing maintenance questions? At Roto-Rooter, we can answer your questions about home remodeling and plumbing upgrades. To find out more, call us today.
June 11, 2025
If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in Jones County, sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS , should be on your radar. Your sewer line plays a critical role in keeping your plumbing running smoothly. However, many residents overlook the early signs of trouble until it’s too late and costly repairs follow. Don’t wait until raw sewage backs up into your yard or home. Instead, learn how to identify the red flags and act fast to protect your property and your wallet. Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late When it comes to plumbing, early detection is your best defense. Some of the most common warning signs that you may need sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, include Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs: If your water takes longer than usual to drain, a blockage could be forming deep in your sewer line. Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may mean waste is not being carried away properly. Gurgling Toilets: Strange bubbling sounds after flushing are a sign of trapped air due to clogs or blockages. Frequent Backups: Repeated toilet or drain backups signal a serious obstruction that needs immediate attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to full pipe blockages, property damage, and even health hazards. For reliable sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, turn to the trusted team at Roto-Rooter Sewer and Septic Services . Why Early Detection and Cleaning Matter Waiting until your system fails can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, helps maintain the integrity of your pipes and keeps your household safe from unsanitary conditions. At Roto-Rooter, we use advanced camera inspection tools to pinpoint problems without invasive digging. This technology allows our certified technicians to see exactly where and what the problem is so they can resolve it quickly and efficiently. Roto-Rooter: Your Local Sewer Line Experts Locally trusted and backed by decades of experience, Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service is your go-to for professional sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. We’re proud to serve the Laurel community with fast, friendly service that gets the job done right the first time. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and routine maintenance, and we use the latest technology to ensure accurate, efficient solutions. Whether you're dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, we’re equipped to handle it all with expertise and care. How Camera Inspections Make Sewer Line Cleaning Smarter Modern diagnostic tools, like sewer camera inspections, have revolutionized how professionals detect and solve plumbing issues. Instead of relying on guesswork or invasive digging, technicians can now feed a waterproof camera into the sewer line to get a real-time, high-resolution view of what's happening inside your pipes. This allows for accurate identification of clogs, cracks, tree root intrusions, or buildup, pinpointing the problem's exact location. For homeowners in Laurel, this means quicker diagnoses, less disruption, and more effective sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, ensuring your plumbing system gets the precise treatment it needs. If you’re noticing any warning signs, or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule your cleaning. Let us help you keep things flowing smoothly and avoid costly surprises down the road!
Professional technician performing Sewer Line System Cleaning with hydro jetting to clear blockages.
March 5, 2025
Learn the risks of clogged sewer lines & get expert sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. Contact Roto-Rooter today at (601) 483-2528!
A man is cleaning a manhole cover with a vacuum truck.
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Discover why sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, is vital for rental properties. Prevent costly repairs—contact Roto-Rooter for expert service today!
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June 11, 2025
If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in Jones County, sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS , should be on your radar. Your sewer line plays a critical role in keeping your plumbing running smoothly. However, many residents overlook the early signs of trouble until it’s too late and costly repairs follow. Don’t wait until raw sewage backs up into your yard or home. Instead, learn how to identify the red flags and act fast to protect your property and your wallet. Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late When it comes to plumbing, early detection is your best defense. Some of the most common warning signs that you may need sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, include Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs: If your water takes longer than usual to drain, a blockage could be forming deep in your sewer line. Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may mean waste is not being carried away properly. Gurgling Toilets: Strange bubbling sounds after flushing are a sign of trapped air due to clogs or blockages. Frequent Backups: Repeated toilet or drain backups signal a serious obstruction that needs immediate attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to full pipe blockages, property damage, and even health hazards. For reliable sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, turn to the trusted team at Roto-Rooter Sewer and Septic Services . Why Early Detection and Cleaning Matter Waiting until your system fails can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, helps maintain the integrity of your pipes and keeps your household safe from unsanitary conditions. At Roto-Rooter, we use advanced camera inspection tools to pinpoint problems without invasive digging. This technology allows our certified technicians to see exactly where and what the problem is so they can resolve it quickly and efficiently. Roto-Rooter: Your Local Sewer Line Experts Locally trusted and backed by decades of experience, Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service is your go-to for professional sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. We’re proud to serve the Laurel community with fast, friendly service that gets the job done right the first time. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and routine maintenance, and we use the latest technology to ensure accurate, efficient solutions. Whether you're dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, we’re equipped to handle it all with expertise and care. How Camera Inspections Make Sewer Line Cleaning Smarter Modern diagnostic tools, like sewer camera inspections, have revolutionized how professionals detect and solve plumbing issues. Instead of relying on guesswork or invasive digging, technicians can now feed a waterproof camera into the sewer line to get a real-time, high-resolution view of what's happening inside your pipes. This allows for accurate identification of clogs, cracks, tree root intrusions, or buildup, pinpointing the problem's exact location. For homeowners in Laurel, this means quicker diagnoses, less disruption, and more effective sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, ensuring your plumbing system gets the precise treatment it needs. If you’re noticing any warning signs, or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule your cleaning. Let us help you keep things flowing smoothly and avoid costly surprises down the road!
Professional technician performing Sewer Line System Cleaning with hydro jetting to clear blockages.
March 5, 2025
Learn the risks of clogged sewer lines & get expert sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. Contact Roto-Rooter today at (601) 483-2528!
A man is cleaning a manhole cover with a vacuum truck.
January 4, 2025
Discover why sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, is vital for rental properties. Prevent costly repairs—contact Roto-Rooter for expert service today!
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