If you have ever experienced coming home to a flooded home due to plumbing issues such as clogged pipes and drains, you understand how much of a nightmare it can be. Apart from being messy, flooding due to plumbing issues can damage your valuable belongings. While our most common go-to solutions for clogged drains and plumbing stoppage are the over-the-counter chemical cleaners, these products are also dangerous and may cause more serious problems to your plumbing system. The good news is, there are ways that you can avoid getting a plumbing stoppage. Check out below:

• Know the items that should not go down the drain
  

It’s important to know that there are items that can hurt your drainage and clog the plumbing system such as eggshells, grease or any forms of oil, coffee grounds, hair, pet dander, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and chemicals like paints. These products will harm your drain since they won’t melt or break down enough to pass through your plumbing. 

• Clean your sewer line
  

Apart from keeping an eye on the things that go down your drain, it is important to put a strainer on all of your drains especially on your bathroom and kitchen sink. Strainers will effectively prevent items like hair and sachets of shampoos or conditioners to enter and cause a stoppage in your plumbing system. Additionally, it is also important to have your drains checked and cleaned regularly. You can do the cleaning yourself by pouring hot water down the drain at least once a month in order to break down the clogs that have accumulated; specifically, the small pieces of soap bars and grease that have solidified in the drain. 

• Remove root destructions
  

Another common cause of plumbing stoppage are the roots growing from trees. In some areas where oak trees are abundant, their roots can grow so long and may reach into the sewer line. The problem occurs when the roots reach the pipe and block the waste products from flowing down into the septic or sewer. When this happens, it can result in a sewage backup or plumber stoppage. It is important to have the portions of the pipes affected the roots to be rerouted.

• Have it inspected regularly
  

If you have noticed that your plumbing system is no longer draining water efficiently, you can try to break up the clog by using a plunger. Or have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system. Professional plumbers are highly skilled in removing the stoppage.  They are also knowledgeable in terms of the chemicals to use to clean your drainers without causing any harm on your plumbing system. Experts recommend scheduling a cleaning on your plumbing system every 18 to 22 months or on an as-needed basis. Aside from that, professional plumbers are also equipped with the right device to properly inspect your plumbing system. Most of them are using a camera to run down the plumbing lines to see what causes the stoppage and any other underlying issues.