Blockage

A mess in the house, a foul odor, and high costs: no one wants a clogged sewer. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do on your own to prevent a clog.

Poop, pee, and toilet paper

Use the toilet for its intended purpose: only flush feces, urine, and toilet paper. Other items, such as food scraps, paint, and grease, can cause clogs if you flush them. Food scraps belong in the compost bin; you can dispose of paint and grease for free at the recycling center in Klundert. Tampons, sanitary pads, and diapers also belong in the trash, not in the toilet.

No wipes

Only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Paper towels are too thick; throw them in the trash. The same goes for wet wipes and moist toilet paper: they often cause clogs. This also applies to wipes that say they’re safe to flush.

Keep the drain clean

Clean the shower and bathtub drains regularly. The same goes for the sink and other washbasin drains. This will prevent hair and soap scum, for example, from accumulating in the sewer and causing a clog.

Check the pipes

Sewer pipes can sag. This can happen, for example, if you live in an older home, due to wear and tear or because the pipe supports are broken. This can cause odors or clogs. So check every now and then to make sure the pipes you can see are still in good condition—for example, in the crawl space.

Clean Gutters

The sewer can also become clogged by leaves and other debris from outside. Therefore, clean your gutters regularly to keep your downspouts clear.