Sewer problems are every homeowner’s nightmare. A sewage blockage has the potential to cause major disruptions — and serious damage — from foul odors and slow drains to messy backups and costly repairs.
The good news?
Most sewer problems don’t happen overnight. They build up slowly, giving you time to step in and stop them before they become expensive emergencies.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common causes of sewer blockages and share simple, effective tips to keep your system flowing freely. From smart daily habits to easy maintenance tools and professional services, you’ll learn how to protect your home from one of the most unpleasant plumbing problems out there.
Whether you're dealing with frequent clogs or looking to prevent future trouble, these tips will help you avoid costly sewer problems and keep your plumbing in good condition.
Sewage blockages don’t usually happen overnight. They build up slowly over time until something finally causes the system to fail. Knowing what leads to these clogs is the first step in preventing them. Below are the most common culprits homeowners should watch out for:
Grease is one of the biggest culprits in clogged sewer lines. It may seem harmless when you pour hot grease or oil down the drain. But as it cools, it hardens and sticks to the inside of your pipes.
Over time, this sticky residue traps food particles, soap, and other debris, eventually leading to a solid mass restricting water flow. Even small amounts poured down the drain regularly can build up into a complete blockage.
Toilets can handle human waste and toilet paper — nothing more. Flushing items like baby wipes (even those labeled "flushable"), paper towels, cotton swabs, dental floss, or feminine hygiene products can cause serious blockages.
Even if you're careful about what goes down the drain, everyday use still contributes to the buildup. Soap scum, mineral deposits from hard water, and bits of debris can accumulate inside your pipes, slowly reducing their diameter. This buildup may not cause problems immediately, but over time, it restricts flow and creates the perfect environment for a clog to form.
Sometimes the issue isn’t what’s going down your drains — it’s the pipes' condition. Sewer lines can sag, shift, crack, or collapse due to age, shifting soil, or poor installation.
When this happens, wastewater can no longer flow properly, backing up into your home or yard. These blockages often require more than a cleaning — they may need repairs or pipe replacement.
Understanding these causes helps homeowners make smarter choices and act quickly when something seems off. The sooner you recognize and respond to early warning signs, the better your chance of avoiding a full-blown sewer emergency.
Preventing sewage blockages starts with the small things you do every day. Building a few simple habits into your routine will protect your plumbing system, avoid major clogs, and save you from expensive repairs.
Here are the most effective daily habits every homeowner should follow.
Hair is a leading cause of bathroom drain clogs, especially when it mixes with soap scum. Install inexpensive mesh drain covers or strainers in your sinks, tubs, and showers to catch hair and debris before they reach your pipes. Clean the strainer regularly to keep water flowing freely.
After washing dishes or using your garbage disposal, run hot water for 15–30 seconds to help flush out food particles and light grease. This keeps debris from settling and sticking to your pipes.
Garbage disposals aren’t like trash cans. Avoid putting fibrous, starchy, or hard items like potato peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, bones, or fruit pits down the disposal. These can either clog the system or create blockages further down the line. Feed small amounts at a time, and always run cold water while the disposal is in use.
Even with good daily habits, your plumbing system needs regular care to stay in top shape. Sewer lines collect residue over time — soap scum, grease, food particles, and even small intrusions like roots or mineral buildup.
The good news?
With a few basic tools and a simple maintenance routine, you can catch problems early and prevent major blockages.
Skip the harsh chemical drain cleaners — they can damage your pipes over time and only offer temporary relief. Instead, use enzyme-based cleaners once a month.
These natural solutions use bacteria to break down organic matter like grease, food, and hair. They're safe for your pipes, septic systems, and the environment, and they work overtime to keep buildup from becoming a full-blown clog.
Every homeowner should have a good-quality plunger, ideally one for sinks and one for toilets. Plungers are your first line of defense against minor clogs. If water drains slowly or backs up, a few solid plunges can restore flow, especially if you catch the problem early.
A drain snake (also called a hand auger) is a must-have for stubborn clogs in sinks, tubs, or showers. It allows you to break up hair, soap, or food buildup further down the line without chemicals.
Manual snakes are inexpensive and easy to use for minor issues. A motorized snake might be needed for tougher clogs — something a professional plumber can bring in if you can’t resolve it yourself.
Take a walk around your home every few months and check under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement or crawl space for signs of leaks or moisture. If you have an accessible sewer cleanout, check for unusual smells or pooling water. These early warning signs often show up before a full blockage happens.
If you notice water draining slowly in any fixture, don’t wait until it stops completely. A slow drain usually means something is beginning to block the flow. Address it early with plunging, snaking, or a drain-safe enzyme cleaner before it becomes a full obstruction.
Basic maintenance doesn’t require advanced skills. You simply need consistency and a few affordable tools. By staying proactive, you extend the life of your plumbing system and avoid emergency repairs. These small efforts keep your sewer line running clean, clear, and worry-free.
Don’t wait for a clogged drain or sewer backup to remind you how important your plumbing system is.
Whether you need help with routine maintenance, stubborn blockages, or a full sewer inspection, Neighborly Plumbing is here to help. Our experienced team delivers fast, reliable service with long-lasting results, so you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy peace of mind.
From everyday plumbing support to emergency services, we’ve got your home covered. Contact Neighborly Plumbing today, and let us take the stress out of sewer problems, one reliable fix at a time.
