Drains Archives | Reid & Pederson Drainage

NW Indiana

1. Clean Leaves Out of Gutters & Downspouts

Fall means falling leaves. And sometimes, these leaves get stuck in the gutters and downspouts of your home. It’s a good idea to clean all gutters and downspouts in the fall to ensure that rainwater can flow freely away from your home, avoiding potential water damage. Cleaning them now will prevent you from having to deal with blockages later on in the winter!

To effectively clean your gutters and downspouts, follow these steps:

Remove leaves and debris: Use a small trowel or gutter scoop to clear out all leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters.
Flush gutters and downspouts: After removing the debris, use a hose to flush water through the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of blockages and flowing properly.
Inspect for damage: While cleaning, check for any signs of damage to the gutters or downspouts, such as cracks, loose sections, or rust, and repair or replace them as needed.
Install gutter guards: Consider installing gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from collecting in the gutters in the first place, reducing future maintenance.

By taking these steps, you’ll keep your gutters and downspouts in top condition and protect your home from potential water damage throughout the fall and winter months.

2. Clear Out Tree Roots from Sewer Lines

Tree roots are always a common issue with sewer lines. This is especially true if there are lots of trees or shrubbery on your property. Fall is a great time to do preventive maintenance on your sewer line to clear out roots that find a way into your sewer pipes.

Fall is also the start of the busy holiday season, which usually means more visitors to your home. Ensuring your sewer is clear now by scheduling sewer rodding if you need it will ensure your sewer and drains can handle the additional use.

3. Check Your Sump & Ejector Pumps

If your home has a basement, it’s likely equipped with a sump pump and or an ejector pump. These pumps play a crucial role in managing groundwater and wastewater. Fall is a great time to check your sump and ejector pumps and their pits for clogs in the discharge lines. Regular checks can help prevent unexpected headaches during winter storms and snow melts.

Follow these steps to check your sump and ejector pumps:

Inspect the pits: Clear out any debris, dirt, or buildup in the sump and ejector pump pits that could obstruct the pump’s operation.
Test the pump: Unplug each pump and then plug it back in. The pump should activate when you plug it back in, which confirms that it’s functioning correctly.
Simulate water flow: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The sump pump should turn on automatically and begin pumping water out. For the ejector pump, run water in the basement plumbing fixtures and check for proper drainage.
Check discharge lines: Make sure the discharge lines are clear and free from blockages. These lines carry water away from your home, so it’s crucial they are in good working order.
Inspect for wear and tear: Check the pumps for signs of damage or wear, such as rust, cracks, or loose connections. If you notice any issues, consider contacting a professional for repairs or replacement.

By performing these simple checks in the fall, you can ensure your sump and ejector pumps are ready to handle the heavy rainfall and snowmelt of the coming seasons.

4. Use Drain Traps Throughout Your Home

A simple year-round tip that’s pretty effective is the use of traps over frequently used drains, like bathtubs and bathroom sinks. These traps catch hair and debris that can easily lead to clogged pipes and forcing you to call in a professional for drain cleaning.

With more visitors to your home during the holidays, this preventive measure is invaluable in keeping your drains flowing smoothly!

5. Get Your Sewers Rodded

One last tip to prepare your sewer for the fall season? If you haven’t already, and especially if your home is surrounded by lots of trees, have your sewer rodded to clear out roots and other debris that manages to find its way into your line.

And with more visitors in your home during the holidays, a sewer rodding is a good idea to be sure things will flow smoothly all season long.

Drain & Sewer Maintenance Help From the Pros

Prepare your home for the fall season by following these essential sewer and drain maintenance tips. With a little proactive care, you can enjoy the autumn festivities without worrying about unexpected drainage problems.

But no matter what kind of sewer or drain issue you’re experiencing, or what time of year it is, Reid & Pederson is always just a phone call away! We’ll get there quickly and solve your drain or sewer problem in no time.

We also have a sewer maintenance program that will help keep your system running smoothly all year long.

Looking for expert sewer maintenance in the South Suburbs or NW Indiana? Call our local team today to schedule a fall drain inspection and avoid holiday clogs.

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

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Fall Drain & Sewer Maintenance FAQ

Why is it important to clean gutters in the fall?

Cleaning gutters in the fall prevents blockages from leaves and debris, which can cause water damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. Clogged gutters can also freeze in winter, leading to ice dams and costly repairs.

How often should I clean my gutters during fall?

It’s best to clean your gutters at least twice during the fall season. One cleaning should be done after the majority of leaves have fallen, and another towards the end of the season to ensure they are clear before winter. This helps prevent blockages that can lead to water damage and drain issues.

How often should I perform fall drain maintenance?

Perform fall drain maintenance at least once, ideally after most leaves have fallen and before winter. If you have many trees, check gutters and drains more frequently to prevent clogs and avoid issues during the busy holiday season and winter months.

Why is fall a good time for sewer maintenance?

Fall is an ideal time for sewer maintenance because the falling leaves and increased rain can clog gutters and drains. Additionally, preparing your sewer system before winter ensures you avoid potential backups or damage during heavy snow melts or holiday gatherings, when your system may experience increased usage.

What should I do if my drains are running slowly?

Slow drains can be a sign of a blockage. Try using a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear minor clogs. If the problem persists, you may need professional drain cleaning or sewer rodding to remove larger obstructions in the pipes.

How do I know if tree roots are blocking my sewer line?

Signs include slow drainage, gurgling sounds, unpleasant odors, or sewage backups. Lush patches of grass near the sewer line can also indicate root intrusion. If you suspect this, get a professional inspection to avoid further damage.

How do I know if my sump pump is working properly?

To check your sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump turns on and drains the water effectively, it’s working properly. If it doesn’t activate or drains slowly, it may need maintenance or replacement. Checking your sump pump in the fall ensures it’s ready for heavy winter rainfall or snowmelt.

How can I prevent sewer line blockages during the holidays?

To avoid blockages during the holiday season, perform routine sewer maintenance in the fall. Clear your drains and sewer line of any tree roots or debris, avoid pouring grease or large food particles down the kitchen drain, and use drain traps to catch hair and debris in bathrooms.

What are the risks of neglecting fall drain and sewer maintenance?

Neglecting sewer and drain maintenance in the fall can lead to severe clogs, backups, water damage, and costly repairs. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling around your foundation, and tree roots can block sewer lines, causing them to crack or collapse. Preventive maintenance helps you avoid these risks.

Learn More About Drain & Sewer Maintenance in Crete & Beyond

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

July 17, 2024

By witseo

Sluggish drains, problematic faucets, and sewer issues are never pleasant, but maintenance can go a long way toward avoiding problems before they get out of hand. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about drain and sewer maintenance that can lead you astray.

The Reid & Pederson Drainage team is always here to assist you with all of your drain and sewer needs in Crete, IL and beyond. To optimize your plumbing and sewer systems, we also wanted to address some myths, best practices, and tips on all of your drain and sewer needs. Here’s how to get started!

Myth 1: Using Household Ingredients is Effective

When you rely on household ingredients to clean out your drains, you’re delaying a thorough drain cleaning and leaving the problem to grow worse. Yes, some boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda can help with a light clog. But after one or two applications, your blog isn’t going to get any better, so it’s time to call in the drain experts.

Best Practice:

If your drains suddenly slow down out of nowhere, mix up a solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain. In about ten minutes, pour a boiling kettle of water down your drain to clear it out. If nothing happens, you need professional drain cleaning. However, the baking soda and vinegar treatment can help you stay on top of your drain maintenance.

Myth 2: If My Drains Are Flowing, My Plumbing Is Just Fine

Drains that work efficiently and effortlessly are always the goal, but freely flowing drains doesn’t necessarily mean there are no issues with your plumbing. Over time, clogs can form in your sewer line that take time to show up in your drains. Tree roots can also find their way into your pipes through holes, cracking them to find the water they’re looking for to thrive.

Best Practice:

Routine sewer maintenance is vital to healthy plumbing and drains. Call the team at Reid & Pederson Drainage for sewer rodding and maintenance to eliminate roots and other debris in your sewer line. You’ll stay ahead of growing problems and save money over time on sewer line repairs and premature replacements.

Myth 3: Slow Drains Aren’t a Big Deal

Slow drains may seem like a minor problem that will eventually go away. In reality, they could be a sign of a deeper issue in your plumbing. A clog in your sewer line, a tree intrusion, or a broken sewer line could be the cause. When you ignore the problem, it can lead to a complete blockage and ongoing damage to your plumbing and sewer systems.

Best Practice:

Get on top of your slow drain problem as soon as possible. You can use a drain snake, a plunger, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda in equal parts with boiling water. If you can’t get rid of the issue yourself, you need to contact a sewer and drain professional as soon as possible. Depending on the issue, the team at Reid & Pederson may recommend hydro jetting or other solutions to get your drains flowing and break up stubborn clogs.

Myth 4: Pouring Grease Down the Drain is Fine If You Follow It with Hot Water

Grease is one of the worst things you can possibly do to your drains. The grease may look liquefied when it’s hot, but once it cools off, it clogs and sticks to your pipes and everything in its way. You end up with stubborn, sticky clogs. Unfortunately, some homeowners believe the hot water will melt the grease and wash it away. Instead, you’re just moving the grease further down the pipes, which leads to blockages that are difficult to reach and can cause damage to your sewer line. Here are some other things you should never put down your drain!

Best Practice:

Always dispose of your grease and oil in a container and throw it in the trash. It’s also wise to wipe your greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing them to avoid stray grease from sliding into your drains.

Myth 5: Store-Bought Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Fine If You Don’t Use Them All the Time

Chemical drain cleaners are widely available and marketed as a quick, low-cost way to break up stubborn clogs. But do they work? Store-bought drain cleaners may work temporarily, but you have no idea at what cost. They’re corrosive and harsh on pipes, which could make your problem worse, even after one use. The clog could end up holding onto those drain cleaning chemicals, degrading your pipes, and causing leaks.

Best Practice:

Use a plunger or a drain snake to clear minor clogs. For persistent issues, consult a professional plumber who can address the root cause without damaging your plumbing.

Myth 6: You Can Toss Flushable Wipes Into the Toilet

If you have a baby or toddler, you’ve probably seen wipes marketed as “flushable.” You should never flush wipes down the toilet, even though they may break down easier than regular wipes. They won’t fully biodegrade and can cause significant blockages in your pipes and municipal sewer systems.

Best Practice:

Flushable wipes are never truly flushable. Dispose of wipes in your trash, even if they are labeled “flushable” and come recommended. Only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet.

Myth 7: Professional Drain Cleaning is Too Expensive

It’s a common misconception that professional drain cleaning is simply too expensive. Although there is an upfront cost involved, in the long run, professional drain cleaning can save you money in the long-run. You’ll prevent clogs from growing that can turn into burst pipes, sewer line problems, and even sewage backing up into your home. Your best and most affordable option is to invest in regular drain cleaning to keep your plumbing running smoothly.

Best Practice:

Schedule drain cleaning every year, or anytime you have a clog forming, to stay on top of the problem before it turns into an expensive plumbing emergency. You can also save money on sewer rodding and maintenance with our Sewer Maintenance Program, designed to keep your sewers clean, safe, and working efficiently.

Call Us for Expert Drain & Sewer Maintenance!

Are you struggling with your drains or sewers in Crete, IL or the surrounding area? The team at Reid & Pederson will come out to assess the situation, offer solutions, and talk you through the process and pricing. We’ll get your sewer and drains working seamlessly again.

Schedule your appointment today!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

January 18, 2024

By witseo

If you’re looking to infuse more eco-consciousness into your day, there’s more to do than adjust your HVAC system and watch your energy consumption. You can also focus on getting your drains clean and fresh with an eco-friendly approach!

Here’s a look at some of the best tips, strategies, and services (courtesy of our Crete drain and sewer experts!) to get your drains in good working order without harmful chemicals and negative environmental impact.

The Downside of Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners can be effective but they come at a steep cost to your plumbing, drainage system and the environment. These corrosive drain cleaners are considered a hazardous substance and can poison you and your family, not to mention pets, water systems, lakes, and everything they touch. It’s estimated that around 3,00 injuries per year are related to drain cleaners and one-third of these are related to cutaneous burns. Using these products is not worth the risk!

Understanding Your Drainage System

There are a few types of drainage systems on the market. In most cases, your home’s drainage system works with the help of gravity and a slight downward slope of pipes to carry wastewater away from your home, through your pipes, and into the sewer. The waste eventually flows to a sewage treatment facility or a septic tank.

Drains may seem like they work effortlessly where everything washes away, but they need regular cleaning and maintenance to avoid clogs. When too much grease goes down your pipes, it can stick to the walls of your pipes and develop stubborn clogs. Other materials, such as food waste, hair, foreign objects, and debris, can also cause clogs. Once a clog starts, everything that goes down your pipe can get caught in it and create a larger blockage.

Over time, clogs can damage your pipes or cause leaks and break-downs. It’s also not uncommon for clogs to form deeper in your sewer lines and cause a backup of dangerous wastewater that suddenly appears in your sinks, showers, and bathtubs. At this point, you have a full-blown drain emergency that needs immediate attention.

Even without wastewater buildup, drains can develop bacteria and viruses and need to be addressed immediately. You’re not only risking the integrity of your plumbing, drainage and sewer systems, but also your and your family’s health.

Natural Alternatives to Chemical Cleaners

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural drain cleaners out there that cost almost nothing. Here are a few easy DIY drain cleaning solutions to get started:

Boiling water: Pouring a pot of boiling water down your drains periodically, especially after anything may have slipped down, can help break up new clogs.
Vinegar and baking soda: Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda and pour it down your drain. Let it sit for about half an hour to an hour before pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
Baking soda and salt: Mix 1/2 cup table salt and 1/2 cup baking soda together and pour it down the drain. Let the solution sit for about 30-minutes and wash it away with a pot of boiling water.

For mild clogs, these all-natural drain cleaners can work as effectively as the harsh chemicals you may be used to. But for anything stubborn, you need a professional to unclog and clean your drains.

Preventative Measures for Drain Health

One of your best defenses against clogged drains is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to minimize your clogs and stay on top of blockages:

Use only chemical-free drain cleaning solutions
Buy a few inexpensive drain strainers
Dispose of cooking grease or oil in a jar and throw out when full
Avoid flushing unused medications, coffee grounds, or eggshells down drains or toilets
Remind your family and any guests not to let food and foreign objects go down drains

Exercising mindful drain disposal practices keeps you from compromising the integrity of your home’s plumbing. The goal is to only allow a small amount of intentional waste to go down your drains.

Regular Maintenance Practices

Drain maintenance is simple and a proactive approach to good home hygiene habits. Pour a hot pot of water down the drains and follow up with cold water. It’s also a good idea to combine your solution of one part boiling water with one part vinegar and baking soda. Both of these drain maintenance techniques can be used once a month, or after an especially heavy day of cooking and entertaining.

At Reid & Pederson Drainage, we also offer routine drain and sewer maintenance to help keep your drainage system in tip-top shape!

Professional Eco-Friendly Drainage Solutions

At some point, even the most proactive drain maintenance habits may require professional intervention. Habitually slow or clogged drains, odd odors and gurgling sounds are signs of drainage troubles.

Call our drain and sewage specialists at at Reid & Pederson Drainage anytime you’re dealing with standing water or your sewer is backing up. If something just seems off with your drains and you can’t pinpoint what it is, don’t leave it up to chance. Give us a call and we’ll get there as soon as we can to address the problem and get your home back in good working order.

Our team offers reliable sewer and drain cleaning that you can’t get in a bottle of harsh chemicals, including:

Sewer Rodding
Drain Rodding
Hydro Jetting
Precision Cleaning
Overhead Sewer and Drain Cleaning

All of our green drain and sewer practices rely on natural methods, such as breaking up clogs with rods or a concentrated stream of water and flushing clogs away. We also offer a ZipDrain service to clean and jet your overhead sewer without making a mess and get your lines running cleanly again.

Impact of Eco-Friendly Practices on Home and Environment

When you focus on environmentally friendly drain care and maintenance, you put less strain on your pipes. As harsh chemical cleaners are corrosive, they end up damaging your pipes and causing leaks. Beyond the health of your home and avoiding ingesting these chemicals yourself, switching to eco-friendly drain solutions means a cleaner environment. You’re no longer pouring harsh chemicals down the drain that end up in local waterways, streams, and in wildlife habitats.

Switching to eco-friendly drain cleaning is also an opportunity to look at the hygiene habits around your home. You can make natural cleaners with bakign soda, vinegar, and essential oils. For example, lavender and lemon oil are natural astringents and cleaners that don’t contain toxic chemicals like phthalates or chlorine beach. A little olive oil, vinegar, and essential oils can also kill bacteria while polishing up the shine of floors and wooden furniture.

Get Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaning from Reid & Pederson

Switching to an eco-friendly drain maintenance and tidying up your home doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. You can take a proactive approach by keeping drains clear of debris, grease, grime, egg shells and more to avoid problematic clogs.

But when you do experience clogs and slow drains, it’s important to call the team at Red & Pederson Drainage. We’ll get your drains cleaned and break down stubborn clogs to restore the health of your drainage system. Call us today!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

Want to read more of our expert tips? Check out our blog!

November 23, 2023

By witseo

The holiday season is here, which means that gatherings with family and friends become the highlight of our calendars.

If you’re hosting any gatherings, you know that a lot of planning and preparation are needed to successfully pull it off. So while your guest list and meal may be all planned out, one uninvited guest you certainly don’t want showing up to the festivities is a sewer or drain backup.

Read on for five easy tips to prevent a holiday backup and keep things flowing all holiday season long.

1) Mindful Meal Cleanup

Turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce…the list of holiday foods on your dinner table is endless. Throw unfinished plates and meal prep scraps straight in the garbage can, not down your garbage disposal.

Items like potato peels or other starchy vegetables do not break down easily and cause havoc on the blades, while fibrous veggies like celery or rhubarb wrap around blades, causing them to not work as efficiently. Leftover bones spin around and do not go anywhere. And don’t even think about throwing that grease down there, as it can harden in your disposal and cause a major backup.

Holiday feasts bring delectable dishes, but proper disposal of food remnants is essential. Learn more about garbage disposals and your kitchen sink!

2) Efficient Disposal Operation

After disposing of food scraps, run the disposal for at least 20-30 seconds with a continuous flow of water. This ensures thorough clearing without overloading the disposal. It’s best not to pack the disposal first then turn it on as this causes the disposal to work harder than usual and oftentimes leads to clogs.

3) Smart Toilet Paper Choices

If you’re hosting the holiday, you know that extra guests in your home equals extra use of the facilities in your home. Although the plush, thick toilet paper is tempting, instead, choose a nice, mid-range thickness toilet paper to accommodate for all of those extra bathroom trips. This can save you from a possible backup – and your guests from possible embarrassment.

It’s also a good idea to use this kind of toilet paper year round, even when you aren’t hosting extra guests. Read another one of our blog posts to learn about other things you shouldn’t put down your drains!

4) Proactive Drain Checks

Prior to hosting guests, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to take a look at any slow drains in your home. The increased water usage and bathroom usage could become a minor or major catastrophe if not taken care of before your guests arrive.

5) Time Between Showers

Encourage a 15-minute interval between showers. This will help prevent hair clogs and the build up of soap residue, and will allow drains to clear efficiently. Doing this not only ensures there’s enough hot water for all guests, it also ensures that the shower drain is fully drained and cleared of all hair and soap residue from the previous user, so things don’t begin to build up and eventually cause a backup.

Help from the Drain & Sewer Pros!

Hosting a holiday party can be stressful, so give yourself one less thing to worry about by following our helpful tips. And if you do experience a backup or need sewer or drain cleaning? Give us a call! Our drain and sewer service pros are always ready to swing by and save the day!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

August 22, 2023

By witmin

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably experienced a clogged drain at some point. Whether a bathtub, toilet, bathroom sink or kitchen sink, a clogged drain is an inconvenience that requires a quick fix.

Your first reaction is probably reaching for the drain cleaner under the sink or taking a quick trip to the store to purchase some.

But before you do that, consider the following facts about chemical drain cleaners and your pipes.

Have questions? Reach out to the Crete drain and sewer experts at Reid & Pederson!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

How Drain Cleaner Chemicals Work

Chemical drain cleaners come in a variety of formats but all of them work the same way. What exactly happens when you pour them down the drain? In a nutshell, the chemicals interact with your clog, causing a chemical reaction that generates heat and sends your clog into oblivion. That’s a great thing when getting rid of that stubborn clog in your bath sink but it’s not-so-great for a number of other reasons.

How Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Be Dangerous

Corrosion

Chemical drain cleaners are just that – chemicals – and they’re manufactured to be strong enough to cut through any clog. So while eliminating clogs is a good thing, it’s not a good thing for your pipes, especially if they’re made of PVC or older metal. Why? While these caustic chemicals are eliminating your clog, at the same time, they’re also eating through your pipes, causing damage that eventually requires sewer line repair or replacement.

Health Hazards

Since these types of cleaners consist of chemicals, they often create fumes that can cause breathing problems in humans. Additionally, the chemicals found in these products can cause burns to skin, face and eyes, not only to the consumer but to any technician who may be called to work on the clog.

Effectiveness

Chemical drain cleaners are not always effective in totally clearing clogged pipes. Many times, clogs are found further down the drain so the chemicals may not fully reach and penetrate the clog. And even when they do reach the clog, they generally only clear away the part of the clog found on the bottom of the pipe – the part of the pipe the chemicals actually touch.

Environmental Impacts

Chemical cleaners usually contain acids like hydrochloric and sulfuric acids, oxidizers like sodium hypochlorite and caustics like lye, caustic soda or sodium hydroxide. When poured down the drain, it’s only a matter of time before these chemicals can end up in groundwater and water supplies.

How to Clean a Clogged Drain Without Chemicals

So what do you do if you’re dealing with a stubborn clog? Before you reach for those chemicals, consider a simple DIY remedy first. A simple mixture of vinegar and baking soda put down your drain and allowed to sit overnight could be enough to eliminate your clog.

However, since many clogs are often found further down the line, most times professional help is necessary.

Help from Your Local Drain & Sewer Pros

If you’re experiencing a stubborn clog that will not go away, don’t reach for those chemical. Instead, give the Crete drain cleaning experts at Reid & Pederson a call and our knowledgeable technicians will clear your clog quickly!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

Learn More About Drain Cleaning in Crete

Check out more of our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips & more!

June 13, 2023

By witadmin

When you think of summer, your drainage and sewer system is probably the last thing that comes to mind. But did you know that there are specific issues that can pop up regarding these systems during the summer months? Below are some common drainage issues many homeowners experience during the summer months and what you can do to help prevent them. Continue reading to learn more or simply give the drain and sewer experts at Reid & Pederson Drainage a call now!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

SOUTH SUBURBS

nw indiana

Sump Pump Problems

Ah, those warm summer rains and the thunderstorms that come along with them. They’re refreshing and calming at times, but can also be quite hazardous, in more ways than one. Heavy summer rains can wreak havoc on your home drainage system.

Many homes contain sump pumps in the basement to pump away groundwater. Too much rain can overwhelm your pump if you don’t have an adequate system in place. For some homeowners, having multiple sump pumps and even a battery backup system are essential to keeping water from seeping into their basement. If you experience water seepage or know your home has a drainage problem, it is vital that you address the sump pump issue to prevent a catastrophe later on.

Sewer Line Backups

While the warm summer weather is great for spending time outdoors, it also means the constant threat of those warm Midwest summer thunderstorms. And with those storms comes rain – sometimes lots of it! Lots of rain can overwhelm home sewer systems and cause backups. Tree roots also cause problems during the summer months as they can find their way into your pipes through the smallest cracks, seeking out the water in your pipes. The result is a blockage that only professional drain and sewer cleaning in Crete and beyond can effectively remove.

Clogged Drains

Having the kids off of school for the summer equals more occupants and more overall use of plumbing fixtures in your home. Although the COVID-19 pandemic right now may be limiting visitors, summer is usually a time to spend increased time with friends and family.

Things like summer barbecues, more showers and more toilet use can all lead to clogged drains that could ultimately require drain cleaning services. Trips to the beach, camping and other summer activities can also be brought back home in the form of extra dirt and debris.

So when you’re hosing off from a day at the beach, try your best to keep all of that sand out of your drains. Lastly, make sure any visitors are clear on what shouldn’t be flushed down your toilets – namely, feminine hygiene products, paper towels or wipes.

Clogged Disposals

Summertime is the perfect time to break out the grill and host the perfect summer barbecue with friends and family. While it’s a great time to relax with great company, it also leads to a higher likelihood of garbage disposal problems. Why is this, you ask? With so much extra food being prepared, there is an increased risk of too much of the wrong items being put down your disposal.

So what foods should you keep in mind to never put down your disposal this summer? Below is a list of the worst offenders:

Keep the steak and chicken bones out of the disposal. Bones tend to continually spin around your disposal blades and even if they do make it down the disposal, they definitely won’t make it through your drain pipes. Make Fido happy instead and throw him that steak bone, surely he will appreciate it!
Certain fruits and vegetables. Those potatoes you’re pealing for your potato salad or the celery you’re adding to it? What about all of those eaten ears of corn or watermelon rinds? Don’t put any of these down your disposal! Celery strings tend to tangle around your blades, potatoes can cause a soupy mess in your disposal and hard pits or rinds just won’t ever grind up. None of these bodes well for your disposal.
Too much remaining pasta salad? Keep it out of your disposal. Pasta tends to swell up when exposed to water, even after it is fully cooked. Dumping it down the disposal increases the likelihood of it swelling and clogging the trap or causing a clog further down the line.
Grease and oil. Never dump grease or oil down your disposal. Just because it’s a liquid form when you dump it doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Grease and oil tend to harden up in your pipes, causing clogs that can lead to major issues.

Clogged Toilets

Having the kids off of school for the summer usually means more visitors in the form of friends and family. These increased visitors could see your toilets getting a bit more use during those hazy summer days. While this generally isn’t a cause for concern, it can turn into one if those extra visitors aren’t aware of just what can – and cannot – be flushed down the toilet. Many times, toilet clogs can be taken care of simply with a plunger, however, continual flushing of anything other than toilet paper – baby wipes, paper towels, napkins or feminine hygiene products, to name a few – will certainly lead to backups that only a professional can clear.

Blocked Gutters & Downspouts

Plentiful summer rain can also cause your gutters and downspouts to clog. No matter the time of year, it’s always a good idea to periodically check your gutters and downspouts and remove things like leaves, sticks, dead animals or other debris from them. These things commonly cause clogs in your gutters or downspouts and don’t allow rain to properly drain away from your home.

Instead, clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water pooling in your yard, with no place to go but into your basement or crawl space. It’s a good idea to check your gutters and downspouts before the start of every new season to prevent clogs in them.

The Drain & Sewer Experts

If you’re dealing with an issue mentioned above or any other drain or sewer problem, call the drain and sewer experts at Reid & Pederson Drainage. We’ll get to you quickly and get things flowing again at your property!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana