Sewer & Drain Care: Prevention, DIY & Pro Solutions
Your plumbing works quietly behind the scenes every day. Here's how to keep it flowing — from simple prevention to state-of-the-art professional solutions.
The Forgotten System in Your Home
We turn the water on each morning to brush our teeth, brew coffee, and take a shower — then watch the wastewater flow down the drain without a second thought. Until there's a problem.
Two Sides of Every System
Fresh Water In
Brings clean water into your home for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning.
Wastewater Out
Routes used, contaminated water away from your home and into the sewer system.
The #1 Cause of Sewer Clogs
Putting items into the drain that should go into the trash is the biggest reason water and sewer lines get clogged. Sure, you know about kids' toys and grease — but there are many other everyday items that should never go down the drain:
Grease & Oil
Solidifies in pipes
Chemicals
Corrodes pipes
Cigarette Butts
Don't break down
Fibrous Food
Tangles in pipes
Feminine Products
Causes blockages
Paper Towels
Won't dissolve
⚠️ If It's Not Waste or Toilet Paper — Trash It
Even products labeled "flushable" can cause serious clogs. When in doubt, throw it in the trash. Your drains and sewer line will thank you.
DIY Solutions to Try First
If your sewer line is running slow or starting to clog, here are a couple of DIY methods to try before calling a professional:
Baking Soda & Vinegar Flush
The Natural Cleaning ReactionThe bubbling reaction from baking soda and vinegar foams up and helps clear grease and grime from pipe walls.
- Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow with one cup of vinegar — let it fizz for 10 minutes.
- Flush with several gallons of boiling water.
- Repeat if needed for stubborn buildup.
At-Home Drain Snake
The Manual ApproachAn at-home snake can help clear pesky clogs by physically breaking through the blockage. Work the snake into the pipes per the user manual — never force it.
💡 When DIY Isn't Enough
If these methods don't resolve the issue, it's time to call a professional. Persistent clogs often indicate deeper problems — tree roots, collapsed sections, or heavy buildup that requires specialized equipment.
State-of-the-Art Without the Disruption
Unlike in the past, most sewer pipe clogs can be remedied without digging up your yard or jackhammering floors. LaVergne's offers advanced electronic scoping and hydraulic pipe clearing to resolve problems with minimal disruption to your home.
Electronic Scoping
Camera inspection to locate problems quickly without guesswork.
Hydro Jetting
High-pressure water clears and scours entire pipe systems clean.
Sewer Line Repair
State-of-the-art equipment for trenchless and traditional repairs.
Furnace & Heating
Complete heating services alongside plumbing — one call does it all.
What hydro jetting clears:
Electronic Sewer Scoping for Home Inspections
Many realtors and home professionals recommend electronic scoping of sewer pipes as part of a home inspection before purchasing a home. This simple, non-invasive inspection can save hundreds or thousands of dollars by identifying problems before you sign.
If a problem is discovered, the buyer may be able to get the seller to pay to have the sewer line jetted and cleaned before the purchase takes place.
Identify Restrictions
Spot potential flow restrictions before they become problems.
Detect Blockages
Find existing clogs, root intrusion, or collapsed sections.
Save Thousands
Negotiate repairs before closing — or avoid a bad investment entirely.
Keep It Flowing. Call LaVergne's.
From regular service appointments to emergency assistance, our trained, licensed plumbers can fix any plumbing problem quickly and correctly. Serving Whatcom & Skagit Counties.