2020 Fall Home Improvement

Page 32 2020 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT Lincoln Daily News September 24, 2020 wastes. City and rural systems each have their advantages and drawbacks. What is common to both is that these systems require maintenance and sometimes replacement. Every home and business has a combination of wastewater systems: those located inside and those outside. Inside, there are drain pipes from sinks, bathing fixtures, and toilets. Two issues happen with these drain pipes. They can often become clogged, and they can age and begin to leak. Clogging can often be an issue with abuse: pouring cooking grease down a drain causes an accumulation of fat on the insides of the drainpipe and over time has narrowed the drain so it no longer adequately allows the water to flow. Or items not meant to be flushed are put down the toilet and lead to clogs. Even though the boxes say so, tampons and medicated or disinfectant wipes are not safe for any sewer or septic system and can lead to clogs. Clearing clogged drains can often be done by taking apart the j trap beneath the sink and clearing it of obstructions, or using a drain eel to rod out the close obstructions. These are skills most homeowners should learn. Liquid Continued n