Best sewer cleaners near Cedar Rapids, IA

Thankfully, it’s pretty rare to find a rat in your toilet. It’s more likely in larger cities with big sewer systems that can be feeding grounds for rats, but even then, you still shouldn’t fret. 

“I wouldn’t worry too much about rats coming up through the sewers,” Bradshaw says. “I’d say only one out of a thousand rodent customers we get actually have this problem. And of the 20 or some customers that have had this happen, they’ve all only had just one rat come up this way.”

Main sewer lines can clog for several reasons. For example, if you regularly dump oil or grease down your drain, it could eventually block your line. Sometimes, tree roots can penetrate and grow inside old sewer pipes, creating a major blockage. Flushing bulky items (like paper towels, diapers, or baby wipes) can also clog your plumbing system.

Some flushable wipes companies say they are designed to disintegrate within a few hours to a few days after being flushed. These wipes allegedly use materials that are more water-soluble than traditional wipes. However, many experts have raised concerns that even so-called "flushable" wipes do not break down as easily as claimed and can contribute to clogs and blockages in sewer systems.

To prevent plumbing and sewer problems, avoid flushing wipes, even those labeled as flushable. Instead, dispose of them in the trash. This can help prevent costly plumbing issues and reduce the strain on wastewater treatment systems.

As a preventative measure, hydro jetting should be done every one to two years. However, the best practice is to hydro jet your sewer line once per year. The ideal frequency depends on several factors, including the age and condition of your pipes, how prone they are to clogging, how often the sewer line is used, and the type of waste disposed of in the system. If you frequently experience clogs or are unsure, it's best to ask a licensed plumber for a recommendation specific to your plumbing system.