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Inspect regularly for clogs, clean drain lines, and ensure grading directs water away from the foundation.

There are several homemade solutions for clearing a clogged sink that don’t involve pouring harsh chemicals down your drain. Start by pouring hot (but not boiling) water down the drain. This can help dissolve and flush away grease and gunk. A splash of dish soap down the drain can also cut through fat and make it easier to clear the drain. For a more stubborn blockage, grab a plunger and give it a few firm pumps to dislodge the clog.

Sewer gas in any location can cause eye and respiratory irritation if you’re exposed at low levels, or more severe symptoms if you’re exposed at high levels—but fortunately, the fresh air outside means it’s less likely to affect your physical health. However, sewer smells outside can still indicate significant plumbing problems that will need to be dealt with, such as a potentially damaged sewer line or roof vent pipe.

Unlike regular cleanings, snaking your sewer line should be done as needed. There’s no reason to snake your sewer line if you don’t have any noticeable issues, like slow drainage or plugged drains. You can add it to your regular sewer cleaning checklist as a prevention method (on the same 18- to 22-month schedule), but it’s not always necessary.