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Grease buildup, tree roots, and foreign objects often cause blockages. Regular maintenance prevents major issues.

If you’re wondering whether rats can come up the toilet, the unfortunate answer is yes, it’s possible, though it’s extremely rare. These rodents are excellent swimmers and can travel through sewer pipes in search of food, and they may follow plumbing lines leading to your home if they’re drawn by the scent of scraps and waste. The toilet’s U-bend holds a small pocket of air, which can help a rat catch its breath before making its final push into your bathroom. While more common in cities with larger rat populations, this can happen anywhere with connected sewer systems; sealing entry points and keeping drains clean can help reduce the risk.

Bleach isn’t likely to help unclog a sewer line. Bleach isn’t useful in this situation because it won’t dissolve the grime and debris in the clog. Instead, you want to use ingredients that will have a chemical reaction to clear out the buildup, like vinegar or salt and baking soda.

A sewer line should be cleaned at least once every 18 to 22 months. The process takes about 30 minutes or up to 5 hours, depending on the size of the line, how easy it is to access, and how long it’s been since the previous cleaning. If your sewer line hasn’t been cleaned in a couple of years or you don’t even know the last time it’s been cleaned, it’s time to call a pro.