Q: Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup?

• <div><p>Homeowners insurance usually doesn&rsquo;t cover sewer backups because it&rsquo;s typically an avoidable problem with proper maintenance. The only exception would be if the backup is occurring because of local flooding and only if your city uses a combined drainage system for stormwater and sewage. If that&rsquo;s the case, your policy should cover any resulting damage.</p></div>

Q: When should you DIY and when should you buy biodegradable drain cleaner?

• <div><p>Sometimes, the drain is just too clogged&mdash;thanks, stubborn hair and soap scum. In this case, you&rsquo;ll need a more powerful drain cleaner than you can DIY safely at home. But this doesn&rsquo;t mean you have to choose a traditional drain cleaner. </p><p>You can find biodegradable drain cleaners at your local home improvement store or online for those drains that need a little more <i>oomph</i>. </p><p>While on the hunt for a formidable drain cleaner, the best options are <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/5-non-chemical-solutions-clearing-clog.htm">non-chemical clog solutions</a> that combine enzymes and bacteria.</p></div>

Question 1

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup?

Accepted Answer

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Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover sewer backups because it’s typically an avoidable problem with proper maintenance. The only exception would be if the backup is occurring because of local flooding and only if your city uses a combined drainage system for stormwater and sewage. If that’s the case, your policy should cover any resulting damage.

Question 2

How long does it take for flushable wipes to break down?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 3

What are common causes of commercial drain blockages?

Accepted Answer

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Food grease, soap buildup, paper products, and tree roots often cause serious clogs.

Question 4

When should you DIY and when should you buy biodegradable drain cleaner?

Accepted Answer

•

Sometimes, the drain is just too clogged—thanks, stubborn hair and soap scum. In this case, you’ll need a more powerful drain cleaner than you can DIY safely at home. But this doesn’t mean you have to choose a traditional drain cleaner.

You can find biodegradable drain cleaners at your local home improvement store or online for those drains that need a little more oomph.

While on the hunt for a formidable drain cleaner, the best options are non-chemical clog solutions that combine enzymes and bacteria.

Question 5

Can you pour old motor oil down the drain?

Accepted Answer

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Never pour used motor oil down the drain. Doing so can have serious environmental consequences, including contaminating groundwater, endangering animals, and killing vegetation. It can also clog your pipes, causing backups in your plumbing or the wastewater treatment plant. In most places, pouring motor oil down the drain is illegal, whether you do it in your home or a storm drain.