Here are some tips to help prevent sewage blockages:

1) Keep fats, oils, and grease of any kind out of drains. These items are main contributors of sewer blockages.

2) Do not flush diapers, sanitary napkins, or other solids into the sewer lines.

3) Avoid planting trees near sewer lines. Tree roots have an affinity to water and will seek moisture from the closest available source. Tree roots can cause cracks in pipes and infiltrate causing major blockages.

If you have a clogged drain, the first thing you need to do is figure out where the clog is. If only one sink, shower, bath, or toilet in the house is backing up then you know that the clog is probably confined to the trap of that fixture. If more than one fixture is clogged, then the blockage is probably in the main drain line.

One simple method for clearing small clogs or even slow running drains is to use a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Empty one-half cup baking soda down the drain, followed by one-half cup white vinegar. Cover the drain and let mixture stand for a few minutes. Then pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. The baking soda and vinegar dissolve fatty acids and help the clog to wash down the drain.

The plunger is another great tool for freeing up clogs. When using a plunger, make sure that you block the overflow holes, other drains in adjacent sinks, or any other openings by stuffing wet rags into the holes. If water is not already present in the basin or toilet, run two to three inches of water over the drain hole. The water helps to force the obstruction out of the way and lets you know when you succeed in pushing the clog out. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger to create a tighter seal and thereby produce greater suction. Force the plunger handle down powerfully numerous times.