The Usual Suspects: What Causes Sewer Clogs?

The purpose of Vactor trucks and similar equipment is to fix the problems posed by clogged up sewage systems. Such problems are recurring, however, and that’s many states have set rules on what can be flushed down a drain. So what kinds of waste materials can block sewers, exactly?

For one thing, kitchen waste like excessive amounts of food fat and grease are the usual culprits and they can also pose a danger to your drain pipes and sewage system. Another common item that homeowners throw down their garbage disposal bins are fruits and vegetables. While many of them will actually go down nicely in your garbage disposal and through the sewage, starchy vegetables like potatoes, pumpkin, corn, plantains, as well as stringy ones like celery, asparagus, and artichokes might not do so well. They could even add to a clog.

Chicken, pork, lamb or beef bones should also not be thrown down the drain, although there are other food items that might seem innocuous at first but are actually harmful to your sewage system. Fruit pits, rice, coffee grounds, pasta, and even eggshells can all cause clogs. Contrary to popular belief, paper products like tissue and baby wipes don’t always dissolve when flushed down the toilet, and that can result in even more blockages.

Benefits of Street Sweeping

Street sweeping doesn't only beautify an area, but offers greater benefits like protecting people from danger. By being educated about the benefits of street sweeping, you make yourself more knowledgeable and aware about the safety that it offers.

Here are some benefits that come with street sweeping:

• Prevents sewage problems – This is probably the main concern of street sweeping. Gutters accumulate debris on a day-to-day basis. When properly cleaned and maintained, gutters effectively prevent floods, sewer clogging, and a smoother water run-off.
• Environmental – Another benefit of street sweeping is that it removes the particles and hazardous waste emitted by vehicles. These particles can combine with other debris and become unhealthy when ingested and mixed in the environment.
• Safety to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists – Aside from being unsightly objects, construction and roadway debris can also be a cause of accidents. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists will have to swerve in order to avoid debris, and when this happens, may cause heavy injuries and damages to both vehicles and edifices.
• Less damage to vehicles from road debris – Some debris on the road can cause damages to automobiles, and one of the most common is abrasion in the vehicle's finish. Furthermore, some items may also cause undercoating issues.