If you're struggling with frequent plumbing problems no matter how many times you plunge and use drain cleaners, the problem may be no longer inside your house, but rather, outside in the sewer line. If you use flushable products regularly, this is likely the culprit to blame. Here's what you should know about these flushable products, what they're doing to your sewer system, and how you can fix the problem.

They're Not Actually Safe to Flush

When it comes to flushable products, there is no one standard for what makes them flushable. Instead, each manufacturer tests their products to determine if it can make it down the pipes used in a toilet and the plumbing system that leads away from it.

The problem with these tests is that it's usually a matter of determining if something can fit down the pipes, rather than what kind of impact these products will have on the pipes over a long period of time. When using multiple flushable products, it can start to create a big headache for homeowners later.

Understanding the Reality of the Situation

When you send multiple flushable products down the pipes, you may very well end up with a clog indoors. However, even if that doesn't happen or you're able to handle it with plunging, once those products make it outside to the pipe leading away from your home to the sewer line, new problems can develop. These products can effectively sink to the bottom of the pipe and create a blockage as more of them are flushed. Over time, the space for fluid and waste to get through will become more and more narrow, and will eventually become so restricted that nothing can get down the pipe. This can result in slowdowns in your home or wastewater coming back up the drain.

Know What You Can Do About It

The first thing you should do if you've been having problems with this is to stop using flushable products. Put them in the garbage can instead. Next, contact a plumber. They can come out and inspect your sewer line to find out if there are blockages in it. If there are, they'll clean out the line to ensure that everything is forced out into the sewer system instead of staying in the sewer line attached to your house. This will immediately result in you being able to use your indoor plumbing normally again with no further slowdowns or sluggishness.

If you continue to use flushable products, consider setting up a recurring schedule of appointments with sewer line cleaners to keep up this process so that it doesn't reach the same level again.