In-Home Plumbing Clog Protection Product Guide

The In-Home Plumbing Clog Protection Program covers you against unexpected plumbing issues, ensuring that your home’s plumbing system remains functional and safe. Here's what you can expect from our service.

What’s covered?

• Clogs and blockages: Coverage for interior plumbing clogs or blockages in your home's plumbing system, including those in sinks, toilets, and drains.
• Plumbing repairs: Coverage for the repair or replacement of damaged or leaking pipes within your home’s interior plumbing system.
• Labor and parts: All necessary labor and parts for covered repairs are included.
• Service calls: No additional cost for service calls related to covered plumbing issues.

What’s not covered with the In-Home Plumbing Clog Protection Program?

• Pre-existing conditions: Issues that were evident before the start of the protection plan.
• Exterior plumbing: Plumbing issues that occur outside the main structure of your home.
• Non-residential use: Coverage is limited to residential properties and does not include commercial or rental properties.
• Neglect or misuse: Damages resulting from anyone’s improper use, negligence, or unauthorized repairs.

What causes drain line clogs?

Internal plumbing drain line clogs can be caused by a variety of things lurking within your pipes. Here are some of the usual suspects of your plumbing problems:

• Hair: Hair, especially from showers and sinks, is a common culprit. It can form a web-like structure that traps other debris and leads to clogs in your drain pipe.
• Soap scum: Soap scum, a combination of minerals from hard water and soap residue, can build up over time in your shower drain and cause clogs.
• Grease and fat: Oil, grease, and fat solidify as they cool down inside your pipes, leading to gradual narrowing and eventual clogs. This is especially true for kitchen drains.
• Food scraps: While garbage disposals and sink drains can handle some food waste, they aren't meant for everything. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables can contribute to clogs.
• Foreign objects: Accidental flushes of items like dental floss, feminine hygiene products, or flushable wipes (which aren't truly flushable) can cause clogs in the main drain line.

In addition to these everyday items, some less frequent causes of internal clogs include:

• Mineral buildup: Hard water can lead to a buildup of minerals inside the pipes, causing narrowing and potential clogs.
• Corrosion: Older pipes can corrode over time, creating rough patches inside the pipes that trap debris and lead to clogs.
• Pipe deterioration: Over time, pipes can crack, break, or collapse, allowing dirt, debris, and even tree roots to enter and cause clogs.

Does standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover plumbing clogs?

No, homeowners insurance generally doesn't cover the cost of unclogging drains or pipes themselves because they are considered maintenance issues. Clogs happen gradually due to buildup or improper disposal of materials.

How do I prevent clogs in my pipes?

Maintaining clog-free pipes is essential for a smoothly running plumbing system and to avoid costly repairs. Here are some effective DIY plumbing strategies to help prevent clogs and keep your pipes in good condition:

1. Proper disposal practices

• Avoid pouring grease down drains: Grease, fats, and oils can solidify in pipes, causing blockages. Dispose of them in a separate container and throw them in the trash.
• Dispose of food waste correctly: Use a compost bin for food scraps rather than putting them down the garbage disposal. Avoid grinding fibrous foods like celery or potato peels, which can cause clogs.
• Flush only toilet paper: Do not flush sanitary products, wipes, paper towels, or other non-degradable items down the toilet. These can cause severe blockages in your plumbing system.

2. Use drain covers

• Install screens or drain covers: Place screens over drains in sinks, showers, and tubs to catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they enter the pipes.
• Clean drain covers regularly: Remove and clean drain covers to prevent buildup that can lead to clogged drains.

3. Regular cleaning and maintenance

• Use a drain cleaner: Periodically use a safe, non-corrosive drain cleaner to clear out minor buildups in your pipes. Natural cleaners, such as a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, can be effective.
• Flush drains with hot water: Regularly pour hot water down your drains to help dissolve any grease or soap scum that may have accumulated.
• Inspect for leaks: Regularly check under sinks and around plumbing fixtures for any signs of leaks or drips, which can lead to bigger problems.

4. Avoid chemical cleaners

• Limit use of harsh chemicals: Avoid using strong chemical drain cleaners frequently as they can damage pipes. Opt for enzymatic or bacterial drain cleaners that are safer for your plumbing system.

5. Be mindful of what you plant

• Be careful with landscaping: Plant trees and shrubs away from your sewer line. Roots can grow into pipes and cause blockages. Consult with a professional if you’re unsure about the location of your sewer line.

6. Routine professional inspections

• Regular plumbing inspections: Schedule annual inspections with a professional plumber to check the condition of your pipes and address any potential issues before they become major problems.
• Consider a plumbing protection plan: Enroll in a protection plan that offers regular maintenance and covers unexpected plumbing issues.

7. Educate household members

• Raise awareness: Ensure that everyone in your household understands the importance of proper disposal practices and how to avoid clogging drains.

By implementing these preventative strategies, you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly and avoid the inconvenience and expense of dealing with clogged pipes. Regular maintenance and mindful practices are key to a clog-free home.

What are effective home remedies for preventing drain clogs?

Dealing with a clogged plumbing line can be frustrating, but many clogs can be resolved with a few simple tools and techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clear clogs and keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.

Tools and materials needed:

• Plunger
• Plumbing snake (also known as a drain snake or auger)
• Bucket
• Towels or rags
• Rubber gloves
• Baking soda and vinegar
• Hot water

Step-by-step guide

Identify the clog location

Determine which drain is clogged. Common areas include sinks, toilets, and showers. If multiple drains are slow or backed up, the clog might be in the main sewer line, and you may need professional help.

1. Use a plunger

• Sink and tub drains:
• Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger cup.
• Place the plunger over the drain, ensuring a good seal.
• Push and pull the plunger vigorously for about 20-30 seconds.
• Lift the plunger to see if the water drains. Repeat if necessary.

• Toilet drains:
• Ensure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger cup.
• Place the plunger over the drain hole and press down to create a seal.
• Push and pull the plunger vigorously.
• Lift the plunger to see if the water drains. Repeat if necessary.

2. Use baking soda and vinegar (for sinks and tubs)

• Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Follow with half a cup of vinegar.
• Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes.
• Flush with hot water.

3. Use a plumbing snake

• For sinks:
• Place a bucket under the sink trap (the U-shaped pipe) to catch any water.
• Use a wrench to loosen the nuts on the trap and remove it.
• Insert the snake into the pipe leading into the wall and push it in until you feel resistance.
• Turn the handle clockwise to break up or hook the clog.
• Pull the snake out and reassemble the trap. Run water to check if the clog is cleared.

• For toilets:

• Insert the snake into the toilet bowl and push it down the drain until you feel resistance.

• Turn the handle clockwise to break up or hook the clog.

• Pull the snake out and flush the toilet to check if the clog is cleared.

4. Flush with hot water

• After using the snake or baking soda and vinegar, flush the drain with hot water to help clear any remaining debris.

5. Clean up

• Clean and dry your tools.
• Wipe up any spills or splashes.
• Dispose of any waste properly.

What are the benefits to enrolling in a clog protection warranty plan?

The In-Home Plumbing Clog Protection Program is designed to provide homeowners with peace of mind by offering comprehensive coverage for a variety of common plumbing issues. Here’s how the plan covers different aspects of your home's plumbing system:

1. Removal of clogs and blockages from internal drain lines

Coverage details:

• Scope: This coverage includes the removal of clogs and blockages from the internal drain lines within your home. Whether it’s a slow drain or a complete blockage, our plan covers the cost of repairs to clear your internal plumbing system.
• Service Calls: You can call us 24/7 to make a service appointment whenever you experience a blockage.
• Professional Service: American Water Resources’ certified plumbers use advanced tools and techniques to effectively remove blockages, ensuring minimal disruption and lasting results.

Benefits:

• Peace of Mind: Know that any internal drain line issue will be addressed promptly.
• Cost Savings: Avoid expensive emergency service fees with included service calls and labor.

2. Removal of clogs and blockages in sinks, tubs, and toilets

Coverage details:

• Scope: This coverage extends to clearing clogs and blockages specifically in sinks, tubs, and toilets. These are the most common areas where blockages occur due to hair, soap scum, grease, and other debris.
• Comprehensive service: Our plan covers both the initial diagnosis and the removal of the blockage. Whether it’s a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, bathtub, or toilet, our plumbers will handle it.
• Preventive measures: Alongside clearing blockages, our plumbers will provide advice and tips to help prevent future clogs.

Benefits:

• Convenience: Quickly resolve annoying and disruptive clogs in essential household fixtures.
• Expertise: Benefit from the expertise of professional plumbers who can handle even the toughest clogs efficiently.

Additional benefits to a clog-protection program

• No additional costs: All labor and parts required for the removal of clogs and blockages are included in the plan, ensuring no surprise expenses.
• Fast response times: We prioritize timely service to minimize inconvenience and disruption to your daily life.
• Annual inspections: Regular inspections with a plumber can be scheduled to ensure your plumbing system remains in good condition and to catch potential issues before they become major problems.

Who can I talk to if I have more questions about clog warranties?

American Water Resources offers many programs, including an In-Home Plumbing Clog Protection warranty program, and has been protecting homeowners since 2000. If you have questions about plumbing warranties, water line warranties, sewer line warranties, and more programs offered by American Water Resources, visit AWRUSA.com or call 855-800-5195.