The Importance of Sewer Line and Drain Maintenance
A home’s sewer line is often out of sight and mind, but it is essential to maintain proper levels of maintenance. Doing so will help prevent costly repairs and backups.
You are responsible for your own sewage lines up to the point where they connect with the city’s main line. Regular drain cleaning and awareness of warning signs will keep your lines in good condition.
Debris can cause serious clogs and blockages in your drain lines and sewer system. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your home’s drains can help prevent this debris buildup, but sometimes it is necessary to call for professional services. Taking care of your drain and sewer line maintenance now can save you the cost of expensive repairs in the future.
The most common problem that occurs with sewer systems is that the drains become clogged. This can be caused by a number of things, including hair, food scraps, and other debris that gets into the pipes when people flush items down the drains. If left untreated, this debris can cause the entire line to clog and lead to unpleasant smells and overflowing toilets.
To keep the drain lines in your home clear, you should regularly use a drain cleaner, remove hair from shower and bath drains, and run water through your tubs and sinks to flush away any remaining debris. Also, it is important to remember that only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet. It is not safe to flush any other items down the drain line, such as feminine hygiene products, sanitary pads, dental floss, Q-tips, baby wipes, handi-wipes, or thick paper towels.
Another common issue with sewers is that they are exposed to the elements and often damaged by tree roots. To help prevent this, you should have your sewer lines checked and inspected by a plumber on a regular basis. A professional can check for any cracks or breaks in the line and repair them before they become a major problem.
In addition, you should have your sewer line inspected for leaks on a regular basis. One of the most effective ways to do this is to use video inspection. The camera is inserted into the drain and guided to the source of the problem. Once the clog or leak is found, it can be removed and the pipe repaired.
When hiring a company to perform sewer maintenance, you should make sure that they are licensed and insured. In addition, you should ensure that the workers are properly trained and have the proper equipment to complete the job safely. Lastly, the workers should wear appropriate safety gear and have a first-aid kit on hand in case of any accidents.
Root Invasion
Root intrusion is a major cause of sewer line damage and clogs. Invasive roots love the water and nutrients found in sewage pipes, which is why they’re attracted to even the smallest cracks or misaligned joints. Once in, they’ll continue to grow wildly until the pipe collapses or bursts open. This creates a massive mess for your property and can even lead to the dangerous backflow of raw sewage into your home.
The first signs of a root invasion are usually slow drains as well as gurgling noises coming from your toilet bowls. As the problem grows, you’ll notice wet areas around floor drains and the smell of sewage in your home. Severe root invasions may cause your sewage system to break down completely, requiring complete replacement.
While it’s not always possible to keep tree roots away from your sewage line, you can reduce the risk by planting trees and shrubs far enough away from your sewer lines. It’s also important to have your sewer line regularly inspected for leaks and cracks that could be an invitation to intrusive roots.
If you suspect a root problem, it’s important to act quickly. A professional plumber can use a sewer camera inspection to locate the source of the issue and recommend the best solution. This might include a sleeve or cured-in-place (CIPP) liner installation to protect your sewer pipes from future infiltration by tree roots.
These durable and long-lasting solutions can be installed without digging up your yard, so you won’t have to worry about ruining your perfectly manicured garden. Having a professional installer do this work for you will ensure it’s done correctly, so your home is safe from damage and you’re not out a fortune on repairs.
The most effective way to prevent intruding root growth is to have a professional install a sleeve or CIPP liner before the problem gets out of hand. This will keep the roots from entering your sewage pipes in the first place, giving you peace of mind and saving you money on costly repair bills in the future.
Scale Buildup
When metal pipes experience prolonged exposure to hot water, the inner surfaces will begin to develop scale. This is a buildup of minerals, such as calcium carbonate and magnesium, which combine with iron oxide to create a jagged, scaly residue that takes up all of the real estate within your pipes and blocks your drain flow entirely. Scale is more common in cast-iron sewer lines, but most metal pipes will eventually develop it as well. Once it develops, the scales will begin to snag and collect any additional grime that flows down your pipes, leading to clogs and eventual blockages.
Thankfully, modern pipe descaling techniques can safely remove mineral deposits and rust from the insides of your pipes without affecting their structural integrity. This allows you to avoid the inconvenience and expense of clogged pipes while also improving your plumbing’s drainage and extending its lifespan.
Once a technician has inspected your pipes, they will choose the method that is best for you. If your pipes are heavily clogged, they will likely opt to use a hydrojet to blast a jet of pressurized water through the pipe. If the problem is less severe, they may use a mechanical tool to scrub the interior of your pipes and eliminate any remaining scaly residue.
The key to avoiding this kind of damage is to schedule routine hydro jetting services throughout the year in order to keep your pipes in tip-top shape. You should also look into getting a water softener for your home to prevent hard water from wreaking havoc on your drains and pipes.
Regardless of whether you have an older home or a newer one, it’s important to invest in the maintenance of your sewer line. Fortunately, there are several options available to you for keeping your drains in good condition, including professional hydrojetting and sewer descaling. By scheduling regular maintenance appointments, you can be sure that your drains will continue to function effectively for years to come.
Sewer Backups
When a home’s plumbing extends into the sewer line, issues with these pipes can quickly spread throughout the house. Problems with the main sewer line are usually more serious because these pipes are much larger than the drains inside your home and are exposed to outside elements as well. Understanding the common causes of sewer backups and taking preventative measures can help you avoid these issues.
The first step in preventing major home damage caused by a sewer backup is to identify when it’s happening. If a single drain is slow to empty or backs up, it could be a simple clog that can often be cleared with a drain snake. However, if multiple drains are affected simultaneously or a foul odor is coming from the toilet, it’s likely a sign of a clog in the main sewer line.
A clog in the main line can cause wastewater to overflow into your home’s plumbing. This can lead to sewage backing up into toilets, floor drains, and sinks. The best way to determine if you have a main sewer line issue is by calling in a professional to inspect your home’s plumbing. They’ll be able to find the source of the problem and determine whether it is something you can take care of yourself or if it requires a more extensive fix.
The chances of a sewage backup increase with aging or damaged lateral lines. Over time, these lines can become corroded or suffer damage from tree roots. During inspections, professionals can look for signs of wear and tear on lateral lines, including broken or collapsed sections. If the lateral line is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
If you experience a sewer backup, it’s important to report it to MAWC as soon as possible. MAWC can investigate the issue and take steps to restore normal flow in your home’s plumbing. Homeowners should also discuss sewer backup coverage with their insurance agent. Many companies offer this option for a small fee on top of existing property and liability coverages. This can protect homeowners from the costs of clean-up and restoration associated with a backed-up sewer line.
