Your home’s sewer line is an integral part of your plumbing system, but it’s not something you can quickly see. That’s why it’s essential to keep up with routine maintenance.
A clogged drain can be more than an annoying inconvenience. It can also be a sign that your sewer line needs repair or even replacement. Regular maintenance lets you keep your home’s drains and sewer lines clear and running smoothly. Contact Plumbers Woodland Hills for professional help.
Keeping your drains and sewer lines clean can prevent costly repairs down the road. Keeping these tips in mind will help:
Drains are designed to handle specific types of waste and water flow. Anything that deviates from these guidelines can cause clogs and other problems. Cooking oil and grease should never be poured down drains, as they will cool and solidify inside of pipes, blocking their flow and leading to a build-up that can result in a blocked or ruptured pipe.
Flushing items like baby wipes, paper towels, and grease down the toilet is another common cause of clogged drains. These items may be labeled as “flushable,” but they do not break down, and can cause a blockage that can lead to overflowing and potential health issues.
Educate your family on proper waste disposal and ensure everyone is aware of the importance of not flushing these items down the toilet. Having a plunger in the house is a good idea, as it can be used to clear away small clogs quickly and easily. Make sure to keep drain screens and strainers clean to avoid letting hair and other debris into drains.
Keep trees and bushes away from sewer lines, as their roots can invade and cause clogs and other damage. Regular maintenance and inspections can catch any problems before they get out of hand.
Schedule biannual sewer line cleanings with a professional service. High-pressure water jets can remove debris and clogs, preventing expensive problems down the road. Also, consider having a camera sewer line inspection before you begin any bathroom remodeling or landscaping projects. These inspections will reveal any underlying issues and can prevent expensive repairs or replacements in the future.
Eliminate Corrosion
As with any piece of machinery or equipment, it is important to have routine maintenance performed on your sewer lines to prevent big, costly problems in the future. A professional plumber can help you develop a sewer line maintenance program that will keep your drains flowing smoothly for years to come.
Corrosion is a dangerous and expensive problem that can wreak havoc on piping systems. This chemical reaction occurs when metals come into contact with an electrolyte, like water, and lose their electrons. Without those vital electrons, the metal becomes weakened and vulnerable to further reactions that can lead to things like cracks, holes and rust. Corrosion is a self-perpetuating process, meaning that it will continue to get worse over time unless stopped.
Most modern cities rely on a complex infrastructure network of underground pipes to bring clean water and waste to homes, businesses and industries. Unfortunately, many of these pipes are nearing the end of their useful lives — due to corrosion. Standing pools of wastewater and foul odors are telltale signs that the system is in trouble.
Concrete sanitary sewers are especially susceptible to corrosion, which reduces pipe life and increases the costs associated with rehabilitation and replacement. In addition, corroded pipes can produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is a deadly gas that can contaminate drinking water.
A variety of factors can contribute to corrosion, including soil conditions, seasonal temperature change and seismic activity. The most common form of corrosion is uniform attack, which attacks the entire surface of the pipe. Pitting corrosion, which can be difficult to detect unless the system is inspected with specialized equipment, is another serious form of corrosion that can lead to failure over time.
Routine inspections are the best way to spot potential issues with your sewer system before they become major problems. A professional plumber can use a video camera to thoroughly examine the interior of your sewer pipe and note any defects or areas of concern. This information can then be used to create a plan for maintenance, repair or replacement.
Prevent Backups
Sewer line backups are inconvenient, messy and dangerous to your health. When sewage backs up into your home, you must clean it thoroughly to protect your family’s safety and avoid costly repairs. Luckily, you can take many preventive measures to keep your sewer lines free from blockages and other problems.
Some of the most common causes of a clogged sewer line include food waste, tree roots and improperly discarded items. The simplest solution is to dispose of waste properly. This includes using a garbage disposal and avoiding putting things down the drain that are not meant for it, such as paper towels, wipes (including “flushable” ones) and other types of non-biodegradable materials.
You should also have your sewer lines professionally inspected and cleaned at least once every six to 10 years. During this maintenance service, professionals will look for cracks or other damage and clear out the line to help you avoid costly clogs.
If you do experience a sewer backup, call a plumber right away to clear the line and inspect your property for damage. You should also check walls, floors and furniture for signs of sewage leaks or seepage. If you do notice damage, make sure you have the proper homeowners insurance coverage to ensure your financial recovery.
Some homes have cast-iron sewer lateral lines, which are more susceptible to clogging than newer PVC pipes. You should have these pipes inspected for buildup, cracks and invading tree roots to minimize the risk of a backup.
A clogged or damaged sewer line can lead to a host of problems, including wastewater flooding your home and making its way into your basement. This can cause mold, mildew and other issues that are expensive to fix. Additionally, if the sewage backs up into your home’s foundation or other structural elements, it can become a serious health and safety hazard for your family.
Keeping up with your sewer maintenance can help you avoid costly clogs, repairs and other problems. By following these tips and ensuring you have the appropriate homeowners insurance coverage, you can avoid the stress and expense of a sewage backup.
Save Money
Even if you take care of all the things you can and cannot flush down your drains, it’s still impossible to prevent every potential issue that can impact a home’s plumbing system. Whether it’s tree roots invading pipes, calcium build-up slowing water flow or an old pipe simply crumbling under the pressure, something is bound to happen at some point. That’s why regular yearly drain cleanings and sewer line inspections are so important, as they can help identify and address any problems before they turn into costly disasters.
A professional hydro jetting service uses high-pressure water to scour the inside of your pipe, breaking up and washing away any stuck debris. This can save you money and time, as it avoids the need for traditional rooters or a mechanical auger. If you notice any of the following warning signs that your sewer lines may be in trouble, give a local plumber a call for an inspection:
Keeping up with regular maintenance and cleaning will not only prevent expensive repairs, it will also help to extend the life of your pipes and ensure the safety of your family, friends and neighbors. For example, a clogged or damaged sewer line can cause sewage to back up into your home, which can lead to health issues and property damage. Regular cleanings will help keep your drains flowing smoothly, so you won’t have to deal with the messy consequences of a backup.
Most septic systems require an annual service for cleaning and inspections. If you keep up with this maintenance, your septic tank will last longer and require fewer repairs than it would without proper care. In addition, if you live in an area with hard water, regular maintenance and septic tank pumping can reduce mineral deposits that cause septic system failure.
With a little bit of effort and some regular maintenance, you can keep your sewer lines running smoothly and prevent a whole host of costly problems. By educating your family on what should and shouldn’t go down the drains, having a professional clean your pipes, and avoiding store-bought chemical cleaners (which often don’t work anyway), you can help to extend the life of your home’s plumbing and your sewer line.