A Guide To Preventative Maintenance for Home Sewer Lines
Every home’s plumbing system is a complex network of pipes, valves, and fixtures that work independently or in concert to keep things running smoothly. At the heart of that system is the sewer line. This large pipe carries all of the home’s wastewater to the municipal sewer main – all of the home’s drains lead to it.
When there’s an issue with the sewer line (often referred to as the “lateral line”), it can affect every other part of the home’s plumbing system—not to mention the yard and the house itself. This article will lay out the essentials of sewer line care and maintenance to help homeowners avoid major sewer line issues and catch minor ones as early as possible.
Catch Clogs Early (Or Avoid Them Altogether)
Clogging is the most common sewer line issue homeowners have to deal with. In most cases, sewer line clogs are caused by cooking grease or stubborn solids put down the drains (or a combination of both). General buildup of things like dirt, hair, and soap scum can also contribute. Clogs may also be caused by invading tree roots or soil pouring in through a crack – but these are a little less common.
Avoiding sewer line clogs involves limiting what goes down the drains. Cooking grease and oil should be disposed of in the garbage instead of the sink, as should coffee grounds, eggshells, and starchy or fibrous veggie scraps. The only thing that should be flushed down the toilet (besides human waste) is toilet paper—anything else won’t break down properly.
If a sewer line clog does occur despite these prevention efforts, homeowners should immediately call a plumber for drain cleaning to avoid a sewage backup or other nasty problems. Some signs of a clogged sewer line include toilets not flushing properly, slow-draining sinks or shower drains, drain clogs, and foul odors coming from the drains.
Keep an Eye Out for Sewer Line Leaks
The effects of a sewer clog can be destructive and downright disgusting – but the effects of a sewer line leak can be even worse. These can include foundation damage, sewage flooding the yard or basement, mold growth, water damage, and potential exposure to harmful bacteria and gasses.
If homeowners can catch a sewer leak early enough, they can usually avoid these scenarios. Of course, the signs of a sewer line leak aren’t the same as those of a water line leak (high water bills, the sound of running water, low water pressure, etc.), so they can be a little trickier to spot. They include:
- Foul odors in the yard, basement, or crawlspace
- Soggy spots or puddles in the yard
- Patches of thick vegetation growth/grass growth
- Pest infestations
- Mold growth or mildew, particularly in basements or crawl spaces
- Cracks in the walls or foundation
Schedule Professional Plumbing Maintenance
It’s great to have a reliable plumber on speed dial in case homeowners urgently need drain cleaning or sewer line repair—but it’s even better if that plumber also offers maintenance services. Professional plumbing maintenance involves a laundry list of tasks that mitigate wear and tear and keep the home’s plumbing system, including the sewer pipe, in good condition.
Plumbers can catch issues early using video sewer line inspections. They can use enzyme-based treatments to eliminate organic growth in the sewer pipe. They can use drain cleaning techniques like hydro-jetting to remove nasty buildup and prevent clogs. They can utilize trenchless sewer line repair methods to fix damaged sewer pipes.
By utilizing the tips above and having a qualified pro perform plumbing maintenance every 1-2 years, homeowners won’t have to worry about sewer line clogs or leaks ever again!
About City Plumbing
City Plumbing experts have served the Odessa community for over 50 years. Their licensed, insured, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians are known for their friendliness, punctuality, and clean, efficient workmanship. City offers competitive up-front pricing, financing, 24/7 emergency service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee – so there’s no one better to call for sewer line maintenance in Odessa, TX!
