Maintaining your home’s sewer lines is an important part of keeping your property in good condition. Sewer line damage can be costly to repair and lead to nasty water and sewage backups. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t care much about their sewer lines until there’s a problem. The best way to avoid problems with your sewer lines is to check and maintain them on a regular basis.
Here are some practical tips for taking care of your sewer lines so that you can avoid any unnecessary headaches.
Inspect Your Sewer Lines Regularly for Signs of Wear or Damage
If you want to avoid unexpected sewer line replacement, consider inspecting your sewer lines regularly for any signs of wear or damage. This will help you catch any potential problems before they become too serious. Some common signs of wear or damage include:https://www.summersphc.com/southport/services/plumbing/sewer-line-replacement/
- Leaking water
- Gurgling noises coming from your drains
- Slow drainage
- Water backing up into your drains or toilet
- Bad odors coming from your drains
- Water pooling around your foundation
- Wet spots in your yard
If you notice anything wrong, be sure to call a professional immediately. They will be able to inspect your sewer lines and determine if they need cleaning, repairs or replacement.
Clean Out Your Sewer Lines Annually to Remove Debris
One of the best ways to take care of your sewer lines is by calling in professionals to clean them out at least once or twice a year. This means removing any built-up debris or blockages that may have occurred over time. While you can do this yourself using a special tool like a sewer snake, hiring a professional plumber to do it for you is a much safer and more effective option.
In addition to having your sewer lines cleaned out, a professional will inspect your entire sewer line, drainage systems, and plumbing system to ensure that everything is working properly. This can help to prevent any future problems or blockages from occurring and help you avoid costly and inconvenient repairs in the future.
Use a Drain Snake To Clear Away Any Clogs in Your Sewer Lines
Clogs are a common occurrence in sewer lines, and they can cause a variety of problems. If left untreated, clogs can eventually lead to a full sewer line blockage, which will require professional assistance to clear. One way to prevent drain clogs is to use a drain snake. A drain snake is a tool that can be inserted into your sewer line to help clear away any obstructions.
If you experience a clog in your sewer line, you can try using a drain snake before calling for professional help, if you are comfortable doing so. It may save you time and money. It’s simple to use and can be rented from most hardware stores. To use a drain snake:
- First, remove the sewer cap and insert the snake into the line
- Turn the snake handle to rotate the blade and help clear away any clogs
- Be sure to keep an eye on the snake as you’re using it. If it begins to get stuck, stop turning the handle and try to guide it back out
- Once the clog has been cleared, put the sewer cap back on and flush the line with water to clear away any debris
Call a professional for assistance if you experience recurring clogs or have a more serious blockage.
Consider Your Landscaping and Pay Attention to Your Drain Flow
If you have a lot of trees or vegetation outside your home, you should be aware of the risks of tree roots damaging your sewer line. Roots can grow towards sewer lines and pipes and cause damage, leakages and blockages. You should also keep areas around drains and sewer lines free of debris and leaves so that water can flow freely.
Be sure to keep an eye on your drain flow – if it seems to be slowing down, there could be a root blockage somewhere, or a buildup of debris. Call a professional to clear the blockage and get your drains flowing smoothly again if this is the case. Your sewer lines need proper care to function properly, so don’t ignore anything.
Go Ahead and Clean Your Sewer Lines
When it comes to ensuring that your sewer lines are always clean and operational, there’s really no reason for you to procrastinate. By taking care of things on a regular basis, you can avoid having to deal with any nasty surprises down the line.