How To Avoid Sewer Line Issues
For many homeowners, sewer lines are a necessary plumbing system given little thought. They help to keep wastewater out of toilets, come in handy when kitchen scraps are thrown into the garbage disposals, and keep bath water flowing after a nice shower. However, all that functionality can quickly stop if there's an issue.
Like any home plumbing system, sewer lines depend on maintenance, and knowing how to care for them is essential knowledge all homeowners should have.
Watch What Goes Down the Drain
Although sewer lines are great at removing waste from the home, that doesn't mean everything is safe to flush. One of the easiest ways for homeowners to avoid a sewer line clog is to monitor what's going down the drain.
The following items can all cause blockages in the sewer system:
- Sanitary napkins
- Baby wipes
- Paper towels
- Coffee grounds
- Cooking grease
- Children's toys
Putting a garbage can near drains and working as a family to learn what's appropriate and what's not to flush can help avoid issues. Symptoms like slow drainage, foul odor, and fluctuations in water pressure can signal that something that wasn't supposed to has made its way into the sewer system.
Of course, if there is a minor clog, it's important to remember that store-bought drain cleaners are not the solution. Not only can they struggle to make a dent in a blockage, but they can also harm sewer lines, accelerating the deterioration of pipes, particularly for older homes.
Monitor Sewer Line Leak Warning Signs
Prevention may be the first strategy to avoid sewer line repair, but emergencies still happen. Sewer lines are particularly dangerous because most pipes are underground and around the home. That means warning signs are harder to stop, and as they're free to flow, they can damage the home's foundation.
However, sewer line leaks have particular warning signs that can make it easier to detect, including:
- Wet or flooded areas in the yard or lawn
- Foul odors coming from drains or around the home
- Excessively low water pressure
- Mold and mildew growths on the outside of the home
Once these issues are spotted, it's important to call a professional. Not only will they be able to handle sewer line repairs, but depending on the tools available, they'll be able to do so without excess excavation or disruption to the home.
Keep Up with Routine Plumbing Maintenance
Routine maintenance is the best way to avoid sewer line emergencies. During a sewer maintenance appointment, a plumber will likely use camera inspections to look inside the sewer pipe. This can help spot any leak or blockage and pinpoint its exact location. Once that's done, they can also use drain cleaning methods like hydrojetting and augers to blast away blockages safely and restore the flow to sewer lines.
Again, the sewer system is critical for keeping wastewater away from the home and ensuring all fixtures work properly. With a little upkeep and an eye for damage, homeowners will never find themselves in an emergency.
About Super Plumbers
Super Plumbers is the company homeowners in Tyler, TX rely on for plumbing care. Their highly trained technicians offer personalized solutions with upfront pricing before starting work. They always arrive on time and have the best quality tools and techniques to ensure a long-term solution to all plumbing needs, including sewer line repair. Contact them today for service!
