How to Prevent the Worst When It Comes to Your Sewer Lines
Nobody likes an embarrassing trip to the bathroom or calling for a plunger. However, when sewer lines are properly maintained, those embarrassing and uncomfortable moments become less frequent. And that’s only part of the reason that preventative care for sewer lines is so important - when left to their own devices, clogged sewer lines can become a very costly problem for the home and can cause severe damage to the home and yard.
The Preventing and Catching Phase of a Clog
It might not be surprising, but one of the primary reasons for sewer line issues is ordinary clogs in the home. Homeowners should be vigilant about what goes into their drains and toilets to avoid having clogs down the line. Here are basic rules to consider when it comes to clog prevention:
- Avoid Flushing Non-Flushable Items: This seems pretty obvious, right? Only human waste and toilet paper are made to go down the toilet. Other things like wipes (even when labeled as flushable), feminine products, paper towels, and cherry bombs should be left in the garbage can.
- Dispose of Grease Properly: No matter how easy it seems, grease, fats, and oils should never be poured down the drain. Know what they look like after sitting out for a few minutes at room temperature? That’s what they do in the drain. They can solidify and accumulate inside the pipes, leading to stubborn (and nasty) clogs.
- Use Drain Screens: A simple way to avoid accidental items going down the drain is to install screens over the drains to catch hair, food particles, and other debris that can cause clogs - like a wedding ring!
But even the best prevention can have its issues, so it’s important to know what to look for regarding clogs. Common signs of a clog include:
- Slow Drains: When multiple drains in the home clear out slowly, it can be a sign that a blockage may be further down in the pipeline.
- Gurgling Noises: Unusual gurgling sounds from drains or toilets can signal a blockage that the water has to work harder (and potentially send more air) to get past.
- Backups: Water or sewage backing into sinks, toilets, or bathtubs is a clear and unpleasant sign of a severe clog.
If any of these signs are noticeable in the home, it’s best to call a plumbing professional immediately to get their expert opinion (and get the house back into working condition quickly!).
What to Know About Sewer Line Leaks
Sewer line leaks or damage can be more challenging to detect than water line leaks, but they are no less difficult to identify, so it is imperative to stay on top of any signs that could be attributed to the sewer line. Signs of a sewer line leak include:
- Foul Odors: Persistent sewage smells in the home or yard can indicate a leak in the sewer pipes that’s coming out.
- Puddles or Wet Spots in the Yard: Unexplained wet areas in the yard can indicate a sewer line leak, especially in very dry weather.
- Pest and Insect Infestations: If the sewer line leaks, it can be an open invitation to rodents and insects, who have easy access to the water and pipes.
- Unusual Sounds: Hearing strange sounds, like bubbling or gurgling from plumbing fixtures, is never a good sign, and they can also mean a sewer line issue.
Since sewer line leaks can cause unpleasant symptoms in the home, it is important to call immediately to diagnose the problem before it causes larger damage or health hazards.
Professional Upkeep and Maintenance Is Your Friend
Like routine doctor’s visits, routine plumber’s visits will dictate the future of sewer lines in the home. They are important to keep the sewer lines in good condition and prevent nasty and uncomfortable disruptions to the water movement in the home. Here are some examples of the differences professional maintenance can have in the home:
- Early Detection: Regular inspections by a professional plumber catch small things before they become big problems, ultimately saving some money and avoiding gross interruptions.
- Preventive Cleaning: Professional drain cleaning removes buildup immediately, preventing clogs from forming and ensuring the sewer lines flow like the ocean.
- Comprehensive Inspections: Plumbers use more advanced tools than the average homeowner has, including cameras that can inspect the inside of the sewer lines and identify any damage that might need attention before it becomes a problem.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a plumbing leader with an unbeatable timeliness policy - any delays are paid for by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing by $5.00 / minute up to $300! They're the obvious choice with top-notch customer service, straightforward pricing, and respect for the client. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today for your plumbing needs in Northfield, MN!
