3 Best Ways to Maintain a Sewer Line

It's true that it's easy to forget what goes down the drain, but as responsible homeowners, we should be aware that everything we flush may have a negative impact on our sewer line in the long run. Remember that sewer pipes are only intended to dispose of wastewater, human waste, and toilet paper. So, how do you keep a sewer line flowing smoothly?

 Related Articles

Below we’ve provided some ways to keep your sewer system hassle-free.

Inspect

It is your responsibility as a homeowner to understand how your sewer system works and to check for any signs of sewer line problems on a regular basis. Look for tree roots that could sprout and cause damage to your pipes. Examine your sink plumbing carefully for leaks and cracks that could cause damage to your property over time.
Additionally, try also to inspect any broken or exposed pipe connected to your water heater, garbage disposal, or refrigerator. Learn to maintain your appliances to keep things in check. Know how to identify any signs of water leaks such as stains on your walls or ceilings, mildew growth, or any water pooling around the floor. 
Keep an eye on your cleanouts. They're usually found in the yard right outside your house, and they provide direct access to your sewer line. Check that they are full of water and that all caps are tight and secure. If you notice any odors, pour a small amount of bleach inside.

Clean

By hiring a professional to clean your sewer line on a regular basis, you can avoid costly repairs caused by ruptures. Chemical drain cleaners, according to experts, should not be used to clear severe blockages. They are toxic and dangerous because they can warp or damage pipes, such as plastic and old metal piping. Furthermore, it may disrupt the good bacteria that aid in waste breakdown. If this occurs, you may require more additional maintenance.
Cleaning your plumbing system with natural products found in your kitchen, such as vinegar and baking soda, can be practiced. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Flush it with warm water after an hour. This method can be used to unplug debris and buildup. Try doing this once a month to keep your drains in good working order. It is commonly used for showers, tubs, and kitchen sink drains.
Know how to properly care for your garbage disposal to keep it from clogging. Running cold water in operating garbage disposals may help push foods through and this will prevent any blockage. 

Limit

Fat, oils, and grease buildup in the sewer pipes is the number one cause of backups. To prevent this from happening, scrape all food sauce and dressing in the trash before washing. You can run cold water before, during, and after running the garbage disposal. Stringy foods like celery, banana peels, corn husks, to name a few should be avoided in the garbage disposal as they are very hard to grind and may possibly cause clogs. Other foods to avoid in the garbage disposal are eggshells, coffee grounds, and starchy foods like pasta and rice. These foods may cause build-up over time and could cause clogging. 
Always take care of your toilet and watch out for what you flush down the drain. Small items such as dental floss, rubber bands, wipes, cigarette butts, hair, and other things that are not supposed to be flushed into the toilet cannot break down enough to go down the drain completely. These non-flexible materials could get caught in the line and accumulate forming severe blocks. The use of one-ply toilet paper dissolves faster at the same time clearing the pipes quickly. If you follow these habits you’ll reduce the risk of blockage to your system and maintain an efficient sewer line. 

Looking for Expert Plumbers to Help you maintain your Sewer Lines? Call The Pipe Doctor!

The Pipe Doctor provides different sewer services such as sewer repair, sewer inspection, sewer cleaning, and sewer replacement in Seattle, WA. If you are looking for an affordable and reliable plumbing and sewer experts, don’t hesitate to give us a call or shoot us an email!
The Pipe Doctor
12345 Lake City Way Ste 311 Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 676-2192
thepipedr@gmail.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What You Need to Know About Trenchless Sewer Repair

  What You Need to Know About Trenchless Sewer Repair Cost One of the most challenging plumbing issues a household can face is the need to install a new sewer line. The traditional dig-and-replace methods usually come with a lot of cons. The process can take weeks, and it requires an extensive amount of physical labor (adding to the cost). Fortunately, there is a less invasive option to restore your plumbing system. Trenchless sewer pipes can connect you to the main sewer lines without damaging your landscape (or public property) in the process. Here is what you need to know about trenchless sewer repair cost What is a Trenchless Sewer Pipe? A trenchless sewer pipe is a good alternative for your existing pipe by applying a minimally-invasive technique to avoid the strenuous excavation work. The sewer pipes can be installed by either using the pipe bursting method or pipe lining. Average Cost of Trenchless Sewer Pipe Repair Versus Traditional Pipe Repairs Trenchless repair methods c...
Read more

Hydro Jetting vs Snaking Which Should You Choose?

Image
Overflowing sinks and drains that don’t function well are some of the common problems that homeowners will face. That being said, regular cleaning of your sewer and drain line should be done to avoid these problems. To prevent this type of clogging from happening, plumbing companies usually handle these plumbing issues by two common methods – either by snaking or hydro jetting.  Which method is better and which should you choose? Let’s try to understand more about each method and the difference between the two so you can decide which method is the best option for your home. Read the full article here: Hydro Jetting vs Snaking Which Should You Choose? What is Snaking? Snaking is a method of cleaning your drain with the use of a plumbing auger . The plumbing auger is a flexible, metal cable with a corkscrew-like coil at one end. It works by inserting the cable into the drain and as it goes further to the drain or sewer line, the corkscrew attached to the end rotates, breaking the cl...
Read more

My Cast Iron Sewer Pipe is Rusting and Leaking

Image
Cast iron sewer pipe was a popular choice for sewer lines in homes built prior to the 1970s for the following reasons: Plastic pipes were not yet available at the time. Cast iron pipes have a long lifespan, lasting between 80 and 100 years. Cast iron sewer plumbing is strong and can withstand heavy loads and high pressure. The material used for this pipe greatly reduces the sound of water and sewage flowing. It is heat resistant. However, despite many advantages, one major downside of this type of sewer pipe is its likelihood to rust over time. Related Articles When Should I Request Sewer Repair? How often do sewer lines need to be replaced? What You Need to Know About Trenchless Sewer Repair Cost If you live in a house built in the 1930s or 1940s, your sewer plumbing system may be nearing the end of its useful life, with rusting and leaking already taking place. Aside from rust and corrosion, other factors such as erratic weather changes, tree roots, soil type, and water quality can a...
Read more