A sewer drain is a pipe that transports wastewater from a building’s plumbing system to an outfall or a nearby sewage treatment plant. They are also called sewer pipes, pipelines, or interceptor sewers. These structures are essential to a home or business since they remove contaminants and waste from the building’s plumbing system and transport them to a treatment plant or waterway nearby. In the event that a building’s plumbing system fails, these drains will prevent damage to surrounding soil, vegetation, and buildings. The primary role of these drains is to remove contaminants and waste from the building’s plumbing system before they can negatively affect the environment or nearby properties. Unfortunately, some people fail to recognize their importance and neglect to properly maintain them. If a sewer drain becomes clogged, it can have a negative impact on your home or business. If your drains are not properly maintained, they can cause a number of problems, including

Poor drainage and flooding

As mentioned earlier, sewer drains are designed to remove contaminants and waste from a building’s plumbing system. Unfortunately, they are not capable of handling every type of waste water that is introduced into the system. This is due to their design and construction. For example, it is impossible for a sewer pipe to remove hair or food scraps. As a result, these materials will accumulate in the pipe and eventually cause a blockage. In addition to preventing proper drainage, a clogged sewer pipe can also result in flooding.If a clogged sewer pipe is not discovered quickly, it can back up and flood surrounding properties. This can be very expensive for those who are affected. In extreme cases, flooding can cause serious damage to property and even lead to loss of life. This is why it is important to keep an eye on your drains and schedule routine maintenance if needed.

Mud and dirt entering the building

As mentioned above, the primary role of sewer drains is to remove contaminants and waste from the building’s plumbing system. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. If a clog forms in a sewer pipe, waste water can accumulate and create a messy and unsightly mess that can seep into the building.This can result in a variety of problems, including the spread of harmful bacteria, the growth of mold and mildew, and damage to the structure’s paint and carpeting. These problems can be very costly and lead to the need for repairs. In addition, an unclean and messy building can make it difficult to find renters. Keeping your drains clean and free of debris will help to prevent this issue.

Structural issues and damage

One of the biggest risks associated with clogged sewer drains is the potential for structural damage. Depending on the type of materials that are blocking the drains, it may be necessary to excavate the surrounding area to clear out the blockage and reinstall the sewer pipe. This can be a very expensive proposition and may even require removing the building’s foundation.In addition to damaging property, clogged sewer drains can also pose a health risk to the surrounding area. If sewage is allowed to accumulate in the soil, it can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. This can be particularly problematic for those who live or work in close proximity to the drains.

Conclusion

As you can see, it is important to keep an eye on your sewer drains. If a clog forms, it can have a negative impact on your home or business. Luckily, many of the problems discussed above can be prevented by taking the time to maintain your sewer drains properly. This includes inspecting your drains regularly, cleaning them out regularly, and using a sewage pipe cleaning solution to break up any build-up and prevent future clogs.

Frequently Asked Question

  • Loosen the cap on the drain pipe
  • Allow any sewer buildup to come out of the drain
  • Gently feed the auger cable into the main line drain
  • Run the auger until the clog is broken up
  • Hose out leftover debris
  • Pull the auger cable back out of the main line drain
A good general rule is to have your home's sewer lines cleaned out every 18 to 22 months. That may be difficult to remember, but think of it as a year and a half to slightly less than two years
Consider using a sewer jetter to clean and remove dirt, sand, and yard debris that clog the foundation perimeter drain tile outside your home. A sewer jetter that's powered by your pressure washer can help you flush away the silt and debris so fewer clogs come back.
Perimeter drains or weeping tiles can last for decades. If properly installed, you can expect to have a problem free basement for a very long time. Older clay weeping tiles tended to deteriorate, and become clogged with soil and tree roots, but even these systems lasted for many years.