Maintaining your sewer drain will help ensure it lasts for many years and doesn't become a source of frustration for you or your neighbours. Keeping your sewer line in good working order requires time, effort, and some specialized tools. If you don’t have the time or expertise to maintain your pipes yourself, hiring a plumbing company might be a good option. However, even with the right plumbing service, it can be difficult for homeowners to know what to do on their own when faced with a clogged or slow-draining toilet or other sewer line issue. Luckily, we have compiled some tips that will help you get started on the right foot with any upcoming sewer maintenance projects.
One of the causes of clogged drains is from a buildup of pressure. This can be caused by a faulty P trap or a broken main sewer line. To find out if there are any leaks in your property, check for visible cracks in your walls and floors. You can also use a wet-dry-wet sound test to identify any leaks. If you hear the sound of water dripping or flowing when you turn on a faucet, then it could be a sign that your pipes have sprung a few leaks. If you have a sump pump, it may be coming on to discharge the water from these leaks, but if not, it would be wise to call a plumber right away.
Once you’ve determined whether or not you have a leaking sewer line, you’ll want to clean the inside of your pipes. This will help you avoid any unnecessary damage that could be caused by a buildup of debris and residue. If you have a long-handled sewer auger that is specifically designed for cleaning out your sewer line, this will make the process much easier and quicker. If not, you can use a power auger to do the same thing. If you don’t have the right tools, you can also use a shovel and a bucket or pail to manually dig the debris out.
If you have trees or other plants near your house, you may have noticed some roots growing into your sewer line. This can often be a problem for rural properties, but you can also see this growing in urban areas if you have a particularly large tree nearby. If you have a tree that is growing into your sewer line, you’ll first want to contact a tree expert to come out and inspect the roots. If the tree roots are in danger of damaging your pipes, you will need to remove them by hand. If the roots have grown too far into your sewer line, a tree expert may be able to use chemicals to kill the roots.
If you have an older home with pipes that are made of cast iron or PVC, you may have noticed that your drains run slower than they should. This is often a sign that your soil has become saturated with water and has made it difficult for water to flow through the pipes. You can add some flow assist to your pipes by installing a water-restoration system. This will help you get water flowing through your sewer line again, but you’ll also want to clean the inside of your pipes to prevent future issues.
If you’ve determined that your sewer line is clean and that there aren’t any leaks, then you can begin cleaning and inspecting your sewage system. First, you’ll want to clean the inside of your sewage pipes. To do this, you can use a power auger to remove any debris and dirt that has built up inside your pipes. Next, you can use a sewer camera to inspect the inside of your pipes. This will allow you to see exactly what is going on inside the pipes and determine the best course of action.
These are just some of the ways that you can maintain your sewer line to avoid costly repairs in the future. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged drain or a broken toilet, it is important to keep your sewer line clean and clear. Doing this will help you avoid a number of costly repairs in the future.