How Often Should My Sewer Lines Be Cleaned?
April 15, 2022
Keeping your home in good working order can seem like juggling geese sometimes. However, keeping to a regular maintenance schedule is more than half the battle. You may not even be aware that sewer lines can be cleaned. How often should your sewer lines be cleaned, anyway?
Why Do Sewer Lines Need Cleaning?
Do sewer lines need cleaning? Doesn’t the rushing water from flushing and draining washing machines keep them cleaned out? Isn’t it just best to leave any gunk there, underground?
For best results, it’s a good idea to have your sewer lines cleaned out every two years.
And there are a couple of good reasons to have your sewer lines cleaned out:
Prevents backups
There are very few things in life as unpleasant as a sewer backing up in your home. Along with the initial panic of seeing brackish black water bubbling up in your tub or shower, there’s the whole aftermath to deal with.
Improves drainage
In some localities, public sewers serve to drain off both waste and stormwater. Heavy storms can then affect the effectiveness of the drainage in your home’s plumbing. This means that summer storms can interfere with and reduce the flow of dirty water from your house.
Prevents expensive replacement
The buildup of sediment, debris, and obstructions in your drainage pipes can have an adverse effect on the lifespan of your system. Layers of gunk can build up over time, and any existing residue on the pipes can exacerbate the problem.
Drainage pipes with heavy layers of buildup become clogged and are more prone to rust and breakage.
Sewer pipes are often the victims of nearby tree roots, as well. Trees can target the drains as a source of nutrients. Regular inspections and cleanings will prevent nearby trees from infiltrating them completely. It removes the tempting source of nitrogen while cleaning out fine root hairs before they become thick and resistant.
Because your city doesn’t
While your public sewer authority maintains the main sewer lines, they generally don’t inspect, maintain, or repair the lateral runs from your home.
That means that any sewer issues that pop up on the laterals become your financial responsibility. Considering the cost of excavating and replacing broken sewer lines in your yard, having them regularly cleaned is a much cheaper and smarter option.
What is Involved in Sewer Line Cleaning?
There are several ways that professional technicians can clean out sewer lines.
Hydraulic methods
Hydro-jetting involves high-pressure water or air to clear out any debris, residue, or obstructions from the pipes.
Flushing uses a heavy flow of water to remove any grease or gunk from the lines.
Mechanical methods
Rodding and other mechanical means of sewer cleaning is an older form of sewer cleanout, and it is generally used on smaller lines under 12 inches in diameter.
Rodding involves a rotating head at the end of a long, flexible rod that breaks up any obstructions, such as grease clogs or tree roots.
Plumbers also use “poly pigs,” which is a device made from foam used to scrape the debris from the interior surfaces of pipes.
Chemical methods
Chemical cleanout is not the most recommended method due to the potential risks to local flora and fauna. However, biological products use naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes that will eat away at residue. These products can safely offer good results, especially when grease is the primary culprit.
How to Know If Your Sewer Line Needs Cleaning
You may be asking yourself how often your sewer lines need cleaning because you’ve noticed a few signs that may indicate a problem.
You may notice:
Slow draining tubs and sinks
Bad orders near the drains
Frequent clogging
Gurgling sounds from the pipes
How Can I Keep My Sewer Lines Cleaned Out
If you’ve noticed any of the signs of blockage above, it’s probably time to schedule a professional plumbing technician to clean out your sewer lines. And the best way to prevent future issues is to have your sewer lines cleaned out every two years.
There are also a few simple DIY fixes you can implement to keep them flowing swiftly between professional treatments:
Baking soda and vinegar can help keep sink drains clear and smelling fresh. This combination will also help the downline sewer pipes stay clear.
Applying an enzymatic drain cleaner once a month can also help reduce any buildup between professional cleanings.
Refrain from putting any grease or oily matter down the drain or into the garbage disposal.