Homeownership has its perks, but with it comes the added responsibility of maintaining every aspect of your property. One part of your home that might not be at the forefront of your mind is your sewer line. Nevertheless, one part of your house can cause a significant headache if clogged or damaged. A faulty sewer line can create a health hazard and affect the integrity of your home’s foundation. Here are five tips to help you maintain your system and prevent a costly sewer line repair:
- Mind what goes down the drain.
Cleaning products, grease, oil, and other substances will accumulate in your pipes and impede water flow from your home to the sewer system. Avoid dumping cooking grease and oil down the drain, and dispose of household chemicals properly.
- Conduct routine inspections and maintenance.
One of the best ways to prevent a sewer line backup is by scheduling a professional inspection of your pipes at least once a year. A routine inspection can help detect problems before they escalate into costly repairs. A licensed plumber can also advise on any maintenance you need to carry out yourself to keep the sewer line in good shape.
- Install strainers to drain.
Hair, soap scum, and food particles could clog your drain pipes, leading to a nasty backup. Simple strainers that fit snuggly into the drain can help trap unwanted debris while allowing water to flow through. Regular cleaning of the strainers will make sure they continue functioning properly.
- Know tree root growth patterns.
Large trees planted close to your sewer line can have long roots growing into your sewer line, ruining its structural integrity. When your pipes begin to break down due to root growth, it is vital to call in a plumber with the equipment to fix the problem without damaging your trees or sewer line.
- Flush carefully.
Nothing except toilet paper should enter your sewer line. Everything else, including flushable wipes and tampons, will lead to clogs in your sewer line. These items are marketed as flushable but do not disintegrate as they should, causing a blockage in your sewer line.
Your sewer line is one of the most significant components of your home’s plumbing system, and homeowners should be proactive in maintaining it. The tips above provide a starting point to ensure your sewer line remains in good condition and functions correctly. Preventative measures such as routine maintenance and limiting what goes down the drain will help expand the lifespan of your system and prevent clogs. When you’ve taken all the right measures, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have done your part towards keeping your sewer line in good health. Talk to the pros to learn more about sewer line repair and maintenance
