Plumbing Maintenance for Sewer Lines
Maintaining a healthy plumbing system is crucial for any household, especially when avoiding sewer line problems. Sewer line problems can create nasty situations that are expensive to rehab, so it is always in the owner's best interest to avoid them completely or spot them quickly. Plumbers recommend several strategies to ensure sewer lines remain free from clogs and leaks, which can lead to costly and inconvenient repairs.
Here's a guide on how to care for sewer lines and recognize potential issues before they escalate, as well as some information regarding how professional plumbing maintenance can support good prevention strategies.
Signs of Clogs and Tips To Prevent Them
Households should be vigilant about what goes down the drains and toilets to prevent sewer line clogs. Items such as grease, hair, and non-flushable products like wipes and sanitary products can accumulate in the pipes, leading to blockages. To avoid clogs:
- Use Drain Screens: These can catch hair and food particles, preventing them from entering the pipes.
- Dispose of Grease Properly: Instead of pouring it down the drain, collect it in a container and throw it away.
- Be Mindful of What Gets Flushed: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Even products labeled as "flushable" can cause problems.
Signs of a sewer line clog include slow-draining sinks and toilets, gurgling sounds from the plumbing, and backups in the home. If owners notice these signs, they must call a plumber for professional drain cleaning. Addressing clogs promptly can prevent further damage and more severe issues like sewer line breaks and backups.
Signs of Sewer Line Leaks
Sewers are designed to contain waste to prevent contact with hazardous materials. When sewer line leaks occur around the property, owners must respond accordingly to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. Some of the signs of sewer line leaks are:
- Insects or Mold: Excess moisture always attracts insects and mold. Most plumbing problems can be spotted with these two signs alone. The problem is compounded when the moisture is nutrient-rich, as with sewage.
- Problems on the Lawn: Sewer leaks can either bolster turf growth or smother it, depending on the severity of the leak. A leak could be to blame if there is any aberrant growth near the path of the sewer line.
- Foul Odors: Sewer gas can leak from sewer pipes indoors or outdoors. If strong sewer smells are present, the sewer line is compromised and will need repairs.
How Can Professional Plumbing Maintenance Help?
Apart from changing the habits mentioned above, the best thing homeowners can do to prevent sewer line clogs and leaks is enlist professional help. Just like the HVAC system in the home, the plumbing benefits from annual inspections. During annual inspections, plumbers will look for leaks, especially sewer leaks. They may also perform routine drain cleaning to reduce the number of drain and sewer clogs. Calling for this service annually can help lower plumbing bills and reduce the likelihood of nasty emergencies.
About Cleary Plumbing & Air
Cleary Plumbing & Air offers maintenance plans for HVAC and plumbing systems. Their seasoned crews offer reliable service with straightforward pricing for their customer's convenience. Call today for reliable plumbing service in West Palm Beach, FL.
