Your sewer line is the underground pipe that travels away from your home to the municipal sewer main or a nearby septic tank, and all plumbing drains converge onto it. If this pipe ever becomes cracked, offset, or blocked, you could have pathogenic effluence come backing into your home. Fortunately, there are five ways to prevent sewer line problems and keep this important plumbing feature well-maintained.
1. Limit What You Flush
Not everything that goes down your toilet can pass through your sewer pipe. Slow-degrading waste can get trapped on rough pipe interiors or snagged on built-up debris. Among the best ways to protect your sewer pipe is by limiting what you flush. You should only send toilet paper and human waste down your toilets. Everything else, including feminine hygiene products, so-called “flushable” wipes, cotton swabs, and paper towels, should be placed in the trash.
2. Plant Responsibly
Keep all trees at least 10 feet away from your sewer line. If you intend to plant new trees in your yard, work with an underground utility locating company before placing them. It’s also important to regularly weed your yard and stay aware of new tree root growth, as underground roots can encroach upon sewer lines. Once they access the moisture and nutrients they contain, these roots will grow exponentially and could lead to blocked or cracked sewer lines.
3. Avoid Soil Compression
Never place heavy equipment on top of your sewer line. Although sewer pipes can be buried as deep as 4 feet, some sewer pipes are covered by as little as 18 inches of soil. Significant soil compression caused by heavy items can offset sewer pipes or create cracks.
4. Be Mindful of Where You Dig
With less than 2 feet of soil covering some sewer pipes, even minor digging projects can cause problems. Whether planting a garden or building a pool, learn where this and other underground utility features are first.
5. Schedule Regular Sewer Line Maintenance
Hydro-jetting, hydro-steaming, rooter service, and other drain and sewer line cleaning techniques slough off heavy buildups of hard water minerals, grease, soap scum, hair, and more. These services are essential for keeping wastewater moving swiftly. To avoid backups, slow-moving drains, and other maintenance-related issues, have your sewer line professionally cleaned at least every 18 months.
6. Keep Your Drains Clean
Just as you limit what you put down your toilets, be sure to limit what you put down your drains. While you are cooking, separate and cool all rendered fats and other greases and oils. When rendered fats have hardened, throw them away. Place liquid oils in sealed containers and dispose of them similarly.
Much like your sewer line, your drains need regular professional maintenance as well. Schedule professional drain cleaning service at least once each year and whenever you detect slow-moving drains and persistent drain odors.
Keeping your sewer line clean and working as it should is an important part of maintaining a healthy, habitable home. For expert sewer line services in Farmington, ME, get in touch with A-1 Plumbing and Heating today!
