Your sewer line is critical to the health and daily function of your home. Without proper care, it can develop damage that prevents it from working normally. Let’s look at some of the maintenance tips you can use to prevent costly repairs to your sewer line.
Avoid Harmful Waste Disposal
Be mindful of what you flush down your home’s drains and toilets. Baby wipes, hair, grease, paper towels and hygiene products are just some of the items that shouldn’t go down your pipes. Instead, throw them away in the garbage. They create large clogs that cause your sewer line to back up.
Install a Backwater Valve
Hire professional plumbers to install a backwater valve in your plumbing system. This part functions like a one-way gate that prevents sewage backup. It’s particularly useful in older sewer systems or homes located in flood-prone areas.
Watch for Warning Signs
Pay attention to your sewer system and watch for warning signs of damage. Signs that your sewer line might need repairs include:
- Gurgling sounds
- Frequent clogs
- Foul odors
- Water backups
- Marshy or sunken areas in your yard
Upgrade Aging Pipes
If your home has an older sewer system, upgrade the pipes. Older systems often have pipes made out of clay or cast iron. These materials are prone to rusting and corrosion. Replace them with new, corrosion-resistant pipes that will help your sewer system function better.
Divert Rainwater
Clogged gutters and downspouts put the function of your septic system at risk. Instead of rainwater draining away from your home, it pools on the ground, causing soil to shift. Clogs also put stress on your sewer system’s pipes. Keep the downspout and gutters clean to divert rainwater away from your home and septic system.
Know the Layout
As a homeowner, you should know the layout of your property’s septic system. Knowing the line layout lowers the risk of accidental damage if you dig into the line during landscaping or property renovations. You can get the blueprints for your property from the city or county building department.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Schedule professional maintenance for your septic system at least once every two to three years. Professional plumbers use equipment like augers and snakes to remove tough clogs.
They can also hydrojet your sewer line to flush it out and ensure water and waste flow through it better. Professional maintenance identifies smaller issues with the line, too. These could turn into larger and more expensive problems if you don’t attend to them immediately.
These tips are just a few that you can use to prevent costly repairs to the sewer line in your home in Farmington, ME. Contact A-1 Plumbing and Heating for sewer line services.