Sewer line maintenance is a proactive way of keeping your sanitary sewer line flowing. Sewer backups are something the average person does not think about on a day-to-day basis. However, if you experience one, you are likely to never forget it. Sewer backups almost always occur at the most inopportune times, such as when preparing for a holiday, having house guests staying over, or hosting an event at your home. If this occurs, you will need a sewer and drain technician immediately, which can sometimes be tricky based on availability. You also leave yourself open to the possibility of overtime or holiday charges, not to mention the cleanup afterward, which can sometimes be the worst part of the whole affair. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to avoid this nightmare scenario.
The Importance of Professional Sewer Line Maintenance
Sewer line maintenance begins with contacting a reputable drain and sewer cleaning company. I always recommend that you go with a drain and sewer specialist rather than a general plumber. While competent, general plumbers wear many hats and may not be proficient at sewer and drain cleaning. Believe it or not, there are nuances to sewer and drain cleaning that require a great deal of experience to obtain.
Sewer Line Inspection: The First Step
Once you have chosen a drain and sewer cleaning company, you can request a sewer line inspection. This is the most comprehensive way of determining exactly what is going on inside of your sewer line and what method of cleaning best suits your situation. A camera inspection will also reveal if your sewer line is damaged, and an experienced technician can advise you on a course of action. You can always save the cost of a video inspection and go straight to a cleaning, but you will sacrifice having the peace of mind that a camera inspection can bring.
Methods of Sewer Line Cleaning
Drain companies generally utilize one of two methods when performing sewer line maintenance: an electric drain cleaning machine (aka snake) or a high-pressure water jet (aka hydro jetting). Both methods are excellent choices to clean and maintain your sewer line and both are completely safe for your pipe.
1. Electric Drain Cleaning Machine
An electric drain cleaning machine works best in situations where the length of the sewer line does not exceed 100 feet and the diameter of the pipe is no larger than 6 inches. A residential home usually falls well into these parameters. The drain technician will introduce the snake with a cutting blade attached to the end in a clean-out or house trap. The cutting blade will rotate inside of the pipe, cutting away buildup and obstructions. While performing this operation, water should be running at the same time to wash away any buildup and debris.
2. High-Pressure Water Jet
A hydro jet really excels in lines longer than 100 feet or where there are major root intrusions, silt and mud buildup, and storm drains. While an electric snake will remove about 75% of roots and buildup, a water jet with the appropriate nozzle will cut up and flush out 99% of the same type of buildup. A hydro jet is also far less labor-intensive than an electric snake, particularly in long-distance situations. Less labor-intensive usually results in a better cleaning and more value for your money.
Prevention Tips for Healthy Sewer Lines
We have discussed what a professional can do for you, but there are steps that you can take yourself. Prevention is the key in all drain cleaning scenarios. The better you take care of your drains, the less you will need to see your sewer and drain professional. Some healthy drain tips are: only flush toilet paper and natural waste, never flush wipes even if they say flushable, never flush paper towels or Kleenex, never flush feminine sanitary products, and dispose of your cooking grease in the trash. Grease that enters your plumbing waste lines can solidify much in the same way as cholesterol does in our arteries. You don’t want your drainage system to have a heart attack!
How Often Should You Maintain Your Sewer Line?
Finally, I often get asked the question, “how often do I need to maintain my sewer line?” The answer is, it depends. Allow me to elaborate. Let’s say you don’t abuse your sewer line with grease and wipes, your sewer has a good pitch, and your sewer is free of root intrusions. In that scenario, you could go many years between check-ups. Now let’s say that you do have tree root intrusions, and the tree grows fairly aggressively. In that scenario, you may need to clean your sewer every two years or maybe even more frequently. I actually have a few customers who require a cleaning every 6 months. The bottom line is to hire an experienced technician with a reputation for honesty and integrity. Check reviews and ask for references if you must. A technician with those attributes can best guide you on a maintenance plan.
Let Liberty Drain and Sewer Inc. take care of your plumbing needs today.
Contact Liberty Drain and Sewer Inc. for prompt, reliable, and professional service in Mamaroneck, Mt. Vernon, Yonkers, and throughout Westchester County.
