Sewers and drainage lines are the most stubborn maintenance projects homeowners have to contend with. Whether the cause of the clog comes from within your home or is influenced by external drainage issues, the problems never seem to go away.
Wastewater needs to keep flowing seamlessly out of your home all year round, and to achieve this, you must regularly uphold strict sewer maintenance practices. Below, we will list four main sewer maintenance techniques you should know about so you don’t constantly have to worry about wastewater.
Check the Drainage System
If it’s too late and water starts to clog or drain slowly on your sink, the first culprit is a clogged drainage system. You can trace this problem to the main sewer system connected to your house, but before you get there, ensure to check the following as well:
- Giggling or bubbling sounds in your drainage system, especially under your sink’s drainage pipe
- Clogged sink, shower, or toilet drains
- Pools of water in strange places, like under the sink after you flash the toilet
- Soggy grass in your yard, especially on your drainage system’s route outside the house
These are all telltale signs of a clogged sewer system that might be beyond basic DIY control measures. You should call for professional help as soon as possible because if not handled on time, the problem could escalate to a sewer replacement issue.
No Chemicals Please!
When small clogs occur in your drainage system, the immediate solution many homeowners think of is chemical solutions poured down the drain to do the magic. While this sounds effective at the thought of it, the truth is you’re harming your drainage system, and you could be in for an even bigger problem.
These chemical solutions often corrode and weaken your pipes with time, exposing you to a sewer line breakage problem. You can use natural methods to remove clogs, such as vinegar and baking soda, but only for the less serious clogs.
Simply Run the Water
A simple but effective step like running the water into your drainage system could be the last thing you’d think of when solid materials inevitably get into the sink. Fast-moving water in large quantities in drain pipes can easily flash out the debris stuck along your sink and drainage pipes, leaving them free of clogs. You can do this regularly to ensure your pipes are always free and breathing.
Check the Tree Roots
Trees are a beautiful addition to your yard but are equally detrimental to the perfect performance of your drainage and sewer systems. When the trees in your yard spread their roots deep into the ground, they’ll likely cross paths with your sewer system and start feeding off the water in your line.
When this happens, the roots would meander around the new water source and eventually clog your sewer and drainage system, wreaking havoc in your house. You can hire professionals to cut the roots and clear your sewer system at least once per year.
Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned homeowner, you’ll always need one or more solutions to solve your drainage problem. Fixing drainage and plumbing issues can sometimes be costly and challenging, so ensure you practice preventative measures like avoiding chemicals and running the water down the drain.
