How Maintenance Can Prevent Sewer Line Disasters
Most homeowners understand the basics of sewer lines—they connect to all the fixtures throughout the home and help remove waste. Because they’re built durably, they’re often out of sight and mind. And while a clogged toilet here and there may not be a severe issue, it could be a warning sign of a much larger problem. Understanding how preventive maintenance can prevent sewer line disasters is crucial, as it’s the only proactive step homeowners can take to avoid costly repairs and damage to the home.
In this article, plumbing experts share some common warning signs homeowners can look for and how routine plumbing maintenance can help.
What’s Behind Sewer Blockages
While plumbing issues like leaks and blockages can stem from old plumbing systems, the most common culprits are often the homeowners themselves. For example, kids flushing their toys down the toilets, cat litter going in the bathtub, or cooking grease that hardens in the kitchen sink drain can all spell disaster in the plumbing system.
That’s why the first step to preventing a sewer line clog is watching what goes into the system.
This can start by educating kids and families about what can and can’t be flushed (including those “flushable” wipes) and keeping garbage cans close so there’s an easy alternative.
However, even with the best care, things happen, and knowing how it can impact the sewer line is key. Some common signs of a sewer line clog include:
- Slow drainage from one or multiple drains
- Foul odors emanating from fixtures – particularly the toilet
- Gurgling sounds when flushing the toilet
- Water backup
- Low water pressure
If these issues are limited to one fixture, they can sometimes be repaired with simple drain-cleaning techniques. However, if they impact multiple fixtures or the entire home, it’s considered an emergency, and a plumbing contractor should be called immediately.
Sewer Line Leaks vs Common Plumbing Leaks
Although blockages are the more common signal of sewer line issues, leaks are a symptom that requires immediate attention. Caused either by wear and tear or a severe blockage, which creates excess pressure and ruptures the sewer pipe, a leak can cause extensive damage to the home and extremely unsanitary conditions.
While a common leak can leave pools of water around the home and cause damage, sewer line leaks are particularly damaging because they leak wastewater into the home. Not only can this water have a foul odor, but also it can be filled with bacteria, which can be a health hazard. Some sewer line leak signs to look for include:
- Pools of water or wet spots in the lawn or areas around the home
- An increase in pests – i.e., insects or rodents
- Unusual sounds like gurgling or the constant flow of water
- Odors inside or around the home
In this instance, a plumber will be needed to repair the sewer line. Depending on the location of the damage, excavation can be required to find underground sewer lines or a simple relining of the pipe, which is often done with minimal disturbance to the area around the home.
How Professional Plumbing Maintenance Helps
The bottom line is that sewer line damage and repairs can be unsightly and costly. The best way for homeowners to prevent them is with routine maintenance. During a maintenance appointment, a plumber will inspect the sewer lines, perform basic drain cleaning, and provide additional advice or service. It’s an opportunity to catch sewer line issues early and avoid major emergencies or damage to the home.
About Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC
With a focus on honesty, transparency, and genuine helpfulness, Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC, is the plumbing company homeowners count on in Albuquerque, NM. They have over 13 licensed technicians available 24/7 to handle plumbing issues, big or small. Contact them today to learn more about sewer line maintenance and repair services.
