Sewer line backups are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. When your sewer line backs up, it causes sewage to flow back into your home drains. The sewage spills up out of your toilets and tubs, doing thousands of dollars of damage to floors, walls, carpeting, and electrical systems. The only way to prevent this disaster is making sure your drains are cleaned and clear. But how often do you need to clean your sewer line in order to prevent a backup? In this post, we outline everything you need to know about sewer line cleaning.
Sewer Line Cleaning Schedule: As-Needed Basis
The rule of thumb for sewer line cleaning is that it should happen on an as-needed basis. If your home is relatively new and you haven’t had any prior problems with drain clogging, sewer line backup, or tree root infiltration, then your sewer line is probably in good shape.
However, if you start to notice signs that your sewer line is clogging, schedule a professional sewer line cleaning right away before it backs up completely.
The signs of sewer line clogging are hard to miss.
Signs of Sewer Line Backup
Gurgling sounds coming from drains
Water backing up or pooling around drains or toilets
Stench of raw sewage coming from drains
Sewer Line Age Clause
The exception to the “as-needed” rule of thumb for sewer line cleaning is older homes. If your home (or your sewer line) is over 40 years old, you should have it inspected. Your sewer line may be in perfectly good shape with no signs of clogging or backup, but 40 years is a long time for mineral deposits, grease, hair, food, and other blockage to build up inside your sewer lines. Schedule an inspection just to confirm that you’re still in the clear.
High-Risk Sewer Lines
Sewer lines that have a history of clogging, backing up, draining slowly, or infiltration by tree root systems are considered high-risk for future backups. If any of those pertain to your sewer line, you should perform more frequent sewer line cleanings.
Do not DIY a sewer line cleaning. Hire a professional. A professional sewer line cleaning uses high-pressure water jets to clear out all the debris and blockage building up inside your sewer line.
Bonfe’s plumbing technicians are available 24/7 to provide emergency service for clogged pipes and backed up sewer lines. Call us immediately to prevent extensive damage and get your system back on track.