Few things are as frightening as a clogged main sewer line to homeowners. A slow drain is more than just an inconvenience; it can actually prevent your entire plumbing system from working. By keeping it clean, you can prevent the occurrence of expensive repairs and hassles down the road.
Understanding the Main Sewer Line
A main sewer line is responsible for bringing your home’s used water to the sewer system or to a septic tank. All water from toilets, sinks, showers, and various appliances is part of the drainage system. Thanks to what it has to deal with, it’s vulnerable to blockages.
Many times, these issues are caused by:
- Grease buildup
- Tree roots
- Flushed non-flushables
- Waste created by mixing soap and bits of hair
A blocked main line causes water to get backed up in all the drains of your home. That’s why understanding the best way to clean it is essential.
Start With a Sewer Line Inspection
You need to understand the main cause of the problem before you begin to clean. It’s common for people to think that a local drain is clogged when, in reality, multiple drains slowing down usually point to the main line.
Plumbers inspect the sewer line with specialized cameras. By using the device, they can identify the problem and figure out what’s leading to the stoppage. You might have to try it just once; it speeds up your work and makes sure nothing gets damaged.
The Best Cleaning Methods
There are a number of ways to remove buildup from the main sewer line, depending on the type and intensity of the blockage.
-Hydro jetting
Hydro jetting works exceptionally well for cleaning the main sewer line. It applies a high level of water pressure to clean off grease, tree roots, and debris. The water is able to break through difficulties inside the pipes without damaging them.
You can rely on this method, as it is fast, efficient, and friendly to the environment. However, you should always have experts to handle this, as the pipes in older homes can be more easily damaged.
-24/7 Emergency Help
When your sewer line overflows at night or on a holiday weekend, you can’t just wait until morning. It’s then that you have to rely on professional 24/7 emergency sewer repair services to deal with your plumbing issues. The role of emergency plumbing services is to quickly notice what’s wrong and make sure your pipes are working properly once again — an important feature for homes and businesses.
-Mechanical Auger or Drain Snake
A mechanical auger, aka drain snake, works well for minor blockages you find in your sink. You use a flexible cutter cable with a spinning end to clear the blockage.
There is a risk that improper handling of a home-rented snake can ruin your pipes or just push the clog underneath. Because this work can be dangerous, only a licensed plumber should do it.
-Enzyme Cleaners
Enzymatic cleaners are a great tool for maintenance. They use natural bacteria to disintegrate organic material inside the pipes. Although they can’t break up major blockages, they’re excellent for preventing things from getting stuck.
Tips to Prevent Future Clogs
Simply cleaning the line does not get the job done. It’s important to keep the car clean too. Interestingly, having good habits can help you a lot.
Don’t let these items go into your drain:
- Use grease or cooking oil
- Coffee grounds
- “Flushable” wipes
- Care items for female health and hygiene
Carefully choose what enters your system and practice using enzyme treatment each month to digest any sludge naturally.
Even if the drain is not blocked, you should get it periodically inspected and cleaned. If you live in an older house with nearby trees, it is wise to have your sewer inspected each year.
When to Call a Professional
There are homeowners who first try to make home repairs by themselves. Pouring hot water down the drain is okay, but don’t attempt to clean the main sewer line if you don’t know the setup or lack the proper tools.
It’s essential to get help if you notice any of these signs:
- Several drains blocking up all at once
- Smelly odors from drains
- Toilets or tubs becoming full with water
- Sound of gurgling when the toilet is flushed
These indications usually mean there is a major issue, and not dealing with them can result in sewage backing up into your home or damages from water.
Final Words
Properly cleaning your main sewer line will save you time, money, and stress. A combination of regular good habits and prompt professional assistance will protect you from major plumbing emergencies.
Undamaged sewer lines require early help and careful care. Never overlook clogs and let trained professionals handle it when it’s most important.
