Outdoor plumbing equipment with a red hose and tire support, used for maintenance; showcasing Scott Plumbing services.

Tips for Preventing and Catching Sewer Line Issues

Sewer Line Preventive Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining a home, the list of tasks goes on and on. However, it’s important for households to take good care of their sewer lines to prevent messy and costly sewage problems. A home’s sewer line has the vital job of carrying all the home’s wastewater away. It spells trouble for the plumbing system when something goes wrong with it, such as a clog or a leak.

That’s why keeping the home’s sewer line in great shape is important. But many homeowners don’t know where to begin. This article will outline a few easy ways to help prevent and catch problems with a sewer line to keep it working smoothly.

Avoid and Spot Sewer Line Clogs 

toilet Clogs are the most common problem to affect sewer lines. Fortunately, preventing them is easier than it may seem—it comes down to what goes into the drains and toilets. Cooking grease and oils, fibrous foods, coffee grounds, and more food scraps and items are major culprits behind sewer line clogs and shouldn’t be put down the drains, even if they have garbage disposals.

When it comes to toilets, the only thing that should be flushed is toilet paper. Wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and more can all cause sewer line clogs and should be disposed of in the garbage instead.

If a clog does occur, it’s also imperative that homeowners catch it early and call a plumber for drain cleaning before it gets worse or causes damage to the sewer pipe. Some signs of a clogged sewer line include:

  • Drains that drain slowly
  • Toilets keep clogging
  • Foul odors coming from drains
  • Bubbling or gurgling noises coming from drains
  • Backed-up drains or toilets

Avoid and Spot Sewer Line Leaks

leak Sewer line leaks are a serious problem and should also be caught and fixed quickly. So, homeowners should be on the lookout for the following signs:

  • Foul odors in the yard or around the house
  • Soggy spots or puddles in the yard
  • Abnormally thick or green patches of grass or vegetation
  • Running water sounds 
  • Pest or insect infestations 

If homeowners notice signs like these, they should call a plumber immediately for sewer line repair to prevent further damage or potential health risks from leaking sewage. One potential cause of a leaking sewer line is a clogged sewer line. So, to help avoid a sewer line leak, people should do their part to prevent clogs and have any clogs addressed quickly. 

Schedule Professional Plumbing Maintenance

Finally, every homeowner would do well to schedule regular plumbing maintenance with a professional. Usually done annually, this involves a thorough plumbing inspection and various tasks designed to prevent and identify potential problems, so plumbers can fix any issues before they get worse.

Plumbers can also inspect the sewer line using sewer video inspection, allowing them to find and repair any issues like clogs and leaks. So, by staying vigilant, following tips, and enlisting the help of a professional for routine plumbing maintenance, homeowners can better take care of their sewer lines.  

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a family-owned business serving the Huntsville area. They offer on-time service, a no-mess promise, and same-day service. Call them for plumbing services in Huntsville, AL.