The Homeowner’s Guide to Sewer Line Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Janet thought everything was fine with her home’s plumbing – until she found herself ankle-deep in sewage one morning while getting ready for work. The culprit? A collapsed sewer line caused by years of neglect and an insidious tree root invasion. The repairs cost thousands and left her yard looking like a war zone.

Unfortunately, Janet’s story is all too common. Many homeowners don’t think about their sewer lines until there’s a major problem. But by then, the damage is done, and the repairs are expensive. The good news is that with proper sewer line maintenance and a bit of know-how, you can avoid disastrous sewer line failures and keep everything flowing smoothly. At T&J Rooter Service, we specialize in sewer line cleaning, helping homeowners prevent the kind of nightmare Janet experienced.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:

• Signs of sewer line problems to watch out for
• Preventative maintenance tips to keep clogs and backups at bay
• When to call in the professionals for sewer line cleaning and repairs

By the end, you’ll have a solid plan for keeping your sewer lines in tip-top shape – and staying out of sewage-soaked shoes.

Signs of Common Sewer Line Problems

Sewer line issues usually start small, but they can quickly escalate into messy, costly disasters. To catch problems early, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• Slow drains or frequent clogs that affect multiple fixtures
• Gurgling sounds coming from drains, especially when water is running elsewhere in the house
• Foul odors wafting from drains, even after cleaning
• Sewage backup in toilets, showers, or sinks (a major red flag!)
• Wet spots or unusually lush patches in your yard near the sewer system

So what causes these issues? Over time, all sorts of gunk can build up inside your sewer pipes, including:

Culprit	How It Causes Clogs
Grease & oil	Cools and solidifies inside pipes, creating thick, sticky blockages
Hair & soap scum	Forms dense clumps that trap other debris and narrow pipe diameter
Baby wipes	Despite “flushable” claims, wipes don’t break down and can snag on pipe imperfections
Tree roots	Slip through cracks and joints, then grow and expand, crushing or blocking pipes completely

If left untreated, this buildup can cause massive clogs, sewage backups, and even total pipe failure. That’s why preventative maintenance is so crucial.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

The best way to deal with sewer line problems is to stop them before they start. Here are some simple strategies every homeowner should implement:

Be Mindful of What Goes Down Your Drains

Your sewer lines are designed to handle three things: water, human waste, and toilet paper. That’s it. Everything else is a clog waiting to happen. To keep your pipes clear:

• Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items like wipes, feminine products, cotton swabs, and condoms
• Never pour grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the sink (let them cool and toss in the trash instead)
• Install hair catchers in showers and tubs to prevent drain-clogging clumps
• Use mesh screens over outdoor drains to keep out leaves and debris

Be sure to educate your entire household on what should and shouldn’t go down the drains. One rogue flusher can wreak havoc on your sewer lines!

Schedule Regular Sewer Line Cleaning

Some buildup is inevitable even if you’re careful about what goes down your drains. That’s why it’s important to schedule professional sewer line cleaning every 1-2 years. Using techniques like hydrojetting and snaking, a skilled plumber can blast through even the toughest clogs and keep your pipes flowing freely.

For minor clogs, there are some DIY methods you can try first:

• Plunging: A trusty plunger can often do the trick for small, localized clogs. Be sure to create a tight seal around the drain and plunge vigorously.
• Enzyme cleaners: These natural, bacteria-based cleaners eat away at organic buildup like hair and grease. They’re safer than chemical drain cleaners and can help maintain clear pipes with regular use.

However, if you’re dealing with frequent or widespread clogs in your plumbing system, it’s best to call a pro. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and resolve the underlying issue safely and effectively.

Don’t Forget Sewer Line Inspections

Regular sewer line inspections are another key component of preventative maintenance. Using cutting-edge video camera technology, a licensed plumber can take a detailed look inside your main sewer line to spot problems like:

• Cracks or holes that could lead to leaks and tree root infiltration
• The buildup of grease, sediment, and other waste that could cause clogs
• Sagging or misaligned pipes that could collect debris or cause backups
• Signs of corrosion or aging that could indicate the need for repair or replacement

Catching these issues early can save you from catastrophic (and costly) sewer line repairs down the road. We recommend scheduling an inspection every 1-2 years, or any time you suspect a problem. The older your home and sewer lines, the more frequently you should have them checked.

Fight Back Against Tree Roots

Tree roots are a leading cause of sewer line damage, especially in older homes with clay or concrete pipes. As trees grow, their roots seek out moisture and nutrients wherever they can find them – including inside your sewer lateral. Over time, these invaders can crush pipes or create blockages that lead to messy sewage backups.

To prevent tree root intrusion:

• Plant new trees and shrubs at least 10 feet away from your sewer lines
• Have existing trees near sewer lines inspected regularly for signs of root infiltration
• Use root barriers or chemical treatments to discourage roots from entering pipes
• Consider replacing old clay or concrete pipes with modern, root-resistant materials like PVC

By being proactive about tree root management, you can keep your sewer lines clear and avoid the nightmare of an unexpected pipe collapse.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While preventative maintenance can go a long way in avoiding major sewer line issues, sometimes problems still arise. If you experience any of the following, it’s time to bring in the pros:

• Persistent clogs that don’t respond to plunging or snaking
• Sewage backups in multiple drains or toilets (indicating a mainline blockage)
• Visible damage to sewer lines, like cracks, holes, or collapsed sections
• Foul odors that linger even after cleaning drains thoroughly

In these cases, trying to tackle the problem yourself could make matters worse. Licensed plumbers have the tools, training, and expertise to quickly diagnose and resolve even the toughest sewer line issues, including:

• Hydro jetting to blast through tough clogs and buildup
• Trenchless sewer repair to fix damaged pipes without excavation
• Sewer line replacement for severely damaged or outdated systems

When sewer line problems strike, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the more damage can occur – and the more costly the repairs will be. Don’t hesitate to call in a professional at the first sign of trouble.

Sewer Line Maintenance Protects Your Home and Wallet

No homeowner wants to deal with the stress and expense of a major sewer line failure. But by taking a proactive approach to maintenance, you can avoid most catastrophic issues and keep your pipes flowing smoothly for years to come.

To recap, here are the key steps every homeowner should take:

1. Be mindful of what goes down your drains (no wipes, grease, or coffee grounds!)
2. Schedule annual sewer line cleaning to prevent clogs and backups
3. Have your sewer lines inspected regularly for signs of damage or tree root intrusion
4. Address any sewer line issues promptly with the help of a licensed plumber

With a solid sewer line maintenance plan in place, you can protect your home, your belongings, and your budget from the ravages of sewage disasters. So don’t wait until there’s a problem – start taking care of your pipes today!

Call T&J Rooter Service for Expert Sewer Line Repair Services

At T&J Rooter Service, we understand the importance of properly functioning sewer lines. That’s why we offer a full suite of sewer line services to keep your pipes in peak condition, including:

• Sewer line cleaning with advanced hydro jetting and snaking techniques
• Video camera inspections to identify issues before they cause major damage
• Trenchless sewer repair for minimally invasive fixes
• Sewer line replacement for outdated or severely damaged systems

Our team of licensed, experienced plumbers has been serving the Greater Toledo area for over 20 years. We’re known for our reliability, professionalism, and commitment to customer satisfaction. When you call T&J Rooter, you can trust that your sewer lines are in good hands.

Don’t let sewer line problems sneak up on you. Contact us today at (419) 474-8774 or visit our website to schedule your sewer line cleaning or inspection. We’re here to keep your pipes flowing and your home protected.

from T&J Rooter Service https://tandjrooterservice.com/homeowners-guide-to-sewer-line-maintenance/
via T&J Rooter Service