How Often Should You Clean Your Drain and Sewer Lines?

The drain and sewer lines are typically concealed, so they are often overlooked by homeowners. If your home has been around for a couple of decades and you haven’t cleaned or maintained your drain and sewer lines yet, you must schedule their cleaning soon. Older homes are usually at risk of leaking and damaged drain and sewer lines.  

Continue reading to find out how often you need to clean and maintain your drain and sewer lines.

Drain and Sewer Line Maintenance

Drains and sewer lines require annual inspections. Cleaning them every 18-22 months is also a good schedule, but you may need to schedule it more frequently if your system is prone to clogging. 

Plumbers typically include sewer line inspection when you call them in for small repairs, allowing them to fix any issues as they inspect your system.

Dirty Sewers Lead to a Backed-Up Sewage System

Blockage in drains and sewers will cause dirty and contaminated water to back up through the kitchen or bathroom. Here are the three common causes of backed-up sewage lines:

• Bellied Piping

Old sewer lines will sag and slope over time, causing bellied piping that collects and forms clogs. Soil erosion and movement are other causes of bellied piping. When this happens to your property, call a plumber immediately to clean and readjust your system.

• Roots of Trees

Roots penetrate and move the soil, which can cause bellied piping. They can also penetrate sewer pipes and clog the system. If this happens, you’ll need professional plumbers to remove and replace the damaged pipe.

• Food and Cooking Grease

Cooking oil and grease wreak havoc on plumbing systems once they harden. These are challenging to clean, so your pipes must be hydro-jetted. 

A-1 Comfort Care Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a trusted name in the industry. Whether it’s HVAC or plumbing, we ensure quality workmanship and value for your money. Call us at (732) 578-0379 or fill out this contact form for a free consultation.