Your sewer line has a big job to do. It takes all the waste from all the drains in your home and carries it away from the house to connect to your municipal sewage system. It has to handle a large quantity of wastewater, quickly and efficiently, and in doing so it keeps you and your family safe, sanitary, and healthy.
But what if something goes wrong with your sewer line? Here’s what can happen if something goes wrong with your sewer line, how to prevent these emergencies, and what to do if they occur.
Sewer Line Hazards
In the absolute worst-case scenario, a problem with your sewer line can lead to wastewater backing up, flooding your bathtub or basement with sewage. Another terrible situation is improperly vented sewer gasses floating up from your drains and posing risks to your health (not to mention offending your nose). More minor, yet still unpleasant, concerns include frequent drain clogs, blockages in multiple drains in your home, water only draining very slowly, and soggy, stinky areas developing in your lawn.
Basic Sewer Line Care
When you think about the unpleasant job your sewer line has to do, it’s only reasonable to offer it some basic consideration. There are several things you can do to decrease the stress on the sewer line and avoid major emergencies.
- Toilets: Only human waste and toilet paper can safely be flushed. Never put hygiene products, dental floss, paper towels, or even so-called “flushable” wipes down the toilet.
- Showers: Tangles of hair can build up over time to create blockages. Use a drain strainer to catch that hair before it goes down the pipes, and clean it regularly.
- Sinks: Grease is the biggest culprit from the kitchen. It may run down the drain as a liquid, but when it gets cold, it will solidify like a stick of butter and prevent other waste from passing through. Wipe down your greasy dishes with a paper towel and throw it in the trash to prevent greasy buildup.
- Small Items: Be particularly careful with small items that could slip down a drain. Drinking straws or plastic picnic knives can easily escape while you’re washing dishes and lodge within your drain or sewer pipe. Supervise children with small items near drains, especially children who are enthusiastic about flushing the toilet.
Drain Maintenance
Hydro jetting is a technique that flushes buildup and blockages through your drains and sewer line with no chemicals, only pressurized water. This can be done when you realize your drains are not working well, and it can also be done preventively, as part of regular household maintenance. Knowing that your pipes are free of hard-water buildup, soap scum, and kitchen grease can be a huge relief, and it dramatically decreases your chances of having a serious sudden clog.
Prompt Repairs
If you’re concerned about your sewer line or the drains in your home, prompt attention from a qualified plumber can keep the problem from becoming a major hazard like the ones we mentioned above. And if you do need an emergency plumber in West Orange, NJ, don’t hesitate, get the help you need immediately.
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today for more information about your drain and sewer care options!