You certainly don’t want your home’s sewer system to get backed up, but many homeowners don’t know how often sewer lines need to be cleaned. Unfortunately, many of us don’t notice a problem with our sewer until it’s too late, and that can result in some pretty nasty problems.
Your sewer lines are out of sight and out of mind for the most part. You want to avoid any issues which can become quite costly, so knowing when and how often to have your sewer cleaned out is knowledge you’ll want to retain.
A good general rule is to have your home’s sewer lines cleaned out every 18 to 22 months. That may be difficult to remember, but think of it as a year and a half to slightly less than two years. Remember that this is a general rule and you’ll want to have your sewer lines cleaned out if you are experiencing certain warnings signs including:
- Sewage backup in toilet, bathtub, or drain
- Water pooling around floor drain in the basement
- Odors coming from sewers
- Drains working too slowly
- Pipes making gurgling signs
- Frequently clogged drains
- Water backing up into bathtub or shower when you use the washing machine
Three of the main culprits when it comes to clogged drains are grease, roots, and bellied piping. Avoid pouring grease down drains because it eventually turns solid and blocks sewer pipes. Roots from trees and shrubs often penetrate pipes and cause sewer back-ups so try to avoid planting them near sewer lines. A bellied pipe or sagging pipe often happens due to loose soil around it.
If you experience any issues with your sewer lines or any of the warning signs listed above, you’ll want to have a professional inspection performed. Schedule an appointment with Puget Sound Plumbing & Heating at (206) 938-3219.