Home and property owners have a big job in making sure their sewer lines are running clearly on top of everything else. Keeping your plumbing system in top condition can be a challenge. Many property owners have no idea what regular maintenance looks like or even what the warning signs are of bigger issues. A Memphis plumber can help you with routine sewer cleaning as part of your regular home maintenance. Sewer line cleaning is an essential service that, when used correctly, can help prevent costly clogs, backups, and even property damage.

In this guide, we will take a closer look at how often Memphis property owners should schedule sewer cleaning. We will also look at why it matters and what sewer cleaning can do for the health and longevity of your plumbing system.

The Importance of Sewer Cleaning

Your sewer lines are one of the most prominent lines operating your home systems. They are in line with things like utility lines or internet lines, all of which help your daily operations function as they should. The sewer line in your home is the main pipeline responsible for carrying waste and wastewater away from your home and into the city’s sewer system.

The challenge is that over time, debris, grease, tree roots, and other materials can build up inside the pipelines. This buildup can lead to several issues. Here are a few examples:

• Slow or sluggish drains 
• Foul odors 
• Gurgling toilets and other pipe systems 
• Water backing up in sinks, tubs, or basements 
• Potential health hazards from sewage exposure 

You don’t need to schedule routine cleaning just to schedule it. In fact, doing so might harm your lines. Instead, be aware of potential problems and get sewer line cleaning done before they turn into big issues. This can be a proactive way to help avoid many of the more complex problems. If you get sewer cleaning at the sign of trouble, you can help prevent a minor blockage from escalating into what becomes a full-blown sewer line backup. That type of backup is going to result in costly repairs and hazardous cleanup requirements. Here in Memphis, we face fluctuating temperatures, clay soil, and aging infrastructure that can add stress to plumbing systems. Being proactive with sewer cleaning is the best way to go.

If you have concerns about your sewer line, you can request a video inspection, and the plumbers can recommend whether you need a cleaning or if any action needs to be taken. 

How Often Should You Schedule Sewer Cleaning?

Here’s the thing. When you ask how often a Memphis plumber should clean your sewers, the answer can be complicated. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, most professionals recommend that a homeowner have sewer lines inspected approximately every 18 to 24 months. Then, cleaning can be provided if necessary. 

While this is the average professional recommendation, there are many things that might impact your timeline for cleaning needs. Let’s look at a few of those.

• Age of the Home: Older homes, like those in midtown, East Memphis, and parts of downtown, may have clay or cast iron pipes that are more susceptible to cracks or root intrusion. These homes should be more proactive and have their sewer lines cleaned every 12 to 18 months, or even more frequently if needed.
• Household Size or Water Usage: It’s fairly common for larger households to put more stress on their plumbing systems. Larger households mean more showers, more laundry, and more toilet flushes per day. This leads to a greater chance of buildup. High-use households would benefit from cleaning every 12 to 18 months.
• Tree Coverage & Root Growth: A home with more trees nearby is likely going to need more frequent cleaning. In Memphis neighborhoods where mature trees are present, such as Central Gardens or Binghamton, these areas may deal with tree roots growing into the sewer lines more often. And in these cases, annual inspections and cleaning might be needed.
• Past Drain or Sewer Issues: If you live in a home that has experienced frequent clogs, slow drains, or a previous backup, this is a clear sign you likely need more frequent maintenance. Don’t wait until you experience a plumbing emergency. Instead, set up a preventive cleaning schedule with your plumber.

Warning Signs You May Need Sewer Cleaning Sooner

While these timelines give you an average estimate, it’s also important to know that average may not work for every need. Even if you are not due for a scheduled cleaning, you can watch for these red flags to indicate that you need to call a professional before your scheduled time: 

• Multiple slow or clogged drains throughout the home 
• Foul sewage smells coming from near your drains or in the yard 
• Water backing up into tubs, toilets, or sinks 
• Gurgling sounds when any plumbing fixture is used 
• Standing water around floor drains or in the basement 

If you notice these signs, do not ignore them. Early intervention might prevent a major blockage or a costly sewer line repair.

What Happens During Sewer Cleaning?

Professional sewer cleaning will most likely begin with an inspection, so the professional can assess the condition of your sewer line. This allows them to identify problem areas so they can react accordingly.

Professionals use a variety of different cleaning methods. What they use for your home may depend on your needs or what they have available. The most common methods include hydro jetting, which is a high-pressure water stream, drain snaking or augering, or root removal from lines. If possible, trenchless methods are preferred. 

Protect Your Sewer Lines

As a homeowner, you can also be aware of things that will better protect your sewer system. Here are a few examples:

• Avoid pouring grease, fats, or oils down your drains 
• Install a drain catcher in sinks and tubs to capture hair and other debris 
• Only flush toilet paper – never flush wipes, paper towels, or hygiene products 
• Keep trees and shrubs near your sewer line trimmed up 
• Schedule annual inspections, especially if you have an older home 

Need a Memphis Plumber? Call Stewart Plumbing Home Services

Whether you need to schedule your sewer cleaning or you have another plumbing need, Stewart Plumbing Home Services is here to help. Sewer cleaning is a vital part of maintenance and upkeep in any home or building. Schedule with us to get your sewers taken care of. Contact us today!