Sewer cleaning is one of those less-glamorous parts of homeownership, yet it’s something that every homeowner should at least be aware of. You need a sewer cleaning plumber that you can call when the need arises. In Memphis, we see tree-lined neighborhoods, aging infrastructure, and fluctuating weather patterns that can all inadvertently impact your sewer lines, which means cleaning and upkeep are very important to keep your drains running smoothly.
A clogged or backed-up sewer line can cause a lot of problems, and far more than just unpleasant odors. If not caught or handled quickly, these issues can lead to property damage, costly repairs, and even health hazards. In this guide, we share everything you need to know about sewer cleaning for your Memphis home.
Why Does Sewer Cleaning Matter?
The sewer lines that connect to your home carry wastewater away to dispose of it. The system will carry your wastewater to your city’s sewer system, a septic tank, or some similar structure. Those pipelines are below ground, which means they can be affected by weather and tree roots. However, they can also get clogged up with other things. These are some common clogging elements:
- Grease and soap scum
- Hair
- Hygiene products
- Food particles
- Tree roots
- Sediment and debris
- Wipes and other non-biodegradable items
You should be cautious and only ever put approved items down the drain. However, even with caution, issues can arise on your Memphis property. Many homes have older cast-iron or clay sewer lines that can be more vulnerable to tree roots and corrosion. Cleaning helps wipe away all these things that can build up within the pipe and lead to clogs or backups.
Risks of Ignoring Sewer Maintenance
As a homeowner, you can be aware and proactive. Regular sewer cleaning and other maintenance might just save you from the major issues that cost more and can cause a lot of damage. When you see signs your sewer needs attention, or you ignore sewer maintenance altogether, these things can happen:
- Fixtures might drain slowly, or not at all
- Frequent backups in your sinks, tubs, and toilets
- Sewage odors in the home or the yard
- Overflowing cleanouts or basement drains
- Costly emergency repairs when a failure occurs
Regular sewer cleaning and inspections can help prevent a lot of these issues. While it may not stop everything, it certainly will help keep your plumbing system flowing more efficiently overall.
Common Causes of Sewer Line Blockages in Memphis
Being aware means you can be more proactive in caring for your sewer lines and possibly preventing issues. Let’s review some of the more common challenges that occur in the Memphis area.
- Tree Roots: while Memphis is absolutely beautiful, those mature trees have roots beneath the ground that can wreak havoc on sewer lines. The roots naturally seek out moisture and can be strong enough to infiltrate any little crack or even break through a pipe, which will eventually lead to a blockage.
- Aging Infrastructure: there are plenty of older homes, and most of them have pipes that are decades old if not older. That clay and cast iron is strong and durable, but it’s still prone to cracking, corrosion, rust, or sediment buildup.
- Stormwater: when heavy rains happen, the water seeps into the ground and can put extra pressure on sewer lines. It can also seep into lines that have any kind of damage, which will overload the system.
- User Error: many homeowners neglect proper use of their drains, which can be problematic. Don’t flush anything but waste and toilet paper, and be careful what goes down the drain.
Signs a Sewer Line Might Need to Be Cleaned
If you want to be proactive, most professionals recommend that you clean your sewer lines about every 18-24 months. If you have an older home or older pipes and lots of trees, you might try once a year instead. And if you notice signs of an issue, get them cleaned right away.
These are some common signs you can watch for:
- Gurgling noises in the drains or toilets
- Water backing up when the toilet is flushed
- Slow draining
- Wet patches in the yard
- Sewer odors from the home or yard
Taking action at the first sign just might prevent sewer problems in the future. Avoid pouring any oil or grease down your drains, don’t flush wipes or hygiene products, use a drain screen to catch hair and other debris, and be proactive with cleaning. These things will make a difference.
The Sewer Cleaning Process
Most companies that offer sewer cleaning services use a process called hydro-jetting, which pushes high-pressure water through the lines. A drain snake or auger might also be used. When you hire a professional, they will know exactly what to do and can walk you through what to expect.
In general, the process works like this:
- An initial inspection to assess the condition of the line, identify any issues and the location of issues, and plan the best method for cleaning.
- Using the appropriate cleaning method, which is typically either hydro-jetting or augering the line to clear blockages and any debris.
- An inspection and test to ensure the blockage is cleared adequately.
- Any recommendations for repairs or maintenance to better care for your pipes.
Trust Stewart Plumbing Home Services as Your Sewer Cleaning Plumber
When you need sewer cleaning or repairs and maintenance, Stewart Plumbing Home Services is here to help. A clean sewer line contributes to a healthy and functional home, which is critical. Here in Memphis, we see issues that involve environmental and structural challenges, but homeowners can be proactive and care for their drains to help prevent issues. And when something does go wrong, we can help in that case, too.
Routine sewer cleaning is your best option to avoid messy or expensive repairs and to protect your home. Never hesitate to call when you have a problem and need immediate sewer cleaning services.
Contact us today to schedule your sewer cleaning.
