As a property owner, you’re responsible for maintaining several systems crucial to the function of your home or commercial building. One that often gets overlooked is plumbing. One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is not doing preventative maintenance for their sewer lines. Instead, they wait until a bigger problem, like a clog, occurs. Arrow Sewer & Drain provides expert sewer services in north and central New Jersey. Here, we detail what you can do to help avoid costly sewer line repairs.
How to Properly Maintain Your Sewer Lines
Sewer lines serve a pivotal role in the function and comfort of your space. Their role is to transport wastewater away from your house or building, ensuring a clean and healthy living environment. Failing to properly maintain your sewer lines can result in significant damage and expensive repairs.
Some of the most common problems of neglecting system maintenance are clogs, tree roots infiltrating the line, and broken sewer lines. To help prevent these issues, property owners can invest in the following:
Schedule Regular Inspections and Maintenance
One of the best ways to ensure your sewer lines remain in proper working order is by having them inspected regularly by experienced technicians. By using specialized equipment and proven methods, sewer line professionals can inspect your system and sewer vent pipes to help identify looming problems before they escalate. This can potentially save you from more severe and costly repairs.
Proper Waste Disposal Practices
When waste is flushed down the toilet, it’s out of sight and out of mind. However, flushing the wrong items down the toilet can result in backups. An easy way to help keep your pipes running in excellent condition is to be mindful of the items you’re discarding. Flushing things like paper towels, baby wipes, food waste, grease, and feminine hygiene products can lead to clogs and other issues. The only materials that should be flushed down the toilet are toilet paper and waste.
Tree Root Management
Tree roots can be one of the most threatening and damaging concerns when it comes to sewer lines. Roots commonly find their way into sewer lines because they are well-ventilated and provide an excellent water source. Property owners wishing to avoid the complications that come with tree roots in their sewer lines should be cautious when landscaping. Try to avoid planting trees or shrubs near any sewer lines.
Grease and Fat Control
When they are hot, grease and fat retain a liquid form that seems safe to pour down the drain. However, as they cool, grease and fat solidify in your pipes. This can cause blockages in your sewer line. A better alternative would be to collect the grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
Proper Toilet Usage
Proper toilet usage means using your toilet regularly. Some homeowners have spare bathrooms or bathrooms in their basements that aren’t used as often. These toilets are more susceptible to sewer line problems. It’s recommended to run water through fixtures frequently (once a week) to prevent buildup and keep the sewer line flowing smoothly.
