The sewer line is the plumbing piece that can cause the most severe problems. The potential bottleneck measures approximately four to six inches wide, making it susceptible to clogging.
It runs underground, where it is sometimes hard to inspect. Even worse, tree roots could be growing towards the sewer line and you might not even know it. Our Long Beach Plumbers will discuss the threats to your residential sewer lines and what protective measures you can take.
Maintenance
Many materials can last up to 100 years. The sewer line is made to last. However, you need to make sure that your maintenance is up-to-date. If you want seamless drainage, the sewer line should be only a few inches wide. You can call the Long Beach Plumber if you’re not sure if maintenance should be done.
Corrosion
Although pipes are made to last, mother nature and time will not let them down. Pipes will deteriorate due to natural corrosion and general wear. While you cannot prevent corrosion from happening, it is possible to slow down its progression.
Do not use chemical drain cleaners or pour harsh chemicals down your drains. Instead, consider homemade or natural solutions and professional drain cleaning. To catch any signs of deterioration, it is important to perform routine inspections.
Tree Roots
Trees need water to survive. But what happens beneath the surface may surprise you. Tree roots will go to any length to get the water they need, even if that means digging through the sewer to do so. Your plumbing is at risk from tree roots. Trees should not be planted too close to plumbing pipes. If your young trees are too close to your plumbing system, you might consider moving them.
Clogs
The sewer line is just a few inches wide, as we have already mentioned and cannot stress enough. It can become blocked easily, allowing sewage and backwater to enter your living space.
Don’t forget to clean your drains every year. Also, be cautious about what you put down the drains. Only flush toilet paper and pee. Anything else, including brushed hair, shampoos, and cat litter, should be thrown out. In addition, you should throw out food scraps like bones, fruit peels and pasta. To safely dispose of used fats, oils and greases later, keep them in a separate container. Hot grease can harden in drains and cause a blockage.