How often should you have your sewer lines cleaned? When your sewer lines are clogged, they cause a lot of problems. From plugged toilets to clogged sink drains and less-than-pleasant sewer smells, it’s worth catching the issue early on. Luckily, you can prevent this problem by having your sewer pipes cleaned periodically. But how often should you have this done? Let’s find out!

Home and Business

Commercial and residential pipes require different levels of cleaning. Commercial lines should be cleaned every 18 to 22 months because they are used more often than residential ones, which should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years. Businesses that are high-risk due to their heavy drain usage should make sure their commercial sewer lines are clean, like restaurants and hotels.

 

People with septic systems can go a long time before getting their septic systems cleaned out, but it’s still a good idea to have this done every few years. You should ensure to get this done at least every two years if you own a large house and have a big family, as you would create more sewage waste in the interim.

 

Causes of Sewer Line Blockages

Sewer lines that are clogged or backed up can have many different causes, including:

  • Tree and plant roots

Believe it or not, you can be at a greater risk for backed-up sewer lines if you live near a tree. This is because the cracks in your pipes created by the roots or tendrils from the tree will quickly become more significant problems that can break your lines. This is a potential problem, especially for trees on residential property.

  • Sagging pipes

A sagging pipe, also known as a bellied pipe, occurs when the moist soil around an underground pipe changes its position. Over time, the pipe can begin to sag in the unsupported area. The sagging line will start to collect sewer waste and blockages. The first sign of a sagging pipe is usually a slow drain or a backup in your home’s plumbing.

  • Grease

Grease can build up in your pipes and cause them to clog. Doing things like pouring oil down the drain might seem like a good idea, but it can solidify and clog your pipes. Residential drainage lines should be hydro-jetted around once a year, while grease traps should also have routine maintenance.

Warning Signs Your Sewer Line Needs to be Cleaned

Here are some signs that your sewer line requires a deep cleaning:

  • Sewage is leaking from your drain, bathtub, sink, or toilet.
  • Plumbing is making bubbling or splashing noises.
  • Water can back up and flood other parts of your home using equipment like a dishwasher or washing machine.
  • Recurring blockages.
  • Slow drain.
  • Unpleasant odors.

 

Routine Sewer Line Cleaning and Video Inspection

Video inspection and routine sewer line cleaning can help you stay informed about the state of your home’s plumbing system. If you’re buying a house, find out detailed information about its plumbing history, how recent repairs have been done, and what to expect. Then, protect yourself against saggy pipes by following a regular maintenance schedule. In general, it’s recommended that homeowners should schedule 18-month sewer line cleanings.

 

Give us a Call to Schedule Your Plumbing Appointment Today

How often should you have your sewer lines cleaned? Custom Plumbing of Arizona offers sewer line cleaning services to keep your home or business functioning properly. Our team of experts will assess your needs and recommend a schedule for cleaning your sewer lines. Contact us today at 602-866-2665 to learn more about our services.

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Sometimes it’s possible to fix a plumbing problem with drain cleaning and proper maintenance. Other times, you may need to do something more drastic to prevent serious damage. Sewer replacement can be expensive, but when the sewer lines have deteriorated, it could be your only option.

If you’re not sure when to replace a sewer line, take a look below at a few reasons it might be time to start thinking about it.

Your Pipes Are Just Getting Old

Do you know when your home was built? Is it 50 years old? 100? If you live in an older home, chances are pretty good that your sewer system is old, too. As sewer pipes age, they are more prone to failure. Furthermore, the materials that people used for sewage systems back in the day tend to be more likely to leak from corrosion—in many cases, older homes have cast iron or galvanized steel piping. If you have never scheduled a sewer replacement and you live in a home built before the 1970s, it’s probably time to talk to a professional.

Your Pipes Are Constantly Clogging

It’s no secret that sometimes pipes clog. Toilets and sinks and shower drains often clog from the buildup of gunk and materials that pass through them. Sometimes they clog because people let the wrong things go down the drain. But if you haven’t been abusing your plumbing by flushing things you shouldn’t and you still experience frequent clogs at multiple locations of your home, the problem could be much bigger.

It’s possible that all you need to do is schedule a drain cleaning service, so you don’t need to worry just yet.

You Notice Bad Smells or Weird Sounds

Bad odors and strange sounds could also indicate that sewer replacement is in your future.

If you notice any bad smells emanating from a drain, it could mean that your p-trap is dry. The p-trap is the u-shaped pipe that prevents gases from emerging from the sewers while still allowing liquids and solids to pass through. When the p-trap runs dry, the gases can pass freely and stink up your home. Try running the water for a bit to refill it, and then monitor the drain in question to see if the odor persists. If, however, more than one drain in your home smells bad, this is a sign of sewer line problems.

You have probably also noticed that your plumbing system isn’t entirely quiet. While that is to be expected, if you ever hear any gurgling sounds or see air bubbles in the toilet, you could have a sewer problem on your hands

What Should I Do Before Scheduling Sewer Replacement Services?

If you notice any of the above signs, you should speak to a professional plumber. At Custom Plumbing of Arizona, we will take a look at your plumbing problems and tell you what the best course of action is. We will make sure that we exhaust every possibility before recommending the replacement of your sewer system.

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