The sewer drain is a vital component of your home’s plumbing system. However, since it is not apparent, the sewer drain is something most people do not recognize. Many homeowners do not think about their home’s sewer pipes until there is a problem, which usually is a sewer drain clog.

The sewer line carries wastewater away from every drain, fixture, and appliance in your home. This pipe is hidden beneath the soil of your lawn, and can typically last 50 to 100 years, depending on the material from which the pipe is made and the conditions under which it is used. As a homeowner, it is essential to know the factors that impact the wear and tear on your pipes, and what to expect when it nears the end of their life.

Clogs happen. Toilets, sinks, and bathtubs all get stopped up during their lifetime, and so your sewer line will encounter a lot of possible challenges. First, the soil’s weight above the pipe can change due to dryness or compaction. If the soil becomes too heavy, it can cause the pipe to drop. Causing wastewater to leak into your lawn. Sewer line damages can also happen more swiftly than anticipated due to overuse or misuse of a home’s plumbing system. Food debris, garbage, and grease, fat, and soap residue can build up inside the sewer line over time, degrading its usefulness and putting your home at risk for a sewer clog or backup.

drain lines

How do Drain Lines Work?

Every drain pipe must be connected to a system of ventilation pipes that move up into the roof. Venting stops sewer gases from wafting out of drains into living quarters.

Inspecting a sewer line with a camera is a great idea before purchasing a home. Throughout the inspection, make sure the inspector verifies that all venting pipes are working correctly.

Most plumbing fittings have curved “trap” parts that hold a little water, producing a seal that keeps gases in. This section of the pipe can be removed to clear clogs.
Toilets also have a trap that keeps the regular water in the toilet bowl. The toilet drain has the largest drain pipe in the house.

All household drains meet below the house in the main drain that carries the wastewater to the municipal sewer lines or a septic system.

What Causes a Sewer Drain To Clog?

A sewer drain can become clogged, which can produce sewage backups in your home. Clogged drains and blocked pipes commence as minor issues but can instantly intensify into significant problems. Most sewer clogs can be stopped by properly using your drains and regular maintenance. Here are the five common causes of clogged drains.

HAIR

Hair binds with oil and other sticky substances, quickly creating obstructions and leading to a clogged drain. The perfect way to deal with hair blockages is to deter them from entering the drain in the first place. Secure that all drains have guards to catch hair and clear these regularly.

SOAP

Traditional soap bars are made out of oil or fat. The fat in the soap mixes with minerals in water and leaves a hard residue that blotches bath fittings and clogs pipes.

DIRT

The excess dirt off of you and your clothes can build up and create problems in your drains. Shake excess dirt and mud off of your clothes and body outside before washing them inside.

FOOD WASTE

Food waste should never go down the drain. Create a composting pile to get rid of food waste. Be careful of other foods that include grease or oil as they will harden within the pipes and potentially lead to a blockage.

TOILET PAPER BUILD-UP

Toilet paper can clog your drains and prevent your toilets from flushing. If water can still run into your toilet when flushed, you can use a plunger to remove and eradicate some of the toilet paper. However, if your toilet fills without draining, you will need to call a plumber to take care of the blockage for you.

How Do I Keep My Sewer Lines Clear?

Here are some tips that will keep your sewer line clear.

  1. Don’t use your toilet as a wastebasket – Flushing facial tissues, napkins, diapers, and other waste can lead to a clogged toilet.
  2. Use your garbage disposal effectively – Avoid dropping a massive amount of anything down your garbage disposal.
  3. Don’t pour grease down your drain – Grease and fat when poured down your drain will solidify, collecting debris and build a stubborn clog.

When should I clean the drain?

Drain cleaning is essential when it comes to maintaining your sewer system. Different types of clogs can occur without regular maintenance. From clogged drains from grease and fat to an accumulation of dirt and debris from a storm run-off, an overlooked area can quickly develop into a plumbing emergency. This is why it is essential to know when you need to clean your drain and what to do about it.

Warning Signs

Any behavior out of the ordinary should be taken as a potential warning sign, to ensure that your sewer line does not back up. Some typical examples are; you may experience gurgling in the toilet, waste residue near a floor drain, or hear sounds coming from drain lines when the washing machine is being run.

If you notice signs of an impending sewer back up, call to get a preventative maintenance drain cleaning done.

If you have an active sewer line back-up, you can stop further damage by not using your sinks, showers, toilets, washing machine, or dishwasher till the line has been cleared.

Ready for a local, reliable, and honest plumbing company to be by your side? Call Caccia Plumbing at (650) 442-1470 today to get scheduled. We understand the value of getting your line cleared, and we will come night, day, weekend, or holiday to ensure that you are taken care of.