Tips for Protecting Your Sewer Main
While most homeowners are very familiar with their pipes, some aren’t aware of what the home’s plumbing system is versus the sewer main line. Unfortunately, there is a significant difference between a clog in the pipes and one further down in the sewer main.
Knowing more about how they differ and what can be done to prevent and maintain them is essential information for any homeowner, especially when in need of plumbing services much like drain cleaning.
What Is the Home’s Sewer Main?
The home’s sewer main is what connects the drains in the home to the drain attached to the sewer main. It is located under the ground in the yard and is likely the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain instead of the city.
Most sewer main lines are less than 6 inches in diameter and should be on a downward slope so that sewer material doesn’t flow back into the home. Unfortunately, due to their small size, sewer main lines have a tendency to clog more easily than other pipes in the home.
Are There Any Sewer Main Services Needed?
While routine maintenance of the sewer main is recommended, most homeowners don’t seek services until after they have noticed a problem. Sewer main clogs should always be managed and addressed by a trained, professional plumbing company. With these clogs, there is a larger risk of a burst pipe which can end up causing substantial damage and expense if not noticed quickly.
There are more options available for sewer main clogs if they are found and treated early. Signs that the home may be dealing with a sewer main clog include:
- Bad Odors - Many homeowners describe the smell as sewage, as it is often the result of the sewer main backing up into the home.
- Water Bubbles - This happens when air gets caught between the clog and the drain.
- Strange Gurgling Noises - These are often noticed coming from the toilet or bathtub.
- Continuing/Recurring Issues - If the toilets in the home have recurring issues with slow water flow or frequent clogs, there might be a problem lower down in the sewer main.
What Happens If the Home Develops a Sewer Main Clog?
Sewer main clogs can happen for a few different reasons. The most common of those reasons are tree roots and debris, although there are other reasons they may occur as well.
Tree roots are the most common cause of a sewer main clog, though, because they are so prevalent in the yard. Over time, and especially with older trees, the roots seek out the moisture in the pipes. If there is even a small leak, the tree roots can sense them and will grow towards them.
The other cause of sewer main clogs, debris, is more likely to come from inside the home. When inappropriate objects are flushed (like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, etc.), they may end up clogging the pipes under the home. Over time, this may go from just slowing down the home’s water pressure to stopping the flow of water entirely.
Both of these are reasons why regular plumbing maintenance is important. Having regular inspections, especially with video, can find clogs before they can become a larger problem.
About B&L Plumbing
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, B&L Plumbing has been in business since 1999. They offer a range of services all focused on providing you a seamless and convenient experience. B&L Plumbing is veteran-owned and always puts customer satisfaction first.
