Proactive Tips to Save Money on Your Sewer Line
Many homeowners don’t think about their sewer lines until there’s a problem. The next thing you know, a plumber is digging up your yard and you’re staring down a big repair bill. The industry encourages a more proactive approach instead. Being proactive can extend the life of your sewer system and help you avoid issues that are expensive to fix.
Practice Proper Waste Disposal
Practice proper waste disposal for all drains, your toilets, and kitchen sinks in particular. Only flush toilet paper and other bathroom products made to be flushed. Never flush wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, and so forth. Be careful with what you put down your garbage disposal as well. Never dump grease in it, and avoid coffee grounds, oatmeal, onion skins, and so on. If you dump a small amount of grease, run hot water for several minutes. If you accidentally dump a lot of grease or other substances you shouldn’t have, call a plumber to avoid an issue.
Schedule Annual Plumbing Inspections
Consider scheduling an annual plumbing inspection, and at the very least, schedule one every few years. Through a comprehensive inspection, a plumber can identify normal wear and tear before it develops into a much more serious problem. Snaking a line or treating it with enzymes can remove buildup long before it develops into a substantial blockage.
Don’t Ignore Sewer Trouble Warning Signs
When you notice drainage problems, call a plumber right away rather than waiting to see if the problem will worsen. It often will and become more expensive and complex to repair in the process. An isolated drainage issue will typically be local to that drain. Be vigilant for signs that the issue is more widespread. If you have multiple slow drains in a home, for instance, that may suggest a blockage in the sewer line. Sewer line clogs can also cause gurgling in toilets and toilet bowl water levels that rise and fall unpredictably.
Ensure Proper Landscaping and Drainage
Keep your landscape well maintained. Avoid planting trees with deep root systems near the sewer line. Watch for wet patches on your lawn. Ensure you have a well-functioning gutter system with downspouts that appropriately channel water through the landscape and away from your foundation and hardscapes. If you still have ponding water near the foundation, consider French drains and other drainage solutions to alleviate it.
Avoid Liquid Plumbers
Do not use chemical drain cleaners available at your local shops. If a chemical is strong enough to clear a clog, it’s strong enough to damage your pipes. Using an enzyme-based treatment can be beneficial for sewer line health, but this is something you should discuss with your plumber.
To schedule a sewer line inspection in Panama City, FL, call Ridge AC today, or contact us online.