Sewer lines, the underground pipes that snake from your home to a central sewer system or a septic tank, will require maintenance occasionally. Otherwise, serious problems and clogs could result in much more expensive sewer line repair. Clogs in underground sewer lines can occur of course, but the best way to be sure if your primary sewer line needs unclogging is to contact a professional. When you have a large clog in your sewer line, the situation can become much more complex. Before calling in the professional, however, there are some things you can do yourself to try to resolve the problem.
One of the simplest DIY sewer line repairs that can be carried out by most homeowners is using a high-pressure washer. This method is great for clearing out roots in pipes, but it does have a limitation. Pouring a high-pressure jet of water down the pipe helps loosen the soil, but it also pushes the dirt and grime along with it. This means that the job will require more frequent flushing. A good drain maintenance plan should include periodic flushing of drainage pipes using a high-pressure washer and core drills to make it easier to clear stubborn clogs from pipes in the yard. A high-pressure lawn and garden hose can often accomplish the same results.
If the pipes in your yard are leaking, likely, there are also some drainage issues in your basement. There are two primary solutions to basement sewage and drainage problems: repairing damage and preventing future damage. The first step to addressing basement seepage is clearing the area around the drains and sump pumps. This can be accomplished using a high-pressure washer and a strong trenchless sewer line repair brush. This cleaning can be accompanied by a routine inspection to catch small leaks before they become larger ones.
Most homeowners focus on fixing damaged sewer lines themselves. Unfortunately, this approach often results in more work than necessary. For example, cutting into a tree to reach an old sewer line can often result in more damage than simply reaching the blockage. A qualified plumbing services company is highly skilled at working through tree trunks and other unwanted obstructions, which makes it possible to make the necessary repairs. A local company will also know which types of plumbing lines are more susceptible to damage and what cutting tools to use.
For areas that aren’t sewer lines, installing sod and compacting the soil can often improve drain functionality and ease the pressure on plumbing lines. Many homeowners also incorrectly install grass mulch around their yards, which also damages drainage pipes. A licensed plumber with an understanding of lawn care techniques can make the necessary repairs to protect your drains and sewage system.
In many cases, the only thing needed for sewer line repair is the simple act of pumping some water. When drain grease becomes trapped in pipes, it slows the flow of water downpipes, making it necessary to unstop the flow of water for several minutes. A plumber can use chemicals to dissolve the clog, preventing it from building up again. Sometimes, all a homeowner needs to do is remove the debris from inside the pipes and replace it with new ones. However, you should be aware that certain brands of drain cleaners can damage your plumbing equipment if not used properly.
In most cases, professional plumbers handle sewer line repairs because they involve complicated tasks such as inserting long, flexible sewer line sections, cutting down large trees, and so forth. Yet, newer technology and state-of-the-art machinery can make these complex sewer line repairs much easier. Trenchless technology involves excavating a trench around your home’s foundation. The trenchless technology then seals off the interior of the trench, which prevents moisture from building up behind the walls of your home.
Trenchless technology also ensures that sewer line repairs are less expensive. A professional plumber uses a smaller machine to do the repairs, making them less costly overall. If you want to learn more about trenchless technology for your plumbing needs, contact a lawn care professional today. You can schedule a free consultation to learn more. Likewise, if you’re looking for affordable repairs for your drainage problems, contact a professional plumber today. With all of your drains repaired, your lawn will be much easier to maintain.