Expert Tips for Safe, Better, and Faster Sewer Cleaning

Sewer lines convey waste, notably from your home, to another point outside your property for proper treatment or disposal.

The sewer lines inside your home are referred to as building drains, while those outside are called house drains.

Main sewer vs drain lines

Drain pipes serve only a building and move waste water away from it to be dumped in the main sewer. They do not lead directly to the sewer system or septic tank.

A lateral drain connects drains from other buildings before eventually conveying them to a main sewer. The main sewer connects with the septic tank or public sewer.

If well-built and maintained, sewers may need little or no maintenance for a svery long time.

However, if they have issues, they may need to be cleaned using Sewer and Jetting Equipment from Varco.com.

Who is responsible for cleaning the sewer line? Homeowners or city?

Many people believe the city or municipality is responsible for maintaining sewer lines. This is only sometimes true. Depending on the law in your area, certain sections will be maintained by homeowners and others by the city.

For many areas, homeowners are responsible for maintaining drain pipes and sewer laterals running from their homes to the main sewer, usually in the street.

Cities and municipalities are usually responsible for problems with the public sewer main.

When fixing any issue with your sewer line, be very careful about the plumber you hire to fix your sewer lines. One way to ensure their proficiency is to insist on seeing the state-issued plumbing license of the plumber sent to work on your plumbing system.

How to clean sewer: Tips for property owners

Just like you maintain your home appliances, such as the thermostat, the sewer also needs attention and maintenance.

If you observe your sink draining slower than usual or hear a gurgling sound from the toilet, the sewer line may have developed a fault.

While some cleaning methods for your sewer line can be handled using Do It Yourself (DIY) tricks, it is always recommended to get the service of a professional who will use the appropriate tool to fix the problem without complicating it.

Nevertheless, below are some tips to clean your sewer line:

Enzyme cleaners

Enzymes are biological catalysts that can cause and speed up chemical reactions. Since a sink can get clogged by grease and food particles wash down kitchen sinks, enzyme cleaners introduce appropriate enzymes that can chemically break down these particles.

The enzyme cleaner also contains bacteria. The bacteria feast on the molecules broken down by the enzymes, significantly reducing or eliminating their size.

You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and since they work via biological reaction, you may need patience to see the result.

Baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar can handle clogged and smelly drains in the home. Baking soda has slight disinfectant properties, making it an excellent option to destroy odor-causing bacteria and fungi.

When used with vinegar, baking soda can de-grease the drain and unclog it. Upon mixing, baking soda and vinegar generate a foamy and bubble reaction, which will often help clear your drain.

To use this trick:

• Heat boiling water
• Pour the boiled water and dish soap into the drain
• Pour baking soda into the drain
• Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into the drain
• Flush with boiled water

Cable cleaning

Drain cleaning cables are available in different sizes depending on the size of your sewer line pipes. It is perfect for general maintenance.

The design features a spinning cable with blades that can cut through blockages in the pipes.

This will invariably improve the flow and restore the drainage system to its normal state.

Hydro jetting

Hydrojetting uses a high-powered water jet to push the clogs in the pipeline. The blockades may include roots, grease buildup, dry concrete, and hair clogs.

The hydrojetting device features a tiny camera attached to a cable into the pipes to help the user see what is causing the blockade.

This helps to monitor the progress of the tasks and areas to focus the pressure on.

How to clean sewer: Tips for professionals

Professionals handling the cleaning of sewer lines under the management of a city or municipality authority are expected to be well-trained and certified for the job.

However, experts recommend the following tips for optimal safety:

Block off traffic

Municipal sewer cleaning typically requires a vacuum truck, and when this is packed in the middle of the road, block off the traffic and place safety cones around the work zone to alert any approaching vehicle.

This will ensure operators’ safety in the traffic.

Keep equipment operating noise low

Even though you may have blocked off traffic, it is still essential to remain vigilant. Keep the operating noise low enough so operators can hear each other and the sound of any approaching vehicles.

Only power the machines needed to reduce the noise during the sewer cleaning.

Observe necessary safety routine

Wear personal protective equipment, such as waterproof gloves and work boots. Use goggles to protect your eyes, and always watch your hands with soap and water immediately after cleaning a sewer.

Follow industrial and manufacturer guidelines for operating all tools and equipment you will be using to avoid danger.

Tips to keep sewer lines clean

• Avoid pouring fats, oil, and grease down the drain
• Clean the sink weekly by running hot water into it
• Plant trees away from the sewer line to prevent roots from crawling into it
• Be cautious of what you flush down the drain; do not flush items like sanitary napkins
• Hire professionals every two years for proper cleaning of the sewer using appropriate sewer and jetting equipment