The putrid smell. Strange gurgling sounds. Water bubbling from your shower when the toilet is flushed. Sounds like a scary movie, but reality could be even scarier. You might have a clogged main sewer line.
Summer is a time for backyard barbecues, swimming, all around fun and relaxation. It is also a time for intense growth of tree roots, which can penetrate and clog your sewer drain line. Once inside and growing, tree roots can block the passage of water and other particles. Older houses may have clay pipes, which are notoriously weak, or even cast iron pipes that tend to corrode, allowing trees roots to grow inside. Newer homes are not off the hook though! PVC or ABS sewer lines are not impervious. Tree roots can sometimes penetrate at the joints between the pipes. On a hot summer day, a severe clog in your sewer drain line cause by root damage is the last thing you want to deal with.
Be proactive rather than reactive. Preventing clogs in your pipes is possible, if you follow these simple rules:
Your toilet is not another waste basket. Do NOT flush items that were not meant for the toilet. This includes diapers, sanitary pads, and paper towels. I know this may seem obvious, but we all know someone who is guilty of this crime!
Never, I repeat, NEVER pour cooking grease or fat down your drain. Grease and fat will both harden over time and cause some severe clogs. It is best to have a container to collect these in that you can throw away with the trash.
Be cautious about how much you put down your garbage disposal at one time. Adding large quantities of anything solid at once can lead to a clogged sewer line.
Research trees before you add them to your landscaping. Trees and shrubs are an important part of landscaping for a home. The add shade and beauty but often times are a silent killer when it comes to a plumbing system. Faster growing trees, such as Ficus trees, are far more aggressive when it comes to root growth. Slower growing trees, like Redwoods, Maples, and Dogwoods, take years to mature and won’t cause damage to plumbing systems. This makes them a great candidate for planting by plumbing systems. Careful selection and routine maintenance will save you from a lot of headaches down the road.
If you suspect you have root damage in your sewer line, no amount of plunging will help. It is time to bring out the pros at NewWay to help rescue your pipes from infiltrating roots! With our innovative HOT Jetting and HD camera inspection, roots are no match for us. Give us a call at (855) 697-3937 or schedule an appointment!