At some point, everyone needs to clean their sewer system. However, many people are not sure what is involved in this process. This blog post will give you an overview of the sewer cleaning process, so you can be prepared for when it is time for your own home. Keep in mind that professional help may be needed for more difficult tasks – so don’t hesitate to call a plumber if necessary!
What Does Sewer Cleaning Mean?
Sewer drain cleaning is the process of removing debris, blockages, and buildup from your sewer line. This can be done with a professional service, or you can do it yourself with basic tools and knowledge. Either way, it’s important to keep your sewer line clean and clear to avoid problems down the road.
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Sewer Drains Vs. Storm Drains?
No, sewer drains are not the same as storm drains. Storm drains are designed to handle run-off from rain and melting snow. Sewer drains, on the other hand, are designed to handle waste water from your home. This includes water from your toilet, kitchen sink, shower, and washing machine. It is important not to confuse the two types of drains, as they serve very different purposes.
Why Do Sewers Need To Be Cleaned?
Sewers need to be cleaned for a variety of reasons:
- It helps to prevent clogs from forming in the first place.
- It helps to keep your sewer system functioning properly.
- It can help to prevent backups and overflows.
- It can improve the overall efficiency of your sewer system.
How Often Should Sewers Be Cleaned?
Most experts recommend that sewers be cleaned every one to three years. However, this may vary depending on the size of your home, the number of people in your household, and the amount of use your sewer system gets.
If you have a larger home or more people in your household, you may need to clean your sewer more often. Conversely, if you have a smaller home or fewer people in your household, you may be able to go longer between cleanings.
Sewer Inspection
The first step in sewer cleaning is to have your sewer drain inspected. A professional service can do this, or you can do it yourself with a camera.
Checking your sewer line will help you determine what type of cleaning is necessary. If there are no obvious problems, then a general cleaning may be all that’s needed. However, if there are blockages or buildup, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary.
Types Of Sewer Cleaning Methods
There are three main types of sewer cleaning methods:
Hydraulic Sewer Cleaning Methods
Hydraulic cleaning is the most common method of sewer cleaning. It’s effective for most blockages, and it’s relatively safe if done properly. Hydraulic cleaning uses high-pressure water to remove blockages and buildup.
A pump generates the water pressure, and the water is sent through a hose to the sewer or drain lines. The hose has a nozzle on the end that blasts the blockage and buildup away.
Hydraulic cleaning is effective for most blockages, but it can damage your sewer line if not used properly. The high-pressure water can erode the lining of your sewer pipe, which can lead to leaks and other problems. That’s why it’s important only to use a professional service that is experienced and uses the proper equipment.
Chemical Cleaning
Chemical cleaning is another common method of sewer cleaning. It’s often used to remove roots, grease, scents, rodents, and insects. Only chemicals licensed by the government may be used in this manner.
Chemical cleaning typically involves pouring a chemical solution into the sewer line and allowing it to sit for some time. The chemical will break down the blockage or buildup, and then it can be flushed away with water.
Chemical cleaning can be hazardous if not done properly. This is because the chemicals used in the process might escape the sewers, and this can be harmful to you and your family. That’s why it’s important only to use a professional service that is experienced and uses the proper safety equipment.
Mechanical Cleaning
Mechanical cleaning is another common method of sewer cleaning. It’s often used to remove blockages and buildup. Mechanical cleaning typically involves using a machine to remove the blockage or buildup. The device will have a rotating brush that breaks up or scrapes the blockage and a suction hose that removes the debris.
Mechanical cleaning is effective for most blockages, but it can damage your sewer line if not used properly. The rotating brush can damage the lining of your sewer pipe, which can lead to leaks and other problems. That’s why it’s important only to use a service that is experienced and will help get the job done in a professional manner.
Conclusion
Sewer cleaning is an important part of maintaining your home’s plumbing system. By having a clean sewer, you can help prevent a clogged drain, backups, and overflows. Additionally, you can improve the overall efficiency of your sewer system and extend its lifespan.
If you’re not sure how often you should have your sewers cleaned, be sure to consult with a professional plumber. They will be able to assess your individual needs and give you helpful hints on how often you should have your sewers cleaned. Thanks for reading! We hope this article has been helpful.
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At MD Sewer and Plumbing, we offer commercial plumbing services with years of expertise. Since 1985, we have provided dependable sewer and plumbing services in Pasadena, Glen Burnie, Linthicum, Annapolis, Baltimore, and the surrounding areas.
Our services include plumbing, water lines, pipeline video inspections, sewer drain cleaning, sump pumps, hot water heaters, remodeling, and other plumbing needs, plumbing repairs, or emergency services. All at an affordable price!
Give us a service call today at 410-255-9300 or get a quote online to request our services.