Your sewer line is responsible for doing the dirty work of carrying food waste, human waste, and more away from your home in a sanitary manner. Unfortunately, sewer lines are prone to getting clogged. While some clogs develop suddenly, other clogs develop over months with the accumulation of grease, soap residue, hair, and other debris. Sewer line problems are a nightmare to deal with, but many can be prevented when you routinely clean the line. Your spring-cleaning efforts today can eliminate developing clogs and prevent expensive sewer repairs later on.

Snake the Drain for Minor Blockages

Small pieces of debris can often accumulate close to the drains in the kitchens and bathrooms of your home. For example, a ball of hair and soap residue may accumulate in the neck of the bathroom sink’s drainpipe. These minor blockages are easy to clear by using a snake device available at your local home improvement store. Rather than waiting for the signs of a developing clog, such as slow draining, you can preemptively snake the drains seasonally.

Use a Drain Cleaning Solution

While a snake is suitable for cleaning the first one to several feet of the pipe leading to the sewer line, extra effort is needed to clear out smelly grime lining the length of the pipe. It’s common to pour a commercial cleaning solution down the drain. However, these harsh chemicals can permanently damage the sewer line. They’re also harmful to pets, people, and the environment. As an alternative, use an organic drain cleaning solution made with baking soda and white vinegar.

Clear Blockages with a Drain Auger

Deeper in the sewer line, more severe clogs can develop. You can’t reach these with a snake, so a drain auger is needed to keep the line clean. A drain auger is inserted into the sewer line through the clean-out line. This is a motorized device with a long cable that is fed down the clean-out line, and it obliterates debris so it can be flushed cleanly through the sewer line.

Schedule Hydro-Jetting for Grease and Debris Removal

While each of these drain-cleaning methods is effective for specific functions, hydro-jetting is the most comprehensive solution. With this method, your plumber will shoot a high-pressured stream of water through the drains. The water pressure clears grease, developing clogs, and other matter from end to end without the need for harsh cleaning products. Keep in mind that excessive pressure can cause significant damage to your plumbing system. To avoid damage and optimize results, it’s best to let a professional complete a hydro-jetting service. If you live in Durham, NC, reach out today to Harmon Plumbing for sewer line services.