How often should I clean out my sewer line? Is there anything else I can do besides cleaning it out?
If you live in an area where water is scarce or you have a septic tank system, then you might want to consider having your sewer cleaned out. This is because it can cause problems such as flooding, sewage backup, and even health issues.
You can hire a professional to come out and perform the job, but you can also do it yourself. The good thing about cleaning your sewer line yourself is that you don’t have to pay someone else to do it. In addition, you can save some money by doing it yourself.
What is a Sewer Cleanout?
A sewer cleanout is when a plumber removes all of the debris from inside your sewer pipe. It is usually done when the pipes are clogged up with sediment or other types of debris. If this happens, it will prevent any flow of wastewater through the pipe.
There are two main reasons why you need to get your sewer cleaned out:
1) To Prevent Flooding
2) To Keep Your Home Safe
How Often Should You Have A Sewer Line Cleaned Out?
The frequency of sewer cleanouts depends on how much water flows through your home. There are different factors that determine how much water flows through a house. These include things like the size of your property, whether you have a well, and how old your plumbing is.
For example, if you have a large house, you may be required to have your sewer cleaned more frequently than if you have a small one. Also, if you have a well, you may require a sewer cleanout every few years.
How Do I Know When My Sewer Needs to Be Cleaned?
It is important for homeowners to know what signs indicate that their sewer needs to be cleaned. Some of these signs include:
• Water backing up into basements
• Stinky odors coming from drains
• Slow draining toilets
• Standing water around the foundation
• Sink overflow
• Leaking faucets
• Puddles of standing water
These are just some of the common signs that your sewers need to be cleansed. If you notice any of these symptoms, then it is best that you contact a professional immediately.
What Does a Home Sewer Cleanout Look Like?
When a plumber performs a sewer cleanout, they will remove all of the debris from the interior of the pipe. They will use tools such as vacuum hoses, brushes, and various other equipment to help them complete the task.
They will also replace any damaged parts of the pipe that were caused by the previous buildup of debris. After this process has been completed, the plumber will check the entire length of the pipe to make sure that everything is working properly.
They will also test the pressure of the water flowing through the pipes. This way, they can ensure that the pipes are clear of obstructions and that they are operating at full capacity.
Sewer Line Cleanout Diagram
If you decide to clean out your own sewer lines, there are certain steps that you should take first. One of these steps is to create a diagram of the location of your sewer lines. By creating this diagram, you will be able to locate the exact spot where each of the pipes is located in your home.
You should also mark the locations of the manholes so that you can find them easily. Once you have created this diagram, you can start looking for the problem areas.
This will allow you to pinpoint exactly which part of the sewer system requires cleaning.
Once you have found the area that needs to be cleaned, you will want to hire a professional plumber to perform the job.
Types of Plumbing Cleanouts
There are many types of plumbing cleanouts that you can choose from. The most popular ones include:
One-Way Sewer Cleanout
A one-way sewer cleanout is used when you only need to drain sewage from one side of the house. You would typically use this type of cleanout during an emergency situation or when you are doing major renovations.
The reason why you would use a one-way cleanout is because you do not want to block the flow of sewage back towards the rest of the house. This could cause serious problems, including flooding and damage to the property.
Two-Way Sewer Cleanout
This type of cleanout is used when both sides of your house require drainage. This is usually done if you are planning on building a new addition onto your home.
In order to install a two-way cleanout, you will need to dig up the ground in front of your home. Then, you will need to lay down a series of plastic pipes. These pipes will run parallel to each other and connect to the existing pipes that lead into your basement.
After installing these pipes, you will need to pour concrete around the base of the pipes. This will prevent future leaks.
After the concrete has set, you will need to cut off the ends of the pipes. Then, you will attach a hose to the end of each pipe. This will allow you to drain the sewage away from the house.
When you are finished with the installation, you will need to seal the holes that were left behind. To do this, you will need to fill the hole with cement.
Do all Homes Sewer Cleanouts?
Not all homes require sewer line cleanouts. However, it is recommended that you get your sewer lines cleaned every five years. If you live in an older home, then you may need to get your sewer lines cleaned more often than once per year.
It is important to note that some states require homeowners to get their sewers inspected annually. In such cases, you will need to schedule an appointment with your local city hall.
How Much Does It Cost To Have A Sewer Cleanout Done?
If you decide to clean out the sewer lines yourself, you will need to pay someone to help you. On average, you can expect to spend between $400 and $600 to complete the project.
However, you will need to factor in the cost of hiring a professional plumber to assist you. The price varies depending on the size of the cleanout as well as the location of the work site.
How to Locate a Sewer Cleanout?
You should start by looking for signs of a leak. One common sign is water dripping from the ceiling. Another is seeing black liquid coming through cracks in the walls.
Once you find a leak, you will need to determine where it is originating. This will be easier said than done since most people assume that they have a leak somewhere near the kitchen sink.
However, the truth is that many leaks originate elsewhere. For example, you might notice a leak coming from under the sink. Or maybe you see water leaking from under the bathroom floor.
The next step is to locate the source of the leak. You will need to figure out which part of the plumbing system is causing the problem.
For instance, if you suspect that there is a leak in the toilet, you will need to check the tank first. Then, you will want to look at the overflow tube. Next, you will want to inspect the flapper valve.
Once you identify the cause of the leak, you will need a tool to fix the issue. You will also need to know how much time you have before the leak causes damage to your home.
What if Your House Has no Sewer Cleanout?
In some parts of the country, it is not possible to install a sewer cleanout. This is especially true if you live in an area where the soil is very soft or unstable.
In such cases, you will have to call a professional plumber to perform the job. They will use special equipment to dig up the ground around the sewer line. Once the trench is dug, they will install a new pipe.
This method is more expensive than installing a sewer cleanout. However, it is still cheaper than having to replace the entire sewer line.
Conclusion
Whether you are planning to do the job yourself or hire a professional plumber, make sure that you have the right tools and knowledge to complete the task successfully.
