Keeping your main sewer line clean so your home stays running
The main sewer line is the section of your sewer system that goes from your house out to the city sewer or a septic tank. If your main sewer line clogs, you will not be able to use any of the drains in your home.
At John’s Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we understand that a clogged main sewer line is an emergency situation for your family.
Causes of main sewer line clogs
While still at risk to the typical culprits that may cause clogs in other drains in your home, main sewer line clogs are most often caused by tree roots. Roots can enter your sewer line over time and can cause backups. If you live near many trees, we recommend calling us for a video inspection every 1-5 years.
Cleaning your main sewer line
Most of the time, using a “snake” machine is enough to get a good condition sewer line up and running again. This method involves using a commercial grade electric snake machine, which employs a metal cable to enter the line and break through the clog, scraping the pipe clean. The motor spins the cable as it pushes forward, allowing it to build torque which helps break through tough clogs. However, in the case of a main sewer line, your technician will likely employ the largest of his machines, specifically designed to handle such a large line. These larger machines also have a variety of different blade attachments to help cut through roots and other difficult obstructions.
Other Main Sewer Line Services
If snaking the line uncovers any problems, we may use video inspection to take a closer look. This involves inserting a camera in the sewer line and recording everything we see. Once our video inspection camera has reached the blockage or damage in your line, we’re able to pinpoint its exact location in the ground and depth. That way, if we have to dig, we’ll know right where to start.
In the rare event that there is a larger problem in your sewer line, like a break, or roots that have become far too invasive, you don’t have to go far for a solution. We can excavate and repair or replace the line for you. We may also suggest a discounted preventive maintenance program to keep the line running after it is fixed.
Maintenance can prevent problems
Even though your main sewer line connects to a city system, you are responsible for maintaining it—including any needed repairs. We often advise homeowners to setup preventive maintenance plans for their main sewer lines to help prevent backups.
Tips for main sewer lines
- When planting trees or bushes, plant them as far from the sewer line as possible.
- If your toilet is making a gurgling sound, have your main sewer line checked. This is an early warning sign of a clog.
- Another of the earliest warning signs is water splashing out when your washer machine drains. If you’re experiencing this, call us today!
- Stop clogs and messy backups before they happen. The best way to avoid main sewer line clogs is preventive maintenance.
