The Modern Homeowner's Guide to Sewer Drain Maintenance

Living in Austin, Texas as a modern homeowner comes with a few logistical challenges. One of the most common is sewer drain maintenance. The good news is that, with the right approach and some simple preventative measures, you can stay on top of your problems with minimal effort, frustration and cost.

This article serves as an ultimate guide to sewer drains, complete with an overview of how drains work, common signs of a problem, tips for maintenance, and the best solutions for handling common issues, from hiring a professional to DIY solutions. We'll cover everything you need to know, so you can identify and fix most problems quickly and easily.

What are Sewer Drains and How Do They Work?

Sewer drains are wastewater pipes that direct water away from your home, into the sewage system. Generally, residential systems use two separate piping systems – one that carries wastewater and sewage from your home and into the municipal main, and one that drains groundwater away from your structure. The water is discharged into the municipal/public sewer system, and then it is disposed of in appropriate water treatment facilities.

Over time, these pipes can become blocked or damaged, leading to problems in your home such as backups and flooding. Blockages and damage can occur for a variety of reasons, including foreign objects lodged in the pipes, buildup from grease, tree roots, heavy weather events, or overuse.

Common Signs of an Issue

As with all plumbing problems, the first step is identifying the signs that something's gone wrong. Common signs that point to sewer drain issues include slow drains, blockages, bad odors, and backups. The first two (slow drains and blockages) are the most common, and they can be a sign of partial blockage or complete blockage. Slow drains often indicate a partial blockage, whereas a complete blockage will usually result in a complete backup.

Additionally, issues with your sewer drain can also lead to basement flooding. With particularly extreme weather events, and frequent rain or snow, sewer systems can become overwhelmed and may fail to carry water away from your home. This can result in water seeping into your basement, causing flooding and various other problems.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Things Running Smoothly

The key to avoiding common issues with your sewer drain is maintenance and prevention. Here are a few tips to help you keep your home's drainage system running smoothly.

Check plumbing fixtures for any leaks or drips.

Identify any foundations or landscaping improvements that may be blocking drainage flow.

Reduce the amount of grease, oil, and fats that you put down the drain.

Clean your drains regularly.

Avoid using too much toilet paper, as it can lead to blockages.

With some simple routine maintenance, you can prevent major issues with your sewer systems and save yourself a lot of time and money.

Best Solutions for Common Problems

If the above suggestions don't work, or you're not sure what's causing the issue, then it's time to call in the professionals. A qualified plumber will be higher to provide you with a diagnosis and the best solutions to get your system functional again. Solutions may include sewer line replacement or repair, drain cleaning, trenchless sewers, and more.

It's also important to be aware of hydro jetting which is a safe and effective way to clean the interior walls of your pipes. This process removes any buildup of grease or debris that could be clogging your pipes and causing backups.

Final considerations

A properly functioning sewer drain system is essential to keeping your home running smoothly. Fortunately, with the right preventative maintenance and solutions for the common problems, it's easy to keep your system in check. It's also important to know when it's time to call in a professional plumber, as this can save you time and money in the long run.

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