Old homes undoubtedly have a timeless charm like no other. From the antique faucets to the transom window, there’s a lot to love. However, the good stuff comes with some baggage; for old houses, it’s the sewer line issues.
The biggest problem is the plumbing—although modern appliances appear in old houses, the sewer lines are out-of-date and don’t support them. We’ll guide you on how to prevent drain line issues in older homes.
Read this blog to figure out how to prevent sewer line issues in older homes.
Common Sewer Line Problems
- The trouble with plumbing is due to the materials used to construct sewer lines in the past, which led to a myriad of problems.
- Clay and cast iron were used to make the drains, and with age, these materials cracked and rusted, causing structural weakness and, eventually, leakage.
- The build-up of waste particles, foreign objects, and more over a long period of time causes severe pipe blockages. Sewer cleaning services are essential during such a time.
- With the presence of cracks in the line, tree roots find themselves infiltrating inside in search of moisture. This can lead to the breakage of sewer lines.
- Bad soil conditions can be disastrous as they result in the sinking of the drain pipe, leading to the accumulation of waste and other debris.
Identifying a Clogged Drain
Don’t ignore the obvious warning signs that tell you there’s trouble in your sewer pipes. Here are a few:
- Slowed-up and Frequent Clogging: Are multiple drain sites lagging in your house? This could mean your pipe has some sort of obstruction.
- Strange Sounds: Gurgling noises from your drain hint at blocked lines.
- Unpleasant Smells: A horrible odor from your drains is another red flag that indicates standing water in the pipes.
How You Can Prevent Clogging of Your Sewer Line
You don’t have to change your whole house due to sewer line issues. There are easy solutions that’ll help you avoid clogging the pipes.
1. Be Aware of What Goes Inside Your Drain
Things you flush down the toilet or the drain contribute majorly towards the clogging of the pipes. Avoid anything that has grease or oil, as that hardens up and sticks to the sides of the sewer lines, causing a blockage.
You should also install filters/strainers on your drains to catch the food particles, hair, or any other particles that can clog the pipes. Additionally, do not flush items like wrappers, wipes, or other sanitary products, as this can lead to a significant blockage.
2. Keeping the Sewer Lines Maintained
The sewer pipelines of old houses are fragile. It would be best if you got regular sewer cleaning services from professionals to ensure they stay functional. Timely cleaning leads to:
- No obstruction of waste or other clogging factors, so there is no backflow or overflow.
- Early spotting of any cracked parts on the pipes; hence, you can address the issues promptly before any major damage occurs.
3. Use an Enzyme Cleaner
Specific cleaners are available to help keep the drains clean. You have the option of chemical cleaners or an enzyme cleaner; the latter is a better choice for your pipes and the environment.
4. Inspection of the Drains
Get your sewers inspected occasionally by professionals. It would make a tremendous difference in your sewage line’s functionality. The experts have special cameras that can search for any tree roots that are obstructing the lines.
Apart from that, the condition of your pipes, whether they need a replacement or not, is better understood by a skilled person. They can also identify any leaks in the pipe that need repair.
Read Also: Sewer and Drain Cleaning Services: How Often Should You Schedule?
Get Your Sewer Lines Cleaned Today
Owning an old home means the additional responsibility of keeping the special features maintained. However, taking proactive steps, like knowing the common problems associated with them, noticing the warning signs, and implementing all the preventive tips, will make your life a lot easier.
Are you looking for skilled experts to get your sewer line cleaned up? Call Victor Sewer for a satisfactory experience.
