They’ve Come a Long Way Since the Pyramids

Posted on: 20 December 2022

Sewers are an integral part of every home's plumbing. Unfortunately, these lines can become clogged with solid material, grease buildup, and tree roots.

Not tackling sewer cleaning correctly or attempting to do it yourself can lead to a host of problems, including overflow damage and sewer backups.

To ensure you don't run into any headaches, here are some common sewer cleaning mistakes to avoid.

Not Knowing What You're Dealing With

Before beginning any sewer cleaning project, it's important to know the location and condition of your sewer lines. This is especially true if you have an older sewer system. Knowing where the sewer line runs will help you determine what kind of sewer cleaning tools and techniques are best suited for the job.

Sewer lines can be made from different materials, such as PVC, steel, clay, or cast iron. Additionally, sewer lines may have different shapes and sizes, which ultimately affects the type of sewer cleaning equipment you need to use. If you are unsure of the sewer line's condition, it is best to get a professional sewer inspection to know what sewer cleaning solutions can be applied.

Not Using Protective Gear

Sewer line cleaning can be a dirty job, so it's important to protect yourself by wearing personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and a respiratory mask.

The sewer gases themselves may be quite toxic, releasing harmful particles into the air, so you must be properly outfitted before beginning the sewer cleaning process. Use a good respiratory mask with special filtering for strong sewer odors and gases.

In addition, sewer cleaning chemicals can create dangerous fumes that can be hazardous to your health. These chemicals are designed to break down sewer clogs but can also damage your skin and eyes. Therefore, it is important to take extra precautions to avoid any potential chemical contact.

Trying to Unclog a Sewer Line With Chemical Cleaners

Many homeowners attempt to unclog sewer lines with chemical cleaners, especially when all other sewer cleaning options have failed. While these sewer cleaners may help break down sewer clogs, they can also damage sewer lines and create a greater problem than you started with.

The sewer cleaners are designed to break down sewer clogs, but they can also corrode sewer pipes and create an even bigger sewer line clog.

In addition, these cleaners are often not powerful enough to completely remove blockages or break down tree root intrusions. So if you're dealing with a severely clogged sewer line, it's best to avoid using chemical sewer cleaners and seek expert help instead. These experts can use sewer cleaning tools such as hydro jetting machines to effectively remove sewer clogs. They can also perform a thorough camera inspection to unmask any hidden sewer problems that an untrained eye cannot catch.

Taking on sewer cleaning on your own can be a tricky and dangerous task, as sewer lines are delicate and intricate plumbing components. Avoiding these sewer cleaning mistakes can help save you time and money, as it is much better to get the job done right from the start. For more information on sewer cleaning, contact a professional near you.