Schedule Your Service Today!

Blog
Call us to schedule service today!

Get In Touch

FILL OUT THIS FORM OR CALL US AT (505) 308-2776 TO GET STARTED

Blog

Thumb up sign against clean toilet

Reference Guide for Your Home’s Sewer Line

The main sewer line moves wastewater from the piping system in your home to the city’s water treatment plant. It’s a long pipe that travels underground beneath the house and lawn, making it hard to notice an impending problem.

Problems with the sewer line are usually one of five things:

  • One or more clogs
  • Broken or dislodged pipe
  • Tree roots
  • Pipes have settled and become back-pitched
  • Old pipes that need to be replaced

Many problems with the sewer line require a professional plumber to fix them. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prevent clogs and keep the sewer line healthy for a long time.

Periodically Check for Problems

Acquaint yourself with signs of a problem and periodically check to see if you notice anything wrong. Signs include:

  • Bad odors coming from the faucet
  • Leaking around plumbing fixtures
  • Puddles that form in the sink or bathtub because of slow drains
  • Backed up toilet
  • Unexplainable wet spots on the lawn or driveway
  • Gurgling noises

Foul Odors?

The piping system has drain traps that hold standing water. The purpose of them is to prevent sewer smells from entering your home. If you notice a smell in a sink you haven’t used for a while, it could be that the standing water has evaporated. Try running hot water for a few minutes to see if the smell goes away. If it doesn’t, it may be a sign of a bigger problem.

Remember: Water and Fluids Only

Pipes are designed for the movement of water and other fluids. They aren’t meant for anything else. Throw trash away in the trash can and never flush it down the toilet.

Pay Attention to What Goes Down the Drain

To prevent major problems with the pipes, avoid letting these foods wash down the drain:

  • Grease, Oils and Fats
  • High-Fiber/High-Carb Foods
  • Hard to Break Down Scraps
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Nuts
  • Banana Peels
  • Eggshells and Onion Skins

Don’t Do It All Yourself

The sewer line works hard to remove waste from your home. Help it to do its job. Plumbers use modern technology to locate damage in the piping without having to do a lot of digging. If you need sewer line repair, call us at All-Out Plumbing in Albuquerque, NM today. We have more than 35 years of experience resolving problems our customers face with their sewer lines, and we’re ready and eager to do the same for you.