Should You Replace Your Main Sewer Line?

The main sewer pipe or line that whisks your home’s waste away to a septic system or city sewer can last for decades. Many old sewer lines still exist that were made from clay, lead, concrete or metal, first installed forty, fifty or more years ago. While these pipes have done their duty, they are more likely to have problems in the future. If you have one of these older types of sewer lines, is it time for replacement?

You may think if there is not a problem, why fix it? True – you can wait for a problem to arise and then replace the pipe if needed. That day may come sooner than you think. If a sewer line is over thirty years old and made from a material that deteriorates like metal, concrete or clay, the day may come when there is a large sewage pool in your yard, or a sewage backup into your home. Or, you could proactively replace your old sewer line now before you have a sewage emergency stinking up your home.

Replacement Options

Most sewer lines now are made from PVC or plastic. These will not corrode from moisture or age, and they tend to withstand tree roots invasion better than the older types of pipe. Once in place, it is unlikely that you will need to repair or replace your sewer line again in your lifetime, so it is a wise investment.

If you are not sure what type of sewer line you have, you can get yours inspected by your local sewer service company. They can do a camera inspection to check the inside of your sewer line to determine the type and condition and give you options for replacement, if needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Avoid Holiday Sewer Emergencies

Some of the busiest days of the year for sewer, septic and plumbing professionals are during the winter holiday season. From Thanksgiving through the New Year celebration, families all across the country are cooking huge meals, and giving their kitchen and bathroom plumbing a workout. Unfortunately, all this heavy use can end in a sewer drain backup if you’re not careful, making for a particularly unpleasant holiday memory. Here are a few tips to reduce the chance of a holiday sewer emergency:

–        Take care of your garbage disposal. While cooking large holiday meals, the garbage disposal is used heavily. Make sure to run water when using the disposal to rinse any residual fat or particles down the drain. Processing ice with very small pieces of lemon peel through the disposal can help sharpen the blades and deodorize.

–        Keep fatty foods out of your drains. Do not rinse greasy pans, plates or utensils down the drain. Scrape all excess fat and debris into the garbage, and wipe with a paper towel. Any fat or grease can cause clogs in your plumbing or sewer pipes.

–        Use a sink container. To prevent guests from putting food and fats down your kitchen sink, put container inside your sink for catching food particles. You can easily dump this container outside and keep all the food debris out of your drains and sewer system.

The better care you take of your plumbing and sewer drains throughout the holidays, the less chance you will have a holiday sewer emergency.  It’s worth a few preventive measures to keep your sewer and plumbing working properly while you enjoy time with your friends and family.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283