Now is the Time to Spring Clean your Sewer Line

With the arrival of spring, now is the perfect time to make sure your sewer line is in tip-top shape. Cleaning your sewer line is an important maintenance step for any home. Keeping your sewer line clean will prevent clogs, nasty smells, and costly damage that can lead to extensive repairs. Although it can be a daunting prospect, spring cleaning your sewer line is actually straightforward, and can be done with only a few tools. In this article, we'll provide some tips and instructions for how to get your sewer line spring cleaned today.

Why You Should Spring Clean Your Sewer Line

Your sewer line is important for carrying wastewater from your house to the city’s drainage system. It is important to keep it clean and in good working order. Clogs can develop when debris and other materials build up in the line. The debris can be anything from hair, grease, cooking fat, or paper products. If left in the line, the clogs can create backups and overflows into your yard and home. As an added bonus, regular maintenance of your sewer line can extend its life and minimize your repair costs.

Preparing to Spring Clean

Before you start your spring cleaning project, you’ll need to gather a few tools and materials. You’ll need rubber gloves, a bucket, a plunger, a plumber's snake, a sewer auger, bleach, baking soda, a garden hose, and a sewer-cleaning chemical if desired. It’s also a good idea to know where the clean-out plug for your sewer line is located. Finally, make sure you have enough light and ventilation to work safely and comfortably.

Cleaning the Sewer Line

Once you’re prepared, it’s time to start spring cleaning your sewer line. Begin by pouring a half-cup of bleach down the drain. Wait 15 minutes, then flush the line with plenty of hot water. This will help to kill any bacteria and germs that may be in the line. Next, pour about a cup of baking soda down the line and follow shortly after with a cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and help to remove mineral deposits and bacteria from the inner walls of the line. Again, flush with plenty of hot water.

Then, use a plunger to help dislodge any materials that could be clogging the line. Make sure you have plenty of water in the sink or tub to help form a seal and create suction. If that doesn’t do the trick, use a plumber's snake to reach further down the line and physically remove clogs.

For larger clogs or blockages, you’ll need a sewer auger. Feed the auger into the line and twist the handle to break through the clog. Be prepared to encounter some odors while doing this. After you’ve removed the clog, flush the line again with plenty of hot water. You can also use a special sewer-cleaning chemical or a mixture of dish washing soap and hot water to help flush the line and remove any remaining smell.

Conclusion

Spring cleaning your sewer line is important for keeping it in good working order and preventing costly damage. With the right tools and some elbow grease, it’s an easy and straightforward task that any homeowner can do. With a clean and well-maintained sewer line, you can wave goodbye to clogs, odors, and expensive sewer line repairs.