Washington is a great place to live. The beautiful, scenic views and excellent weather are just a few of the things that draw residents here.
However, the heavy spring rainfall can result in some serious headaches and repair bills if you do not prepare in advance. Sewage overflow is a common, but manageable problem faced by Washington residents.
Below, we’ll take a look at five ways that you can protect your home’s sewer line this spring.
Install Water Alarms
Water alarms are a simple, but effective way to protect your home from flooding and sewage back-ups. A water alarm is an affordable wireless device that is connected to your home’s Wi-Fi. These devices typically have a battery life of three years or more, which means that they are extremely low maintenance, as well.
A water alarm can be placed in areas of your home that are susceptible to flooding. This includes your basement and even your bathrooms. The bathroom closest to your sewer line is the most prone to sewer back-ups and is usually a great location for a water alarm.
If water levels rise, the water alarm will become damp. It will then sound an audible alert or issue a text alert to your phone, allowing you to take prompt action and protect your home.
Install a Sump Pump
If your home has a basement, you may need a sump pump. Sump pumps are installed inside of a water tank or pit within your basement. As rainfall accumulates along the perimeter of your home, it is filtered into this pit through a piping network. The pump activates when the water rises and shuttles the water away from your home through a drain pipe.
Excessive rainfall and flooding can place added strain on your sewer line. It can also flood your basement. A sump pump prevents both of these common problems.
Use a Backwater Valve
An automatic backwater valve may be necessary if your home is connected to a municipal sewer system. When your city experiences heavy spring rains, the sewer system can become overwhelmed and flood. If the water level rises past your home’s drain, you will experience flooding.
The backwater valve works by only allowing the sewer water to flow one way. Rising water causes the valve to seal your sewer line. As the water level returns to normal, pressure changes will automatically reopen the valve.
Clear Your Sewer Lines
Just like any other aspect of your home, your sewer lines require regular maintenance to function properly. Over time, various items can clog your lines and restrict the flow of wastewater. Common sources of clogs include:
- Hair
- Grease
- Roots
- Foreign objects
While any of these items can cause serious drainage problems, grease is one of the most difficult types of clogs to overcome. The best way to protect your sewer lines from back-ups is to schedule professional sewer line cleaning.
Generally, you should have your lines cleaned every 18 months or so. Waiting longer than recommended can allow grease and other harmful debris to accumulate and clog your pipes. Severe clogs and roots can even cause your pipes to crack or burst, resulting in costly repairs. Preventive maintenance is the most cost-effective way to keep your sewer line working at its best.
Clean Your Pipes
All of your home’s drain pipes are funneled into your mainline or sewer line. These smaller pipes should also be cleaned regularly because they can become clogged.
Contact Steve’s Plumbing
If you need the services of a qualified plumber, Steve’s Plumbing is the team for the job! With over four decades of plumbing experience, Steve and his staff can handle any plumbing problem, big or small. We offer affordable pricing and prompt, friendly service.
We can ensure that your home’s sewer line is functioning at its best before the heavy springtime rainfalls. Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule your service. We look forward to serving you!