Plumbing: The Importance Of Plumbing Work And Drain Cleanouts

A drain clean out is often connected to a main sewer line in the earth beneath your house or business. The pipe forming a straight line from your main line to the earth level. The access point is usually found outside your house or business and often covered by a heavy-duty cap. Many times a cover plate added to this type of drain cleaner installation also adds aesthetic appeal and protection. Your professional plumber will be able to guide you in choosing the best drain cleaner for your needs.

It’s not uncommon for sewer cleanouts to be the result of clogged drainage pipes. Clogged drainage lines are the result of a root system that travels throughout your house, breaking loose and creating problems within the walls of your house. Roots traveling down and through pipes can be a lengthy process and can require a plumber to seek the services of an experienced excavation contractor. In most cases, clogs are removed using a simple drain snake auger.

Sewer cleanouts are typically the result of a broken drain line. As a rule, drains must be serviced every three to ten years in order to maintain your private plumbing pipes. If you have a storm drain, sewer cleanouts can be prevented by placing drain holes in strategic areas. The National Sewer Cleanout Association urges consumers to place a 10-foot safety zone around plumbing pipes.

Sewer cleanouts may be necessary for one of several reasons. If your pipe becomes clogged with debris, silt and other items, it will be necessary to remove the obstruction before a new pipe can be laid. This is usually accomplished using a white plastic pipe cap. A similar product called a “cap lifter” can also be used if your drain pipe has become too damaged to repair.

Older homes often experience problems with sewer lines because of deteriorating pipe work. Houses age and the pressure often cause piping to crack. In some cases, old houses are constructed with materials that allow sewer gases to escape. This causes foul odors to emanate from your home. Other potential sources of foul odors in older homes can include grease, oils, fats and solids. Plumbing lines that become clogged with these types of elements can become damaged or corroded, causing sewer gases to escape and thus leading to the need for a sewer cleanout.

A broken sewer line cleanout can be repaired without the help of a professional plumber. Often, the plumber will suggest adding cast iron or steel to the inside of the old pipe. These substances actually prevent the gas from escaping and prevents it from collecting near the line. Cast iron has a long enough lifespan that it will continue to serve you well as long as the house is standing. Other metals that make good pipes or lining include copper and nickel.

Sewer pipe and fitting cleanouts are not only necessary when you have an older home but also when you have one located outside your property. These systems are typically located outside the house next to the yard and next to the foundation. If the sewer cleanout goes undetected for a long enough period of time, you may discover a major problem in the future such as seepage or backflow.

In the case of a pipe or fitting cleanout in an outside location, there are several things to consider before hiring a professional plumber. It is important to determine what type of blockage exists. Sometimes the blockage will be easily identified because the location is plumbed with a special tape. Other times, a professional plumbing company will have to perform additional piping repairs on the site in order to find the exact blockage. In these instances, the customer should schedule an appointment with the plumber as soon as possible. The sooner the plumber can perform the necessary repairs on the pipe, the more likely he or she will be able to prevent a catastrophic plumbing failure.