As the weather becomes cooler, it’s a good idea to tackle some annual maintenance tasks to help prevent sewer line issues before winter arrives. Cold winter weather can wreak havoc on your pipes, so here are some of the most important things you can do to prevent significant issues with your sewer line during the harsh winters.
1. Clean Out Your Downspouts and Gutters
The leaves that fall off the trees during the fall can easily get caught in your gutters and cause them to become clogged. If left unattended, this debris can cause water damage since it prevents water from flowing away from your house. As leaves fall, be sure to remain vigilant about keeping these areas clean and free of debris so you can avoid having to do so in the cold winter weather.
2. Make Use of Drain Traps
Placing drain traps over frequently used drains in your bathtubs or sinks can help reduce the amount of debris, like hair, that reaches your sewer line. Letting it through can lead to clogged pipes.
3. Examine Ejector and Sump Pumps
If you have a basement, it probably has a sump or ejector pump. These pumps work to prevent water damage and flooding by pumping water out of lower-level areas like your basement. As a result, it’s important to ensure they’re functioning properly in the fall to avoid unexpected issues during heavy snowstorms.
4. Remove Tree Roots Near Sewer Lines
Fall is a great time to ensure that tree roots are not encroaching on your sewer pipes. Roots from trees and large shrubs can find their way into sewer lines and create tons of issues if they’re not taken care of in a timely fashion.
5. Have Your Sewer Rodded
If you suspect there are tree roots near your sewer lines, it’s important to schedule an appointment to get your sewer rodded to clear away roots and other debris. Fall is the perfect time to schedule this maintenance to ensure things are running smoothly for the rest of the year.
6. Check for Leaks
The fall is also a great time to inspect your sewer line for any signs of leaks before winter arrives. You may even want to schedule a camera inspection of your sewer line to identify and fix any potential issues while the weather is still mild.
These simple maintenance tasks will keep your sewer lines functioning properly and avoid issues throughout the harsh winter months. Contact Flatirons Plumbing in Arvada, CO, for help with all your sewer line repair or maintenance needs. Our service professionals are highly trained and able to help you tackle important sewer line maintenance tasks.
