What Is Sewer Cleaning?

man working for a cleaning company | What Is Sewer Cleaning?

What Is Sewer Cleaning?

The function of a sewer system plays a significant role in the operation of the plumbing systems within the structures that connect to the sewer line. In cities, towns, and municipalities, governmental agencies often manage and maintain the sewer lines. However, the plumbing components within a home or business that connect to the sewer line can get clogged with debris, increasing the risk of sewage backups and other unpleasant side effects. Have you ever wondered, “What is sewer cleaning?” We discuss the process below.

Breaking Down Sewer Cleaning

A sewer system includes a series of pipes or tunnels that transport wastewater from residential and commercial buildings. When someone in a connected home or business flushes a toilet, the waste moves through the interior plumbing and into the sewer system, where it goes to the nearest sewage treatment or disposal plant. Debris can get into the pipes when people flush items down the drains that are too large or shouldn’t be in the plumbing system.

Since these pipes often sit beneath the ground, they can also become damaged by tree roots. The joints that connect the pipes can fail due to damage or old age, and the pipes themselves can break down, leading to failure or clogs. Cleaning the sewer system helps keep water flowing properly and reduces the risk of stoppages and other concerns.

The Importance of Sewer Cleaning

The sewer system contains dangerous and bacteria-laden materials, including the waste from connected homes and businesses. Failure to keep up with sewer cleaning can result in blockages, which can cause wastewater to back up into structures that connect to the line.

Dealing with this issue can cause significant damage that threatens the health and safety of those within buildings or homes. When the bacteria in wastewater moves into a home or business, the property owner will likely have to remove and replace all materials it touched. Regular sewer cleaning can reduce the risk of obstructions and maintain optimum flow conditions in the sewer pipes.

What Is the Sewer Cleaning Process?

Although several methods for sewer cleaning exist, one of the most effective solutions is to have the lines jetted with high volumes of water pressure. Also known as hydraulic cleaning, this method involves inserting a nozzle at the access point closest to the blockage and releasing water at high pressure. If debris such as gravel, roots, or sand has caused the blockage, a vacuum truck can remove the obstructions and dispose of them properly. 

The mechanical sewer cleaning method involves cutting, pushing, scraping, or pulling debris out of a pipe with hand rods, hand-held drain augers, or power rodding. In most cases, hydraulic cleaning needs to be performed after mechanical cleaning to remove any remaining debris within the pipes. 

Keeping up with regular sewer cleaning can protect the plumbing systems of property owners while reducing the risk of blockages and backups. Hire a professional technician to take care of the sewer cleaning process and enjoy the benefits that come with a clean, well-maintained sewer line.