Your building’s sewer system is one of the most critical yet often overlooked parts of your property’s infrastructure. It’s out of sight, out of mind, until something goes wrong. A clogged or damaged sewer line can lead to costly repairs, property damage, and major disruptions. Fortunately, with a proactive approach, you can extend the lifespan of your sewer system and avoid unexpected issues. In this blog post, we’ll cover some practical preventative maintenance tips to keep your sewer lines running smoothly.
Schedule Regular Sewer Inspections Just like you get routine checkups for your car, your building’s sewer system needs regular inspections to catch minor issues before they turn into big problems. A professional video inspection can detect cracks, root intrusions, and buildup early on, helping you address them before they lead to blockages or pipe failure. We recommend a sewer inspection at least once every 1–2 years, or more frequently if your property has older pipes or frequent issues.
Keep Your Vertical Pipes Clean with Routine Descaling Over time, minerals, grease, and debris build up inside your condominiums’ multi unit vertical pipes/risers, leading to restricted flow and increased strain on your sewer system. Descaling removes this buildup, improving efficiency and preventing corrosion. If you have cast iron pipes, descaling is especially important to prevent rust and rough interior surfaces that can catch debris.
Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain Many common household items contribute to blockages, including grease, food scraps, hygiene products, and even so-called “flushable” wipes. Pouring grease down the sink may seem harmless, but as it cools, it solidifies and clings to the inside of the pipes, leading to stubborn clogs. Properly disposing of grease and solid waste can help prevent costly backups. Popular drain products aimed at degreasing or removing scale and buildup are not recommended, as they often worsen the problem by adding to the buildup or containing harsh chemicals that can compromise the host pipe. Additionally, flushable wipes should always be disposed of in the trash, not flushed down toilets, as they do not break down easily and can contribute to severe blockages.
Protect Your Sewer Line from Tree Roots Landscaping may add beauty to a condominium or commercial property, but roots naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate even the smallest cracks in underground pipes. Once inside, they expand and create major blockages or even cause pipe breaks. Regular root maintenance treatments can help keep pipes clear, and in some cases, installing a root barrier or choosing alternative landscaping solutions may be necessary to protect sewer lines.
Invest in Professional Hydro Jetting For commercial and condominium properties that experience frequent clogs or slow drains, hydro jetting offers a powerful cleaning solution for your underground sewer system. This high pressure water method removes grease, debris, and even small tree roots without damaging the sewer system. Unlike chemical drain cleaners that can corrode pipes, hydro jetting provides a safe and effective way to restore pipe flow and should be considered as part of a regular maintenance plan.
Address Small Issues Before They Become Big Problems Slow drains, foul odors, and unusual gurgling sounds can indicate a developing problem. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to extensive damage, expensive replacements, and disruptions to your building’s operations and residents. Taking prompt action at the first sign of trouble can help avoid major sewer failures and the disruptions that come with them.
Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your building’s sewer system in optimal condition! Regular inspections, cleanings, and smart drain habits all contribute to the longevity and efficiency of your building’s pipes.
At Pipelining Technologies, we specialize in non-invasive, trenchless solutions that help property managers and owners alike, maintain and repair sewer systems with minimal disruption. If your system is due for an inspection, SB 4-D inspection, or needs professional maintenance, contact our team to schedule a consultation. Proactive care today can prevent costly repairs in the future!
