-A home’s sewer line is a crucial component of the plumbing system, silently carrying wastewater away from the property. However, when problems arise, they can quickly escalate into messy, expensive disasters. Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy sewer system and avoiding costly repairs. San Luis Obispo County’s Quality 1st Plumbing & Drains has solutions to help keep sewer lines clear.

The sewer line is the main pipe that carries wastewater from sinks, toilets, bathtubs/showers, washing machines, and other appliances from the property to the sewer system. Sewer lines last from 50 to 100 years, mostly trouble-free. Being buried underground, they are the perfect example of “out of sight, out of mind,” until trouble hits, then—well—we all know that adage about the fan. The best way to flush away concerns about a sewer line is with regular inspections and solid household practices.

Even with a long life expectancy, things can go wrong, such as:

• Clogs from improperly disposed of items such as wipes, paper towels, grease, and non-flushable materials.
• Tree roots, seeking moisture, damage sewer pipes.
• Corroded pipes, especially in older homes.
• Various factors, such as age, an earthquake, or a mudslide, can cause pipes to crack or break.

The role of sewer line inspections

Regular inspections before problems surface identify and correct potential problems and prevent disruptions in family life.

By using advanced sewer cameras or smoke detection inspections, any issues can be identified quickly. Using other technologies, such as a flex shaft or hydro jetting, the San Luis Obispo County plumbers can quickly remove clogs, including tree roots.

Even if a damaged or broken sewer line is the problem, any necessary digging is minimized by inserting a special curing substance or replacing it with pipe-bursting technology.

When is the best time for a sewer line inspection? Depending on the age of the home and sewer system, an annual inspection is sufficient. After an initial inspection, the plumber may recommend a different schedule. Other times are before buying or selling a home, if there are any concerns about root invasion, and following an earthquake or heavy rainfall that may be causing unstable ground and mudslides.

Avoiding problems

Preventing problems is the best way to avoid them. Follow these tips:

• Only flush human waste and toilet paper.
• Don’t dump grease or non-biodegradable items down the sink, or even into the garbage disposal.
• Install drain screens in sinks, showers, and tubs to catch debris, hair, or anything else that can cause clogs.
• Know where the sewer line is.
• Avoid planting trees or shrubs that have aggressive root systems near the sewer line.
• Opt for sewer-friendly cleaning and personal care products. Look for “sewer-friendly” or “septic-safe” on the label.
• Schedule regular inspections, and ask about hydrojetting for San Luis Obispo County properties.  

How Quality 1st Plumbing & Drains helps

Quality 1st Plumbing & Drains is a team of professional, trained, and licensed plumbers who have been serving San Luis Obispo County since 2005. The team is expert at troubleshooting, repairing, and installing plumbing systems. Each employee is background-checked, licensed, and insured. Training is continual to stay abreast of the most recent advancements in plumbing technology. The team:

• Provides upfront pricing.
• Responds quickly and focuses on solving the problem so life returns to normal.
• Understands that time is valuable, and keeps to their schedules to ensure their customers can get back to daily life.
• Delivers a thorough diagnosis of the problem and an upfront price quote before work starts.
• Leaves your home clean when the job is done.
• Guarantees the completed job, backed by extended warranties.
• Financing is available.

Quality 1st Plumbing & Drains serves communities, extending from San Ardo to Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach to San Simeon, and including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton, San Miguel, and neighboring areas.