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One of the “joys” of homeownership is being responsible for appliances and systems when they break down. That responsibility doesn’t stop at your sinks and toilets—it extends to the pipeline that connects your home to the city’s main sewer line, typically located in the street. This pipe, also known as the sewer lateral, carries wastewater from every area of your home to the sanitary sewer main.
Because it’s so important to your home’s sanitation, keeping your sewer line free of obstructions is essential. If you want to avoid sewer line backups, costly repairs, and property damage, it helps to know what causes backups and how to properly maintain your system. Below, you’ll find the top causes of sewer problems in Sacramento along with practical maintenance tips you can use today.
As time passes, pipes can develop buildup and blockages that lead to messy—and potentially hazardous—backups. Before repairs can be made, a licensed plumber will need to diagnose the cause. Still, knowing the common culprits can help you take preventative action:
Tree Roots – While trees enhance your yard’s beauty, their roots naturally seek out water and can infiltrate cracked or damaged sewer lines. Once inside, roots expand, causing severe damage and major blockages.
Sanitary Main Blockages – If the city’s main sewer line develops an undetected blockage, sewage can back up into your home through floor drains.
Combined Pipelines – Some older systems carry both stormwater and raw sewage in the same pipes. Heavy rain can overwhelm these systems, leading to backups.
Aging Sewer Systems – Older pipes are prone to deterioration. As Sacramento continues to grow, additional strain on aging systems often results in an increased risk of sewer line backups.
Improper Disposal of Items – Toilets and drains aren’t designed to handle large food scraps, grease, plant clippings, or sanitary products. Even “flushable” wipes don’t fully break down and can create serious clogs.
While you can’t control a city sewer main or the effects of heavy rainfall, you can take proactive steps to protect your own line and reduce the risk of backups. Here are six proven tips:
Avoid flushing non-food items – Cigarette butts, wipes, tampons, pads, and plant material should never be flushed. These items don’t break down and can quickly clog pipes.
Keep food waste out of drains – Even with a garbage disposal, avoid putting large chunks of food, coffee grounds, eggshells, cooking oil, and pasta down the sink. Scraping leftovers into the trash is the safer option.
Flush your plumbing system monthly – Once a month, fill your bathtubs, sinks, and washing machine with cold water. Drain them all at once while flushing toilets simultaneously. This practice helps push buildup through the pipes.
Address tree root issues – If roots are invading your sewer line, hydro-jetting can clear them temporarily. For recurring problems, trenchless sewer line repair may be necessary to replace the damaged pipe sections.
Choose natural cleaning methods – Avoid chemical drain cleaners that corrode pipes. Instead, try natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water to deodorize and clear drains.
Schedule annual inspections and cleanings – Since sewer line problems often go unnoticed until major damage occurs, it’s smart to schedule a yearly camera inspection and professional cleaning. Hydro-jetting during these visits removes buildup and prevents clogs before they happen.
If you’re searching for reliable sewer line maintenance in Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, Roseville, or surrounding areas, Boyd Plumbing is here to help. Our expert plumbers provide:
Sewer camera inspections to identify clogs, cracks, and root intrusion.
Hydro-jetting services to safely clear out debris and buildup.
Trenchless sewer repair solutions to replace damaged pipes with minimal disruption to your yard.
Preventive maintenance programs to keep your plumbing system running smoothly year-round.
We also offer budget-friendly coupons to make essential sewer services more affordable.
Don’t wait until a small clog becomes a costly sewer backup. Call Boyd Plumbing today at (279) 215-8497 or request service online to schedule your sewer line inspection and cleaning.
What are the warning signs of a sewer line problem?
Some of the most common red flags include gurgling drains, frequent clogs in multiple fixtures, foul odors coming from sinks or tubs, soggy patches in your yard, or sewage backups in toilets and floor drains. If you notice any of these, call a Sacramento plumber right away for an inspection.
How often should sewer lines be inspected?
For most homes, a sewer line inspection once a year is recommended. If your home is older, has large trees nearby, or has had past sewer issues, you may benefit from inspections every 6 months to catch problems before they escalate.
What’s the difference between hydro-jetting and snaking?
Snaking clears blockages by breaking up debris with a rotating cable. It’s effective for minor clogs but may not fully clean pipe walls. Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away grease, roots, and buildup, restoring pipes to near-original condition. Hydro-jetting is typically the preferred long-term solution.
Can I clean my sewer line myself?
DIY methods like pouring boiling water, vinegar, or baking soda into drains may provide temporary relief, but they won’t remove major blockages or tree roots. Professional sewer line maintenance is the safest and most effective way to prevent backups and protect your plumbing system.
What does sewer line maintenance cost in Sacramento?
The cost depends on the condition of your pipes, the severity of clogs, and whether trenchless repair is needed. Basic cleaning may cost a few hundred dollars, while repairs can range higher. At Boyd Plumbing, we offer upfront pricing and coupons to help keep maintenance affordable.