Seasonal Sewer Maintenance Tips for Indianapolis Residents

As a homeowner, one of the last things you want is for your home sewer system to fall into disrepair. While some regular wear and tear is ultimately unavoidable, there are some preventative maintenance steps you can take to ensure your sewer system remains fully functional for as long as can be. Following these maintenance steps can potentially help you to avoid more costly and disruptive repair needs.

The specific steps for maintaining your sewer system can vary depending on the season. At Carter’s My Plumber, we are proud to be the most trusted licensed plumbers in Indianapolis. We’ve put together a few sewer maintenance guidelines for homeowners in the general area, organized according to season.

Sewer Maintenance Tips for Spring

First, let’s consider a few best practices for the spring season. Here are a few things homeowners should have on their radars come late March/early April.

• Do a visual inspection. Sometimes, harsh winter weather can lead to issues with your sewer system. Start the spring with a quick inspection, particularly looking for slow drains or pooling water. If you notice any of these plumbing issues, be sure to call in a team of pros.
• Clear your drains and gutters. To prevent blockages, take the time to clear any debris from outdoor drains as well as gutters.
• Keep trees and shrubs tidy. One of the major problems of sewer line disrepair is intrusive roots. Monitor the roots and branches of your shrubs and trees, and if necessary, invest in root barriers.

Sewer Maintenance Tips for Summer

There are also some important sewer maintenance tips that homeowners should keep in mind during the dog days of summer. Here are a few of our recommendations.

• Flush out your sewer line. Over time, your sewer lines will naturally accumulate grease, soap, and other debris. Consider hiring a professional plumbing service to flush out your system once every year or so.
• Monitor your water usage. Summer tends to bring a higher level of water usage, especially if you’re irrigating your lawn and garden. Be mindful that excess water use can strain your system quite a bit.
• Follow your nose. Be on the alert for any foul odors, whether in the home or in your yard. These smells may point to a problem with your sewer line. Call a professional plumbing company if you have concerns.

Sewer Maintenance Tips for Fall

Once autumn rolls around, there are several things homeowners should do to keep their sewer lines in good working order.

• Get ready for rain. Make sure your gutters are free and clear of leaves and other debris. Keeping gutters and drainage areas clean can help you prevent damaging water build-ups during heavy rains or storms.
• Assess your sump pump. Your sump pump is critical to help you avoid flooding and other issues in your basement. Ensure yours is working by giving it a test run, and if you have any concerns, reach out to a professional plumbing company.
• Seal cracks. Repair any fissures in your foundation or basement walls, allowing you to prevent water infiltration that could harm your sewer system.

Sewer Maintenance Tips for Winter

Homeowners in Indianapolis should also attend to a few sewer maintenance practices during winter weather. Here are our recommendations.

• Insulate your piping. Insulate any exposed pipes to keep them from freezing. This is especially important in basements, crawl spaces, and other unheated areas of your home.
• Run water when the temperature plunges. When your pipes freeze and burst, it can potentially damage the entire sewer system. It may be wise to let faucets drip during extremely cold weather, which can keep water flowing and guard against freezing.
• Keep your drains clear. Don’t flush any items that could freeze within your pipes, such as paper towels or sanitary products.

General Tips for Sewer Maintenance

Finally, consider a few general guidelines for keeping your sewer lines in good working order.

First, make sure you only use natural drain cleaners, like baking soda and vinegar, as opposed to harsh chemicals that could cause your pipes to erode. Second, know your system well! Familiarize yourself with its basic layout, and be mindful of particular problem areas.

Finally, ensure you have your system inspected at least once a year, and follow any guidelines offered by your professional plumber. To speak with a licensed plumber in the Indianapolis area, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Carter’s My Plumber today!