How To Keep A Sewer Line Clean

You don’t typically think about your sewer line until something goes wrong. By then, the damage is already done. A backed-up sewer isn’t just a plumbing issue. It’s a health hazard, a potential property-wrecker and a surefire way to ruin your week.

At Garvin’s Plumbing and Sewer, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when routine maintenance is ignored. But the good news is this: learning how to keep sewer lines clean is simpler than most homeowners realize. With a few smart habits and the occasional professional service, you can prevent messy, expensive problems before they ever start.

Why Sewer Line Maintenance Is Important

Your main sewer line does a lot of heavy lifting. It’s responsible for carrying all the wastewater from your home — including waste from showers, laundry, toilets and sinks — out to the city sewer system. When everything flows like it should, you don’t even notice it. However, when the sewer line clogs, cracks or backs up, you’ve got a big problem.

Tree roots, grease buildup non-flushable materials, and even shifting soil can block or damage the line over time. The result can end in:

• Slow drains throughout your home
• Gurgling sounds from toilets
• Water backing up into tubs, showers or basements
• Unpleasant odors

If you want to avoid major disruptions, you need to understand how to prevent clogged drains before they lead to full-blown sewer issues.

How To Prevent Clogged Drains

Clogs don’t start in the sewer — they start in your kitchen sink, your bathroom drain and your toilet. The easiest way to prevent sewer problems is by being mindful of what goes down your pipes.

Here’s how to protect your drains daily:

• No grease or oil down the kitchen sink. Grease might go down as a liquid, but it solidifies and sticks to pipes like glue.
• Install drain screens in showers and bathroom sinks to catch hair and soap scum.
• Only flush toilet paper. “Flushable” wipes, feminine products, cotton swabs and paper towels don’t break down and will clog your sewer line.
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners. They can corrode your pipes and push blockages deeper rather than clearing them.

Small steps like these go a long way toward keeping your plumbing in good shape — and saving you from emergency service calls later on.

How To Keep Sewer Lines Clean Between Professional Service

Even if you’re careful with your drains, debris and buildup can still occur over time. That’s where maintenance comes in.

Here’s how to stay ahead of problems:

• Use an enzyme-based drain cleaner monthly. These cleaners are safe and help break down organic waste before it becomes a clog.
• Flush your drains with hot water regularly, especially after heavy use like doing a lot of laundry or running the dishwasher.
• Pay attention to early warning signs like recurring slow drains, gurgling or a foul smell coming from your pipes.

Still, the best way to maintain your sewer line is to schedule routine checkups with an expert — especially if your home is older, has large trees nearby or has had issues in the past. Our team is here to help by providing reliable sewer and drain services.

What Does “Flushing Sewer Lines” Mean And Why Does It Matter?

One of the most effective ways to maintain your main sewer line is through a process called flushing sewer lines, or hydro jetting.

This is a service that uses high-pressure water jets to blast away:

• Grease buildup
• Tree root intrusion
• Mineral deposits
• Sludge and debris

Unlike snaking or cabling, hydro jetting cleans the full diameter of the pipe, restoring flow and preventing future backups.

We recommend flushing your sewer line:

• Every 1–3 years for high-use households
• Immediately after a backup
• Before selling or purchasing a home
• As part of your long-term plumbing maintenance plan

Garvin’s Plumbing and Sewer offers both emergency and preventative flushing services. We’ll help you determine what your home needs based on its unique setup.

Leave The Dirty Work To Garvin’s

Knowing how to keep sewer lines clean starts with awareness, but it doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself. We’ve been helping homeowners in Colorado keep their plumbing flowing for decades, and we know exactly what it takes to prevent sewer problems before they start.

From routine cleanouts and inspections to full-scale flushing sewer lines, we’re your go-to team when you want peace of mind, not plumbing surprises.

Call Garvin’s Plumbing and Sewer today to schedule service or ask about our preventative maintenance options. We’ll keep your sewer line clean and your home protected.