Sewer maintenance is often one of the most overlooked aspects of home care. Unlike visible plumbing fixtures, your sewer system works quietly underground, carrying wastewater away from your home. When it fails, it can cause significant damage, unpleasant odors, and health hazards. While some preventive measures can be handled by homeowners, many tasks require the skill and tools of a local plumber. By combining routine DIY care with professional maintenance, you can extend the life of your sewer system and avoid costly emergency repairs. Here are six essential tips for keeping your sewer system in top shape.

1. Inspect Your Sewer Line Regularly

One of the simplest ways to prevent major sewer problems is through regular inspections. Homeowners can watch for signs such as slow-draining sinks, toilets that gurgle unexpectedly, water pooling in the yard, or foul odors around drains. These are often early indicators of a blockage, pipe damage, or potential collapse. Addressing these warning signs promptly can save homeowners significant time, stress, and repair costs down the line.

While visual checks and paying attention to subtle changes in drainage patterns are helpful, some problems are hidden deep underground. Professional sewer inspections using specialized cameras allow local plumbers to see inside your pipes and detect cracks, blockages, or corrosion before they become serious issues. By scheduling inspections periodically, you not only catch problems early but also save money by avoiding emergency repairs or extensive excavation later.

DIY inspection is limited, so even if everything seems fine, a camera inspection every few years can prevent expensive surprises. This proactive approach ensures your sewer system is functioning efficiently and helps maintain the structural integrity of your pipes over time. Regular professional checks also provide peace of mind, knowing that potential problems are caught before they escalate.

2. Prevent Clogs With Proper Disposal

Improper disposal of waste is one of the leading causes of sewer problems. Items like paper towels, wipes, grease, food scraps, and chemicals should never enter your drains, even if labeled as flushable. Over time, these substances build up, reducing pipe flow and eventually leading to clogs or backups.

Homeowners can take simple preventive steps such as using drain strainers, collecting grease for disposal, and avoiding pouring chemicals down drains. Regularly running hot water and mild detergents through drains can help minimize grease buildup. However, when a clog becomes stubborn, it's crucial to call a local plumber rather than attempting to force it out with harsh chemicals or mechanical tools. Professionals have the equipment and experience to remove blockages safely without damaging your pipes.

Preventing clogs is easier and far less expensive than repairing damaged sewer lines, making proper disposal habits one of the most important aspects of sewer care. Consistently following these habits helps maintain smooth water flow and reduces the likelihood of unexpected backups.

3. Protect Your Pipes From Tree Roots

Tree roots are a silent but destructive threat to sewer lines. They naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate even small cracks in pipes. Once inside, roots can expand, causing significant damage, blockages, or even complete pipe failure.

Homeowners can reduce risks by planting trees at a safe distance from sewer lines and using root barriers to redirect root growth. However, if roots have already penetrated your pipes, professional intervention is essential. A local plumber can safely remove roots using mechanical tools or hydro-jetting and repair or reinforce damaged sections using trenchless technologies like pipe relining.

Preventive landscaping, combined with routine professional inspections, is an effective strategy for avoiding costly root-related damage. Attempting to remove roots yourself is risky and often only a temporary solution, which can lead to recurring problems.

4. Monitor Water Usage and Detect Leaks Early

Excessive water usage and undetected leaks can strain your sewer system and accelerate wear on your pipes. Even small leaks in toilets, faucets, or underground pipes can increase pressure in the sewer line and contribute to blockages or pipe failures over time.

Homeowners can monitor water usage by checking monthly bills for unusual spikes or installing smart water meters that alert you to leaks in real time. Detecting leaks early prevents water waste and reduces the likelihood of long-term damage.

However, some leaks — particularly those underground or behind walls — are difficult to identify and repair without specialized equipment. A local plumber can locate hidden leaks using advanced detection tools and perform repairs safely and effectively. Addressing water issues promptly not only protects your sewer system but also prevents unnecessary water loss and higher utility bills.

5. Address Sewer Backups Promptly

Sewer backups are more than a minor inconvenience — they are a serious health hazard. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can contaminate your home and pose health risks. Signs of a backup include slow-draining toilets, gurgling drains, foul odors, or water appearing in unusual areas such as basement floors or yard drains.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there are a minimum of around 23,000 sewer overflows each year in the U.S., emphasizing how common and potentially dangerous these events are. Attempting to fix a major backup yourself can be risky. A local plumber has the necessary tools, protective equipment, and expertise to safely clear blockages, disinfect affected areas, and restore proper sewer function.

Prompt professional intervention minimizes damage, reduces health risks, and ensures the problem is resolved thoroughly. Homeowners should never ignore warning signs or delay action, as sewer issues tend to worsen quickly if left unaddressed. Acting quickly also helps protect your property and prevents small issues from turning into costly repairs.

6. Schedule Routine Maintenance With a Local Plumber

Routine professional maintenance is the most effective way to keep your sewer system in good condition. Services such as hydro-jetting, camera inspections, and pipe repairs prevent small problems from escalating into costly emergencies. Regular check-ups also allow plumbers to spot early signs of wear or corrosion, ensuring minor issues are addressed before they turn into major disruptions.

Homeowners can support professional maintenance by following recommended guidelines: avoid flushing inappropriate items, limit chemical use, monitor water usage, and watch for early warning signs of trouble. Regular professional care ensures that blockages are removed before they cause backups, pipes are repaired before they fail, and your sewer system remains reliable year-round.

Scheduling routine visits with a local plumber also provides peace of mind, as professionals can provide guidance specific to your property and address potential issues before they become urgent. Combining DIY prevention with expert maintenance creates a strong defense against sewer problems.

Maintaining a healthy sewer system requires a mix of proactive homeowner care and professional expertise. Regular inspections, proper waste disposal, pipe protection from tree roots, water monitoring, prompt response to backups, and routine professional maintenance are all critical components of a comprehensive sewer care strategy.

While homeowners can implement simple preventive measures, recognizing when to call a local plumber is essential. Professionals have the knowledge, tools, and experience to tackle complex problems safely and efficiently, protecting your home and health. By following these six tips, you can prevent costly damage, avoid unpleasant emergencies, and ensure your sewer system continues to operate smoothly for years to come. Investing in expert sewer care today is an investment in the long-term safety, reliability, and value of your home. Don't wait for a sewer emergency to strike — contact Sterling Mainz & Sons Plumbing & Pumps, Inc for expert inspections, maintenance, and repairs.