Sewer and Drain Maintenance (508) 838-9645

Sewer and drain maintenance prevents sewer backups and clogged drains.  No one wants the inconveniences of a sewer blockage.  Clogged drains are an annoyance and depending on where they occur, the stoppage stops more than the flow of water.  A clogged tub or shower drain stops daily activity.  So, why not implement a sewer and drain maintenance program?  But how?

Most people make the mistake of believing and trusting in caustic, corrosive drain cleaning solutions and gels.  Why not?  Surely no production company of sewer and drain cleaning chemicals would manufacture a product that would harm my plumbing?

Beginning with galvanized drain lines, using one of these caustic corrosives will erode the interior of the pipe.  Suppose, the blockage causes the pipe to be completely closed.  Adding a solution of corrosive drain cleaner to the problem means that once flow is restored, the corrosive coats the pipe above the water line in the pipe.  Water will not always reach all inside surface areas of the pipe and the corrosive is left to continue eating at the pipe wall.  Cast iron pipe meets a similar fate.  However, the density of the pipe allows it to survive longer than galvanized pipe.

Vitrified clay pipe (clay mixed with molten glass) is somewhat durable to impact and will support the weight of earth packed around it.  Aside from being subject to root intrusion, vitrified clay pipe stands up well and generally maintains a clean surface, resisting buildup.  Buildup does occur when the pipe is infiltrated with roots or offsets occur at the joints.  The following video demonstrates the effects chemical drain cleaners can have on vitrified clay pipe due to its' glass property...




Rather than take the short term goal approach to maintaining a sewer and drain system with corrosives, begin a regiment of bacterial sewer and drain maintenance.

First, start fresh.  Have all of the lines in your home and main sewer line cleaned by a professional.  High pressure water jetting is the industry standard.  Water jetting will allow the pipe to be completely free of scale, grease and buildup. 

After having your sewer and drain lines water jetted with high pressure water, begin a regiment of bacteria sewer and drain maintenance.  Bacteria (non-pathogenic) will survive and repopulate in the sewer and drain system.  To a point, bacteria is both temperature and chemical resistant. 

Bacteria approaches solids and buildup in sewer and drain lines, identifies the substance and determines what enzymes are needed to break down the offending agent to smaller particles, digestible by bacteria.  The end result of the digestive cycle is water and carbon monoxide.  The fats, vegetables other substances are evicted in the form of carbon monoxide gas through the sewer vent and water draining out into the sewer.