How Often Should I Clean My Sewer Line?

When it comes to sewer line cleaning, there’s no need to mark your calendar.

Typically, sewer lines should be cleaned on an as-needed basis. Drain cleaning services shouldn’t be needed on a regular basis. If you find yourself needing these services frequently, ask a local plumber if there’s an underlying problem with your sewer lines such as tree roots.

So, if sewer line cleaning should be performed on an “as-needed” basis, how will you know when it’s needed?

Good question.

We’ll explain the red-flag signs that you need to have your sewer line cleaned, how much it will cost you and what to expect during the service.

7 signs you need your sewer line cleaned

You should contact a plumber immediately to have your sewer lines cleaned if you spot any of the following signs:

• You smell sewage.
• You see raw sewage backing up in other fixtures (drains, toilet, bathtubs, etc.).
• You hear gurgling or bubbling noises coming from your pipes.
• You notice water backing up if more than one water appliance is in use at the same time (for example, your bathtub backs up when the toilet flushes).
• Your drains are slow or clog frequently.
• Your foundation is water-stained or damaged from excess moisture.

Cost of sewer line cleaning in Colorado

If you’ve spotted some of the signs that you need your sewer line cleaned, you’re probably wondering how much this service will cost you.

Well, it depends entirely on the company you choose. But typically, you can expect sewer line cleaning in Colorado to cost anywhere from $100 to $500.

What to expect from a sewer line cleaning service

Depending on the severity of the problem, your sewer line could take anywhere from a half hour to 5 hours to be cleaned.

A professional will come and talk to you about your issue. Then, they’ll likely first try to resolve the problem with a drain clearing "auger" (a motorized snake-like tool that breaks apart clogs).

Removing tree roots in a sewer line with a drain auger.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, they can find the trouble spot with a video camera inspection and attack the clog with a high-pressure water jetter.

So, when vetting drain cleaning companies, find a professional company who can perform a video inspection of your drains. This can save you time and money since a visual inspection allows them find the root cause and fix it.

If you want to learn more about this process, check out Plumbline’s drain cleaning process.

Live in Colorado and need sewer line cleaning?

See the signs of a clogged sewer line? We’re here to help.

Just schedule your appointment with us today and we’ll send one of our experienced drain cleaning specialists right over.