Knowledge and Experience for NYC Sewer Cleaning Services

May 15, 2015
Sewer Cleaning Services In NYC

Sewage backups can happen to any home, and when they do, they can cause havoc, often within just a few hours. When the plumbing in your home appears to be backed up, it is time to call an experienced NYC sewer cleaning service to diagnose and remedy the issue. 

There are many choices when it comes to sewer cleaning services in NYC.  When you find your system is in need of expert sewer cleaning, make sure you contact experienced and knowledgeable sewer cleaning professionals.

Sewer Cleaning Services In NYC

The 3 Major Causes of Clogs Requiring NYC Sewer Cleaning Services

There are three common causes of sewer backups. These are material clogs, tree roots, and broken or collapsed sewer lines. Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning have specialized video cameras that can provide detailed imaging of your sewer line and show exactly what the issues is. No matter what the cause, Balkan Drain Cleaning is the best NYC sewer cleaning service available to diagnose the sewer issue and recommend a course of action.

1. Clogs From Debris or FOG

Many clogs are from self-inflicted drain abuse. If just a little more care was taken sewer and drain cleaning services could be avoided. A large percentage of sewer cleaning services in New York are required to remove fat, oil, grease, flushable wipes, and feminine hygiene products.

If you’re interested in avoiding drain clogs, read a list of 10 drain and sewer clog prevention tips. In particular, unless there are backpitched pipes, grease-clogged drains are wholly avoidable.

2. Tree Roots Inside of Drain Pipes

Tree roots growing inside of drain pipes is typically and almost exclusively associated with pipes outside the foundation wall of a building. The foundation wall typically acts as a barrier to prevent roots from ever reaching drain pipes inside a building.

When NYC sewer cleaning services are needed for a main sewer line the most common problem is to remove roots inside a sewer line. What would help alleviate this issue is if trees were planted that had shallow root structures. What will also help is that modern home sewers and older sewers that have been replaced, now use extra heavy cast iron. Unlike vitrified clay sewer pipes cast iron pipe is not prone to root infiltration.

3. Collapsed or Disjointed Drain Pipes

In relatively rare cases, less than 1 out of 10, a home sewer can’t be cleared by a sewer drain cleaning, and a sewer repair is needed. In the case of home drain lines (the piping inside the house) repair are needed even less frequently.

Your home sewer line can collapse or become disjointed or collapse due to ground settlement or root damage in most cases. In those cases, it’s best to deal directly with a water main and sewer contractor that specializes in this sort of work. Subsurface sewer repair work requires specialty equipment, such as backhoes and air compressors, and specialty insurance coverage as well.

Periodic Drain Maintenance

Clogs are a common source of sewer backups. Homeowners can avoid this problem with periodic maintenance and proper use of drains. Keep drains and sewers clear by not using toilets as wastebaskets. Avoid flushing diapers, napkins, and similar items.

In addition, avoid dumping large quantities of any item down your garbage disposal that can lodge within the sewer line. Similarly, don’t pour grease and fat down your drain as these can harden within plumbing, collect debris, and create a stubborn clog.

Tree roots are another common cause of sewer backups. Even if trees are on neighboring properties, roots travel far to seek water. Tree roots will invade pipes and cause holes and blockages or even wrap around the sewer line and crush it.  Older sewer pipes made of less structurally sound material are particularly susceptible. Minor tree root incursions can be helped by copper sulfate.

Copper Sulfate & Tree Root Issues

Copper sulfate can also be useful for dealing with minor root problems by flushing a small amount daily until the problem goes away and following up with small preventative doses applied every other month. Copper sulfate is a corrosive and should only be implemented through your toilet.

As sewer lines age, they can become broken or collapse, thus causing backups. Older homes with sewer lines built with cast iron and clay piping can break down over time and create problems.  If your sewer line becomes compromised by collapse, our sister company Balkan Plumbing can diagnose and repair the issue.

What To Do & Who To Call

Remember, when a sewer line problem occurs, don’t reach for the chemical drain cleaner, as these liquids can end up damaging pipes and may not help at all. Have a professional NYC sewer cleaning service diagnose the problem. Contact Balkan Drain Cleaning to learn what your options are when sewer problems occur.