The Citywide Blog

Your main sewer line is the hidden hero of your home’s plumbing system. It quietly carries wastewater from every toilet, sink, and drain out to the municipal sewer system. But when it fails? It’s a messy, expensive disaster.

At CityWide Plumbers, we’ve handled thousands of sewer line issues across NYC, Long Island, and the surrounding areas. Here’s what every homeowner needs to know to prevent sewer line backups, clogs, and costly repairs.

🚨 Why Sewer Line Maintenance Matters

Think of your sewer line like an artery. If it gets blocked, everything backs up. Common issues include:

• Tree root intrusion
• Grease and food buildup
• Collapsed or cracked pipes
• Flushed items that don’t belong (wipes, paper towels, feminine products)

These problems don’t just appear overnight—but ignoring them can lead to major property damage and thousands in repair bills.

✅ Top Sewer Line Maintenance Tips

1. Watch What You Flush

Toilets aren’t trash cans. Only flush:

• Human waste
• Toilet paper (and not too much at once)

Avoid: wipes (even “flushable” ones), Q-tips, paper towels, diapers.

2. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

Grease may go down hot, but it hardens in your pipes like cholesterol in veins. Instead:

• Pour it into a can or container and throw it out.
• Use strainers in your kitchen sink to catch food scraps.

3. Use Enzyme Cleaners Monthly

Unlike chemical drain cleaners, enzyme-based cleaners break down organic waste safely and help keep your sewer line flowing. Ask us about safe, plumber-recommended products you can use monthly.

4. Schedule a Professional Video Inspection

Every 1–2 years, we recommend a video camera inspection of your main sewer line. This lets us catch:

• Tree root intrusions
• Minor cracks
• Early-stage blockages

…before they become emergencies.

5. Hydro Jetting: Preventative Pipe Cleaning

Our high-pressure hydro jetting service blasts away years of built-up debris and roots inside the main line. It’s safe, effective, and a smart move if you’ve had past backups or own an older home.

🏠 Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Help

Call us immediately if you notice:

• Multiple drains backing up at once
• Gurgling toilets or drains
• Foul odors near plumbing fixtures
• Wet spots in your yard (especially above the sewer line)

🔧 Trust NYC’s Sewer Experts

CityWide Plumbers has been NYC and Long Island’s trusted plumbing partner for over 25 years. We offer:

• 24/7 emergency service
• Video camera inspections
• Hydro jetting
• Trenchless sewer line repairs (in many cases!)

📞 Ready to Prevent a Disaster?

Call 1-800-310-2564 or book a sewer inspection online today.

Protect your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind.