Don't Ignore Your Lateral Line
What is a Lateral Line and Why is Professional Cleaning Crucial?
If you own a home, you own more than just the pipes inside your walls; you are also responsible for the main sewer pipe running beneath your property. This pipe is known as the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Line.
Definition: The Lateral Line is the critical connection that carries all wastewater from your home (toilets, sinks, showers, laundry, etc.) to the public sanitary sewer main, which is typically located under the street. While the city or municipality maintains the public main, the homeowner is responsible for the entire lateral line, from the foundation of the house all the way to its connection point with the public sewer main. Maintaining this pipe is vital for preventing costly and messy sewage backups.
The Problem - How Lateral Lines Get Clogged
Because the lateral line runs underground, it is constantly exposed to threats that can lead to severe blockages. The primary culprits are:
- Tree Root Intrusion - Tree and shrub roots are naturally drawn to the moisture inside sewer pipes. Roots find tiny cracks or loose joints and grow into the line, catching debris and causing major clogs. This is particularly common with older pipes made of clay or cast iron.
- Fats, Oils, and Grease - When grease is poured down a kitchen drain, it cools and hardens inside the lateral line, building up over time and reducing the pipe’s diameter until wastewater can no longer pass.
- Non-Flushable Items - Wipes (even those labeled "flushable"), paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and trash easily get snagged on existing debris or small root intrusions, leading to a complete blockage.
- Pipe Damage - Age, soil shifts, and corrosion can cause cracks or severe "bellies" (dips where water stands) in the pipe, making it highly susceptible to collecting sediment and debris.
The Solution - Professional Lateral Line Cleaning
Waiting until you have a sewer backup is the most expensive way to deal with a clogged lateral line. At B&G Drain Cleaning, we utilize powerful, non-invasive methods to restore your lateral line's full capacity and prevent future emergencies.
Hydro Jetting
For severe blockages, we recommend Hydro Jetting. This process uses highly pressurized streams of water, delivered through specialized nozzles, to scour the inside of the pipe. Hydro Jetting is the most effective way to:
- Cut through and remove stubborn tree roots.
- Blast away years of built-up grease and sludge.
- Thoroughly clean the pipe walls, leaving them smooth.
Video Inspection
Before any major cleaning or repair, we often perform a camera inspection. Sending a high-resolution camera down the line gives us the exact location and nature of the problem (e.g., roots, cracks, or a pipe break), ensuring we use the right method the first time.
Protect Your Property: Schedule Routine Lateral Line Maintenance
If you have a history of slow drains, gurgling toilets, or an older home with mature trees, you should consider professional lateral line cleaning and inspection as preventative maintenance.
Don't wait for the unpleasant and expensive event of sewage backing up into your basement. Contact B&G Drain Cleaning today to schedule a video inspection and ensure your private sewer lateral is flowing freely, protecting your home and your health!
