Sewer lines play such an important role in our daily lives. While people depend on them to do their jobs, most people don’t stop and think about them very much. There are actually several surprising things about sewer lines that you may be interested to know.
Sewers Have a Very Long History
Indoor plumbing is a relatively new development, but several ancient civilizations developed a form of sewer lines long ago. You might have heard that the Romans built aqueducts to bring fresh water into their city. Well, they also built canals that took waste away. The first sewer canals were open, but soon, they were covered to reduce odors. Evidence of early sewer systems has been found in other areas as well.
Sewers Can Be Plagued by Fatbergs
Unfortunately, sewer lines can get clogged, and sometimes, those clogs can be caused by something called fatbergs. These are solidified masses of oil, fat, grease, and nonbiodegradable solids that get sent down the drain. In 2019, London officials discovered a fatberg the size of a bus! Many municipalities actively work to prevent fatbergs by inspecting and cleaning their systems and by educating citizens about what items they should and shouldn’t flush.
There’s a Clear Line Between Public and Private Sewer Lines
You might not know exactly where your sewer line stops and the public one begins. In most places, the public line runs parallel with the street. The line perpendicular to that is the responsibility of the homeowner, so if you’re having any trouble with that, you’ll be the one in charge of the situation.
Tree Roots Can Cause Major Problems
Did you know that tree roots can make their way into pipes? They can certainly do so, and as a result, they can cause leaks and block water from flowing through the lines. Plumbers can use cameras to inspect your system to see if you have any roots causing problems.
Some Internet Systems Are Connected to Sewers
As fiber-optic networks have grown, the industry has had to come up with ways in which they can run their equipment through communities. In some regions, companies have run fiber cables through sewer systems to eliminate the need to dig additional trenches. Rest assured that a lot of preparation work has to be conducted to make sure the cables are protected and don’t affect the sewers.
Thankfully, sewer lines function very well for the most part. Of course, issues can pop up unexpectedly. In this case, you’ll want an experienced professional handling the job for you so that your daily routine doesn’t get affected too much. Reach out to the team at A Better Plumber if you’re experiencing any trouble with your sewer lines in Waldorf, MD. We’ll be ready to work hard on your behalf and aim to get your problem fixed as soon as possible.
