Sewer Drain Blockages: Landscaping Tips To Prevent Blockage

Every property needs an efficient and functional sewer system. Effective landscaping methods help curb the likelihood of sewer drain blockages and prevent the inconvenience of overseeing blocked drains or overflowing sewage. 

A clogged drain can cause major problems for both homeowners and renters. Proper drain maintenance can help prevent costly drain blockage repairs and keep your plumbing system functioning properly. 

According to Yellow Pages, plumbing job costs range from $60 for a leaky tap to $20,000 for the entire drainage system replacement.

DIY methods can often make things worse. Instead, contact Link Plumbing to handle your blocked drain issues. Our professional plumbers work 24/7 and can fix the blocked drainage system and make it function smoothly again.

We are paid by the job, not by the hour. Call us today at 0412 056 027 so we can fix your blocked drains immediately. 

Top 10 Landscaping Tips to Prevent Sewer Drain Blockages

A serviceable drain system is the foundation of any property, ensuring the effective disposal of wastewater and preventing health issues.  

Most homeowners do not realise how manicuring their gardens can affect their sewer drains. Improper landscaping practices can block outdoor drains, resulting in costly repairs and possible unsafe circumstances.

Check out these landscaping tips to prevent sewer drain blockages:

1. Proper Selection of Plants or Trees

Choosing the right kind of plants or trees to plant is crucial to prevent a clogged drainage system. Some plant and tree roots can be intrusive and will break through sewer pipes over the years.

Landscaping adds beauty and value to a property, but you must also consider the type of plants and trees you choose. Choose those that don’t have invasive roots that could threaten your sewer lines.

You can choose shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, and trees with non-invasive root systems.

2. Organised Positioning of Plant and Trees 

Planting your vegetation in the right location prevents plant and tree roots from penetrating your stormwater drainage systems.

Plant trees and large shrubs about 10 feet away from sewer lines while small ones can be planted about 5 meters away.

Moreover, you can make tree root barriers around sewer lines, which redirect or suppress root growth, preventing them from damaging the drainage system as proactive measures.

According to Macquarie University research, more than 90% of pipe blockage issues in Australia are caused by tree root intrusions, which cause faster pipe destruction, loss of conveyance capacity, and contaminants’ infiltration.

3. Routine Maintenance and Pruning

Prune plants and trees to help manage root development and remove excess growth.

Dispose of dead plants, fallen leaves, branches, and other organic debris, which can stockpile in stormwater pipes after heavy rain.

Regular maintenance and pruning prevent a blocked stormwater drainage system and ensure a continuous water flow through the drain pipes. 

4. Fixes to Blocked Landscape Drainage Problems 

Poor drainage can affect your drainage system and develop the possibility of blocked stormwater drain pipes. 

When a drainage system doesn’t discharge properly, water can collect in low-lying areas, creating additional pressure on sewer lines, especially after heavy rainfall.

One of the preventive measures you can use is the proper grading of outdoor spaces. It’s the careful sloping of land that guides the water to designated drainage areas and prevents stagnant water, which can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. 

Also, you can make gentle swales or channel water to guide the flow to the allotted stormwater drains.

Preventative measures you can do as well are installing French drains and integrating other drainage features into your landscaping arrangements.

5. Seek Evaluation and Specialised Assistance

Routine sewer line analyses are crucial for detecting possible drainage issues before it create exorbitant and unwanted problems. 

Over the years, sewer lines can be vulnerable to structural damage, tree root intrusions, and blocked stormwater drains. 

Hiring a professional plumber to inspect sewer lines can identify the underlying reason/s for blocked stormwater drains. 

He has the knowledge and tools to provide a lasting solution to your drainage issues and may recommend installing an overflow relief gully if necessary to ensure proper drainage.

Contact our friendly and professional plumbers to inspect your home and property for slow drainage; gurgling sounds from plumbing fixtures, foul odours, and more. 

Call us now at 0412 056 027 and we’ll help prevent further drainage issues.

6. Adopting Permeable Surfaces

Use porous materials for your walkways and driveways. This will allow water to penetrate the ground instead of preventing runoff. It will also help minimise the possibility of water pooling surrounding the sewer lines.

Also known as pervious or porous paving, this hard surface lets rainwater seep through to a base layer below, where it is either absorbed into the ground or drained away by a system buried beneath the surface.

7. Seasonal Landscaping Adjustments

Regular tree and shrub pruning helps manage and control vegetation growth and prevent gast root expansion. 

Another thing to consider is planting specific types of seasonal plants and trees to ensure that no single location will ensure ceaseless root pressure.

8. Clever Watering Practices

Seldom water your plants and trees deeply to force the roots to grow deeper into the soil instead of spreading out near the surface. 

Conversely, drip irrigation uses drip irrigation systems to supply water directly to plant roots. It reduces excess water that can motivate root development around sewer lines.

9. Leveraging the Power of Hot Water

Hot water disintegrates soap scum, grease, oil, and food scraps because the heat boosts the substances’ kinetic energy. 

The molecules react and move faster and eventually break down, making it easier to flush down the drain, rather than clinging to the drain pipes. 

10. Utilising Natural Drain Cleaners

You can find these environmentally friendly natural drain cleaners in the kitchen that are effective against clogged drains. 

Pour half a cup of baking soda into your drain, followed by another half cup of white vinegar, and cover it. After 30 minutes, use hot water to flush the drain.

Another handy remedy for clogged drains is to combine salt and hot water. Put half a cup of salt into the drain, followed by hot water, to flush any grease buildup.

For minor clogs, use a drain snake to remove obstructions causing clogs, rather than using chemical drain cleaners.

Regular cleaning of your drains prevents clogging and ensures uninterrupted water flow to underground pipes. 

Conclusion

Keep your kitchen sink and drain pipes free from significant risks of severe clogs. Regular maintenance helps smooth the water flow of drain pipes. Improper disposal of wet wipes and toilet paper can damage pipes and create gurgling sounds in your toilet. 

Let our expert plumbers at Link Plumbing check your drainage systems for construction debris and other obstructions that cause clogging. Based on your home and property requirements, we provide blocked drain repairs, regular inspections, and maintenance. 

We offer excellent and economical drain cleaning services across Sydney. Call us now at 0412 056 027 and let us solve your drainage system issues, faster and more efficiently.