Vancouver Drainage & Sewer FAQs

Can I clean my own sewer or drain?


Yes of course you can clean your own drains or sewer. Do you want to? It is typical of many homeowners or businesses to want to “do it yourself” and save money in the process. But if you do, how will you see deep inside your pipes, or inside the sewer line. Professionals use video cameras and have specialized equipment such as metal snakes and jetting equipment designed specifically to remove debris, and do it in a timely and professional manner, safety being an important aspect as well. And knowing what eco friendly chemicals to use and generally being certain the pipes are clean and not damaged is something only experts will know.

So while it always costs less to do it yourself, it isn’t always the smartest choice. Would you clean your own arteries or have a doctor consult and do so with professional services. Plumbing is the internal artery system of your home. Maintain it and treat it well and it will treat you well. Professional's go through years of training to be certified to handle these projects.


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How often should I clean or get my drains cleaned or maintained?


Cleaning drains annually is appropriate for a whole house inspection and can be critical in maintaining your plumbing system’s health. It’s also good to have items such as your homes drain pipes cleaned twice a year with a hot water flush and disinfectant. Check your outdoor drains twice year and remove any debris visible. If you have gutters, have them cleaned twice a year as well.


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How do I know if my drain is blocked?


Sadly you may not before it’s too late. Most people don’t find out until water is backing up and entering the home. Most people don’t concern themselves with clogged drains or plumbing backups until they’ve reached a crisis. Scheduling regular preventative maintenance is a simple and effective step in maintaining your plumbing system’s health.


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What do I do if my outside sewer is blocked?


As with any plumbing or sewer issue, only experienced plumbers should attempt to remedy a blocked outside sewer. It’s tempting to try to save money by trying to tackle the problem yourself, but you’ll likely cost yourself more money in the long run. Even if you got lucky and it appears the blockage was cleared, you won’t know about underlying issues only a professional plumber can diagnose. Worse you could cause damages to the system that will cost you more than if you’d called someone highly trained in services sewer systems in the first place.


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What preventative measures can I take to maintain my sewer or drains health and prevent expensive repairs?

  • Inspect your drains twice a year.
  • Inspect your homes internal drain and flush twice a year with hot water and disinfectant.
  • Keep all debris clear from outside drains.
  • Do not place cooking oil fats down you drains – if you do, add soap degreaser to it before you flush it down it will be less likely to clog – as oil solidifies and becomes heavy and clogs drains.
  • Schedule annual maintenance with Milani through our the MVP Plan.


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