Did you know that a faulty sewer system can contribute to pollution of our environment and waterways thus endangering the planet's biodiversity? In the same sense, by using an improved sewer system, you can help keep our environment green and healthy.

Sanitary system overflow is the technical term used for the seepage of raw sewage into yards, basements, playgrounds, streets, and other areas before reaching a sewage processing center. Raw sewage can disturb the natural ecological balance of the local environment. The large population densities of modern society make it imperative that raw sewage be treated before releasing it into the environment.

Many homes unknowingly contribute to the problem as they harbor damaged sewer lines. A water leak in your sewer system is vulnerable when heavy rains or snow melts saturate the soil and reaches the leaking sewer line. Contaminated runoff can spill into creeks, streams, rivers and eventually make its way to the ocean polluting our coastlines. Tree roots and displacement of the earth around the sewer lines can also contribute to leaks and even to completely compromised systems.

To avoid contributing to the environmental problems caused by SSO, homeowners need to have qualified plumbers inspect their properties and make necessary repairs, including drain cleaning, and upgrades. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pushing for homes to replace sewer laterals by the year 2015, since about 80 percent of all SSO pollution can be traced to homes.

While drain cleaning can sometimes fix sewer problems, often it is necessary to replace old sewer lines that have developed water leaks. Plumbers now have high tech equipment that allows them to replace these lines without having to dig trenches. The new system actually splits and spreads out the old pipe as it inserts a new pipe of the same or wider diameter. With trenchless pipe replacement, plumbers no longer have to tear up your yard to install a new sewer line system.

At the same time that your sewer line system is fixed, you should also have your storm and rain drains checked. A proper drainage system is necessary to help reduce the possibility of water reaching down to your sewer lines.

If you are lucky, a plumber's inspection will show that your system is still intact, and all your home needs is some drain cleaning to get back to full operating condition. Drains are cleaned using cables called snakes and bacterial products are used to maintain the system. The latter products introduce special bacteria into the sewage system that consumes organic matter preventing buildup of sludge and grease in the drains.

Another method of cleaning sewers and drains is called water jetting and it uses water pressure to push a hose through the line clearing out any existing obstructions. By ensuring that your home has safe and operational sewer lines, you can help prevent Sanitary System Overflow and keep your property free of toxic sewage. In the end, all of us will benefit from an environment that is green and ecologically sustainable.