How Often Should You Have Your Sewer Line Cleaned?

Published October 28, 2026 · Snake-It-Away Inc.

Most homes should have their main sewer line cleaned every 18 to 24 months, and more often with large trees or an older house. A routine cleaning costs far less than an emergency backup during the holidays, so a schedule pays for itself. Here is how to figure out the right interval for your home.

The general rule

For an average home with no history of trouble, every year or two keeps the line clear. If you have never had it done and the house is more than a few decades old, it is worth a first cleaning plus a camera look to set a baseline you can measure against later.

When you need it more often

• Big trees near the line. Roots are relentless, so once a year is safer.
• Older clay or cast-iron pipe, which collects buildup faster than modern PVC.
• A history of recurring clogs.
• A rental or multi-family with heavy, shared use.

Commercial kitchens are a different story

Everything above is for homes. A restaurant or commercial kitchen is not on a year-or-two schedule. Grease volume and local health codes mean the lines and grease trap need service far more often, usually every few months. See how often a restaurant grease trap really needs cleaning for the commercial side.

Signs you're overdue

• Drains slowing down across the whole house
• Gurgling from drains or toilets
• A faint sewage smell
• Backups that are getting more frequent

Do not wait for a full backup to find out you were due.

Cleaning or a camera inspection?

A camera inspection tells you the real condition of the line and whether a cleaning is enough or something more is going on. Pairing the two on a schedule is the cheapest way to avoid surprises, and for heavy buildup, hydro jetting is the thorough clean.

Set a schedule and forget it

We can put you on a simple cleaning schedule so you are never caught off guard. Call Snake It Away at (781) 858-8314. Family-owned since 1997, serving homes and businesses across the Boston metro.