Why is There Sewage in My Tub?

February 10th, 2020 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Have you noticed your tub gets dirty almost on a daily basis? Or worse, you see sewage bubbling up the drain into your tub or shower? If the bathtub in question is on the lowest level of your home, you could have a sewer line or septic problem. The lowest drain in the home is often a bathtub or shower since it is located near the floor. When waste water is coming up the drain, it is a sign of bigger issues with your waste system.

How Sewer Lines Work

Most homes have a gravity sewer line system. This means all waste and water that goes down the drains in your home are not pumped but rely on gravity. All waste flows through the plumbing to the lowest level of the home and exits out the main sewer line. However, if there are blockages, waste water will go to the lowest exit available, often up a tub or shower drain on the lowest level.

If you flush a toilet in the home or run the washer and waste comes up your bathtub drain, it is likely you have a blockage in your sewer line. It could be a partial clog that only lets some water go by slowly, causing the rest of the water to backup into the lowest drain of the house. Major clogs do not fix themselves; most likely it will continue to get worse until the entire sewer line is blocked.

If you have sewage coming up into a low drain in your home like a bathtub or shower, call your local plumber or sewer service company. They can inspect your sewer line and/or septic system to find the problem and offer solutions to resolve the issue.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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Signs of a Clogged Sewer Vent

October 28th, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Most people are aware that drains can be clogged. Food, hair or other debris can plug a pipe and cause a drain backup. What not everyone realizes is that there are other pipes that can impact your plumbing and sewer lines. Sewer vents allow to air to escape the sewer lines and are integral to creating the pressurized system needed for proper drainage. The vent pipes run from your drain pipes and come out on your roof. When a sewer vent is clogged, it could cause drainage issue in your home. Here are some signs that you may have a clogged sewer vent.

Gurgling Drains

If you hear gurgling after your flush your toilet or drain the tub, you could have a sewer vent clog. The gurgling can be air escaping up through the drain, instead of up the sewer vent pipe. You may see bubbles coming up through the water in a draining sink, tub or toilet.

Sewer Odors

If air is coming up your drains instead of using the sewer vent, you could notice sewer odors coming from your drains. This means they are not working correctly.

Slow Drains and Ongoing Clogs

Sewer vents can be clogged for months and causing ongoing problems. If your toilet or other drains seem to backup more often than normal, or several drains are slow, it could be a sewer vent clog. Leaves, pests and other debris can get inside the vent and block the airway. You could also have a clog where the vent pipe intersects with the drain pipe, causing backups and slow drains.

If you have any of these signs of a clogged sewer vent, contact your local plumber or sewer service company. They can inspect your sewer vent and drain pipes to find and fix the problem.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

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First Signs of a Broken Sewer Line

October 28th, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Most sewer lines that transport your waste from your home to your septic tank or main city sewer line are located a few feet underground. When these pipes corrode at the joints, crack or sustain damage, you may not know right away that there is a problem. However, there will be signs that are bound to appear to alert you that you have an issue with your plumbing waste system. Here are some of the first signs that you may have a broken sewer line at your home.

Several Drains are Slow or Backed Up

If the sewer line break is causing a blockage for your waste, you may notice that several drains in your home are backing up or slower to drain. This does not always occur with sewer line breaks; it depends on whether there is a blockage or not. Drains closest to the main sewer line are the most likely to be slow or back up.

Wet Spots or Odor in Your Yard

If there are areas in your yard that are wetter than the rest of the lawn near where your sewer line runs, you may have a leak. There also could be a sewage odor that alerts you to a definite problem with your sewer pipe.

Soil Erosion

In many cases, a sewer line break starts with a small crack and becomes worse. A slow leak could have occurred for weeks, even months. Soil above the pipe can begin to erode, letting you know there is a problem below.

If you see signs of a broken sewer line, call your local sewer or septic company right away. They can inspect your sewer line and locate the point of the problem. Fixing the pipe can prevent further backups and damage to your property.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Who Should I Call for a Sewer Line Problem?

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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If you are on a city sewer system, you pay for your waste treatment service and expect them to handle any issues that occur. Waste from your home is whisked away through the municipal sewer system and brought to a treatment plant, a much easier process for a homeowner than a septic system. However, first it must get from your home to the main city sewer line. When you have sewer backup or a broken sewer pipe, you may wonder who to call, a sewer professional or your sewer utility provider.

Home Sewer Line Repairs

In most situations, the city sewer service only covers the main sewer line, not the connecting pipes that go into your home. This means any sewer pipes between the connection to the main line and your home are your responsibility. If your sewer line breaks and is leaking into your yard, you will need to have it repaired. The same is true if a clog in your private sewer line is backing up sewage into your home. These pipes, like the ones in your home, are owned by you and are not considered part of the city sewer service.

Call a Sewer Service Pro

If you are having a sewer line problem, call a sewer service professional. While a plumber can fix pipes in your home, you want a company that handles sewer or septic repairs. A quick inspection can determine where the problem is and what needs to be done to fix the problem. A professional can also determine if a problem is coming from the main city sewer line and help you alert the utility company to have it fixed.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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When to Replace Sewer Lines Vs Repair

August 21st, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Your main sewer lines can last for decades – if you have an older home, your existing sewer lines may already be decades old. The good news is that many people never need to replace their sewer lines and many can be repaired when a problem arises. However, when should you invest in replacement versus a repair? Here are some circumstances when replacement may be a better option.

Multiple Repairs

If you have already needed to fix a cracked or leaking sewer line and are having more problems, it may be best to replace the pipe. Patching the pipe over and over can cost more in the long run than replacement, and it is a major inconvenience each time it occurs.

Poor Pipe Material

Many older sewer lines were made with cast iron, cement or other corroding material. These pipes were made to last, but they will also corrode over time. If you have a broken or corroded pipe, it is probably the beginning of a long line of problems. Replace with a more durable material to avoid future repairs.

Location Problems

Did your sewer line burst from tree root invasion or weight from vehicles? If your sewer is located in an area where it is susceptible to damage, it may be best to replace and move it to a better spot.

It can be a hefty investment to replace sewer lines, but it may be more cost effective than multiple repairs. Before you spend money on a repair, consider whether it may be best to complete a full replacement to avoid more expense and headaches down the road. Talk to your sewer professionals about your options.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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5 Ways to Prevent Sewer Backups

July 13th, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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No one wants to open the shower door and find a sewage backing up the drain. Sewer backups can occur for several reasons, but usually they are preventable. The main cause of a sewer backup is a clog in your sewer line – other causes can include septic system failure and sewer line breaks. The best ways to prevent sewage backup issues include keeping your sewer lines clear and maintained – try these five tips.

  1. Keep grease and fats out of your drains. Fat and grease are responsible for many clogs in plumbing, including large clogs in your sewer lines. Grease also can cause problems with septic systems. Wipe out greasy pans before rinsing or cleaning to keep grease out of your drains.
  2. Be careful what you flush. Cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls and other solid items can cause clogs in your pipes and in septic systems. Keep non-biodegradable items out of the toilet.
  3. Compost hard foods. Even if you have a garbage disposal, some hard or solid foods should not be put down the drain. Start a compost for hard food items like egg shells, tough produce peels and coffee grounds to prevent clogs.
  4. Schedule preventive hydro-jetting. Debris and sludge can accumulate in your sewer lines. Hydro-jetting performed by a sewer professional can clear your sewer lines to prevent clogs.
  5. Inspect your sewer lines and maintain your septic system. Every few years, have a camera inspection performed on your sewer lines – this can identify any pipe deterioration or problems for preventive repairs. Also, if you have a septic system, make sure to schedule annual service to prevent backups.

A few preventive steps can eliminate many problems that cause sewer backups. It is worth the investment to keep your sewer lines and septic system maintained to help prevent inconvenient and expensive sewer backups.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Is a Sewer Line Replacement Covered Under Homeowner Insurance?

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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No homeowner wants to find out they need a sewer line replaced. Not only can it mean digging up your yard and the inconvenience of no plumbing in your home until it is fixed, it is an expensive project. If you come home to a sewage backup into your home or a sink hole in your yard due to a broken sewer pipe, you need to know your options, especially when it comes to managing the cost. In some cases, you may be able to make a claim to your homeowner insurance to help pay for the repair or replacement of your sewer line.

Replacing Old Sewer Lines

If your sewer line is a few decades old and finally cracked from general wear and tear, it is unlikely that this will be covered by homeowner insurance. Pipes wear out and it is expected that they will need replacement eventually.

Check Your Policy

Whether or not you can use your homeowner insurance to help offset the cost of replacing your sewer line depends on a few different factors. What caused the damage to the sewer line is important – was it an earthquake, flood, crushed under a vehicle, or tree root invasion? Next, it depends on your policy and insurance carrier. Some situations may be covered under a general policy, but damage from natural disasters like earthquakes may require a special type of coverage. The best way to find out if you are covered is to carefully read through your policy or talk to your insurance agent.

While sewer line replacements are not cheap, it is a project that usually only needs to be done once every few decades. Talk to your local sewer line installation contractor to discuss your options to find the best way to cope with the cost.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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Will My City Sewer Service Fix My Sewer Line?

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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When you find out you have a problem with your sewer line, you may think your first call should be to your city sewer service. After all, you pay for sewer service every month, so issues with your sewer line should be covered. However, that is rarely the case when it comes to sewer line repairs. Here’s the scoop on sewer line repairs and who is responsible for fixing pipes on your property.

Most municipal sewer services provide drainage of sewage to a local treatment plant. Homes and businesses in the city connect to a main sewer line from their buildings. However, the sewer line that runs from a home out to the main sewer line is not part of the municipal sewer system. In most cases, if a sewer pipe breaks or is clogged, it is the property owner’s responsibility to fix. Exceptions may include if the issue occurs at the connection to the city sewer line or if a backup is caused by the city sewer line.

Repairing Your Sewer Line

The first step to fixing your sewer line issue is to call in a sewer service to inspect your pipes. Your sewer professional can tell you where the problem is; if it is a city sewer line issue, they can let you know and you can contact your city utility department to report the problem. If the problem is with your side sewer pipe, you may be able to cover the cost of repair or replacement through your home insurance, depending on your coverage and what caused the damage.

When repairing a sewer line connected to a city sewer, make sure to use a qualified sewer service. Some cities require certification for sewer services that work on side sewers that are connected to the city system, so check the requirements in your area.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

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Protect Your Sewer Line During Utility Work

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Your main sewer line may be hidden, but just under the surface of your yard it is performing its duty. Many people may not know exactly where their sewer line is, which can pose problems. If a new phone line or gas pipe needs to be installed to your home, utility workers may need to run a trench through your yard. It is vital to protect your sewer lines from damage to prevent expensive repairs down the road.

Find Your Sewer Lines

If you have a lot schematic of your property, it may show you where your sewer line runs. You may also be able to get an outline of underground utilities on your property from your local utility or building municipal departments if they have one on file. The other option is finding the outlet from your home (usually in the basement or crawlspace) and following the path to the septic tank or city sewer line.

Inform Utility Crews

Most utility crews will investigate to ensure they are not disturbing any existing utility lines before they begin digging. However, do not assume they have done their due diligence. It is not uncommon for damage to be done to sewer lines or a D-Box that is not realized until many years later. When you need to replace a sewer line because it eventually breaks from damage done years prior, you most likely will be left paying for the repair.

Concerned that a utility crew may have damaged your sewer line? Contact a local sewer line service to have your pipes inspected for damage. It is better to find out sooner than later, giving you an opportunity to have the repair done before it causes damage to your home or property.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

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Where is My Sewer Line Clean-Out?

April 8th, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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The main sewer line that carries waste away from your home is underground, but all sewer lines should have a clean-out port. This access point is designed to give you and sewer professionals a way into the sewer line without needing to dig up the pipe, which can be useful if you have a clog or need a repair. If you do not know where your sewer line clean-out is, here are a few tips to help you find it.

Do You Have the Plot Plans for Your Home?

If you have the plot plans that were used to design and build your home, this is the easiest way to find the clean-out port for your sewer line. It should be identified on the plumbing layout, making it simple to locate the port.

Look Between Point A and Point B

Your main sewer line leaves your home at point A, and empties at point B. The empty point is either a municipal sewer line or your septic tank. The clean-out port for your sewer line will be between the two points. The clean-out is usually a small pipe with a screw on cover that is poking out of the ground. In rare cases, it could be behind a wall or in a crawl space.

Call a Sewer Professional

If you cannot find your clean-out or believe you have a sewer line clog, call your local sewer professional. They can locate your clean-out and perform an inspection on your sewer line with a digital video camera that can be snaked through your sewer line. Once you know where your clean-out is, make sure it is kept accessible for sewer line repairs and maintenance in the future.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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