Why is There Sewage in My Tub?

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

5 Ways to Avoid Sewer Line Clogs

You hope when you flush the toilet or wash something down the drains of your home, everything goes through the pipes and to the septic or main sewer line. But if a clog forms in your main sewer line, that waste could come back into your home. It is much easier to prevent a sewer line clog than to deal with the expense and mess of dealing with a sewer backup. Here are five tips to avoid sewer line drain clogs. 

  1. Paper only in toilets. Toilets are the number one cause of sewer line clogs because they will flush down larger items that can stick in your pipes. Only flush waste and toilet paper down the toilet – no baby wipes, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products or anything else should be flushed.
  2. No grease. Wipe and scrape greasy pans and plates before you rinse or wash them in the kitchen sink. Grease will attract debris and is the glue for many clogs. Have a grease can to use to pour off excess after cooking -never put it down your kitchen sink drain.
  3. Use drain strainers. Put strainers in all your drains to catch food particles, hair, soap and other items from going down the drain.
  4. Be careful of misuse of a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals can only do so much to breakdown food. Don’t put hard or fibrous items in your disposal like bone, tough peels or egg shells.
  5. Keep trees away from sewer lines. Tree roots are one of the main culprits of broken or clogged sewer lines. Never plant trees near your sewer lines to avoid future problems as they get bigger.

Just a few precautions can help you avoid sewer line clogs. To keep your lines clear, schedule hydrojetting from your sewer service company once a year to remove all sludge from the pipes and prevent sewer backups from clogs.

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

Why Hydro Jetting Is the Best Solution for Sewer Line Blockages

When there is a blockage or clog deep in a sewer line, hydro jetting is an excellent option for clearing the pipe. This professional service offered by sewer and septic service companies uses high-powered water to flush out the pipes and any blockages. Beyond being effective, hydro jetting has other benefits when used for clearing sewer lines. Here is why high pressure hydro jetting is the best solution for removing sewer line blockages.

No Chemicals

Unlike other types of clog removal, hydro jetting only uses water, with no added chemicals or other substances. This is a greener solution for the environment, plus it protects your plumbing and sewer lines from additional damage.

Better for Grease Clogs

The problem with grease clogs is that they are difficult to snake out of a deep pipe. They are soft yet can create a solid wall in your sewer lines. Hydro jetting flushes the grease out instead of pulling it out, making it much more effective in completely clearing grease blockages.

Quick and Less Mess

With hydro jetting, a digital video camera can find the clog and it can be flushed out with pressured water. There is no digging up pipes or pulling out debris from the pipes. The inside of the sewer line is completely cleaned and the “mess” goes through to the city sewer line or your septic system.

If you have a slow or clogged sewer line, call your local sewer/septic service that offers hydro jetting. In one day your sewer line can be inspected, and if it is only a clog, hydro jetting can be used to clear the pipes and get your plumbing working correctly again.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

What Is Blocking Your Sewer Line?

Are multiple drains in your home slow or beginning to back up? One drain with an issue is likely a clog in the pipe, but if multiple drains are backing up or draining slowly, you may have a blockage in your sewer line. Some other signs of a sewer line clog include:

  • Bad odor coming from the drains
  • Drains near the main sewer line outlet are the slowest or first to back up
  • Wet areas in the ground above the sewer line
  • Sewage odors outside

If you are concerned you have a sewer line blockage, it is important to know where and what is causing the clog. Often sludge buildup creates a partial or full blockage, collecting debris that comes down the drains. Other possible causes of a blockage include tree roots, broken sewer lines and non-biodegradable items that are accidentally flushed down the drain.

To find out what is blocking your sewer line and where the blockage is located, contact your local sewer or septic service company. Most quality sewer services have digital cameras that can be lowered through the sewer line to find out what is blocking the pipe and where the clog or broken line is located. Once it is identified, a plan can put in place to remove the clog or repair the sewer line to clear your sewer pipes.

At the first signs of a sewer line blockage, call a plumbing or sewer service professional to inspect your sewer line. You will want to find and remove the blockage before you have a sewage back up into your home that can cause damage and put your family at risk.

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

Is Sludge Slowing Your Sewer Drainage?

Have you noticed the drains in your home are getting slower? You may have sludge clogging up your drain lines. Everything that goes down your drains heads out through the indoor plumbing, then out through your drain or sewer lines to your septic or main city sewer line. When sediment composed of many solids from waste water collect in your drain lines, this is called sludge, and it is a common clogging element of drain lines.

So what is sludge? It can be a combination of many things, creating a thick, nasty substance that settles in the bottom of your drain lines. It can consist of fats, grease, human waste, paper products, coffee grounds and much more. Even when you flush water through your lines, this sludge remains, collecting more solids and growing in size. If any larger items get accidentally flushed down the toilet, they get caught up in this sludge and cause a clog.

If your drains are slow, it may be sludge that is causing the problem. Drain cleaners and even snakes will not remove a large accumulation of sludge. What you need is a thorough cleaning of your drain lines by a professional septic or sewer service company. Using hydro-jetting, your drain lines can be completely flushed of sludge and remove any clogs so your sewer pipes are completely clean again.

Don’t wait for a clog to get caught up in your sludge. Call your local sewer pro to clean your drain lines with hydro-jetting. Once they are done, have them inspect the interior of your lines using a digital camera to ensure there are no other problems inside your pipes once the sludge is gone.

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

Do You Know What Is Happening in Your Sewer Lines?

The last thing any homeowner wants to think about is the sewage draining from their home through their sewer lines. But if a blockage occurs or a pipe bursts, you will be forced to think about those sewer lines and how to fix them. The best offense is always a good defense, and that includes using preventive measures to keep your sewer lines clear and in good condition.  A camera inspection of your sewer pipes can be the best way to catch any issues before they become a major, and expensive, problem.

Some sewer service companies offer a camera inspection to take a close look inside your sewer lines. This can be used when you are having problems, such as slow drainage or odor coming from your drains. These tiny, yet highly effective, digital cameras can inspect the interior of your sewer lines underground. They can pick up images of tree roots that may be infiltrating your pipes or show where a clog has formed. They take the guess work out of finding sewer issues, making it quicker to pinpoint the problem.

While these cameras are used to determine where and what is causing a sewer backup, they can also be used as a preventive measure. Having your sewer lines inspected is a great way to prevent a sewer emergency. When used in tandem with hydro jetting to clear out your sewer lines, a camera inspection can be the best way to prevent sewer issues and identify any abnormalities in the pipe system.

Don’t wait for a sewer backup to cause an expensive mess. Call to schedule a preventive camera inspection of your sewer lines with your local sewer service company.

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

Root Sewer Pipe Invasion -What Is Going on Under Your Lawn?

When you look out at your yard, it may look peaceful, even pleasant. The green grass, your beautiful trees – everything looks perfectly healthy and in place. However, there may be a war going on beneath your lawn between your sewer pipes and tree roots. Those relentless roots want what’s inside your sewer pipes and they won’t stop until they find a crevice or crack to squirm their way inside, making a mess out of your sewer lines.

Large trees and sewer lines just don’t mix, especially if you have older sewer pipes. Jointed pipes are bound to corrode and crack over time, allowing just enough space for tree roots to take hold. Tree roots can split apart giant boulders, so a few inches of piping are nothing for them to crack open if given time.

So what is the solution? You can have tree roots cleaned out of your sewer pipes by a professional using hydrojetting, but that is only a temporary fix. To rid yourself of the problem, you need to consider more permanent options such as:

  • Replace old pipes.  Replacing older fitted pipes with seamless piping such as polyethelyne pipes can prevent tree root invasion. If they are beginning to crack and corrode, this may need to be done eventually.
  • Relining pipes. A less expensive option to replacing pipes is relining the interiors with a seamless barrier. Many sewer companies offer this service.
  • Tree removal. Removing the trees is an option, but not one that most homeowners want to consider. Fixing the pipe problem is often a more viable solution.

Not sure if you have a root invasion problem? Call your local sewer company for a professional camera inspection of your sewer pipes. It is the best way to see what is going on under your lawn and determine whether your sewer pipes are holding up against root invasion.

Call your local sewer professional to discuss ways to prevent future damage to your sewer lines from your beautiful trees.

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

Spring Clean Your Sewer Lines with Hydrojetting

Just because you can’t see your sewer pipes doesn’t mean they do not need to be cleaned. Over time, sewer lines can accumulate debris, slowly creating a smaller space for waste to travel through. Eventually, your sewer lines can become clogged and cause a messy and expensive sewer backup into your home. The most efficient way to maintain and clean your sewer pipes is with an annual hydrojetting service as part of your spring cleaning.

How Hydrojetting Works

Hydrojetting is a service that many sewer and septic service companies offer to remove clogs and waste from the interior of your sewer pipes. The process uses high-pressured water to clean the pipes by entering the pipe from an access hole. The water removes waste that has adhered to the inside of pipes and can even clear out tree roots that have grown into the pipes. It is a fast and easy service that can help prevent clogs and further damage to your sewer lines from roots and corrosion.

Many sewer companies that offer hydrojetting also have digital video camera options to view the interior of your sewer pipes. This can give you a before and after view of your pipes, showing how effective the hydrojetting service was at cleaning your pipes. It is also a great way to inspect the condition of your pipes to alert you of any cracks or other problems.

When you begin your spring cleaning this year, don’t forget those sewer pipes that are under your yard. A little cleaning once a year can prevent a sewer emergency and extend the life of your sewer pipes, saving you money in the long run.

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

Plan a Post-Holiday Cleaning for Your Sewer Pipes

The holidays are full of wonderful goodies, rich meals and over-indulgence, all of which we love to enjoy. However, all this food means more dishes, laundry and yes, more trips to the bathroom. All that goes in must go out, and down into your sewer or septic lines. Add to that extra guests, and your sewer lines may need to lose weight along with everybody else come the New Year.

Benefits of Regular Sewer Line Cleaning

Over the year, your sewer lines can become full of sludge which builds up on the interior walls. Also, some sewer lines are also prone to tree root invasion which can create blockages. In the cooler weather, all the fat, grease and extra waste can congeal on the interior walls, creating the beginning of a large clog in your pipes.

Clearing out this sludge is the best way to prevent potentially expensive and disruptive sewer backups. Many sewer service companies offer an easy solution, using a process called hydrojetting to clean out debris from your sewer lines. This high-powered water cleansing can remove the sludge buildup and even clear out tree roots, leaving your pipes ready to face another year.

While you are considering your New Year’s resolutions for 2015, why not schedule a cleaning for your sewer pipes to start the year off fresh? Your local sewer service company can inspect your pipes and clear out any blocking issues to ensure your sewer lines will be ready to perform for the rest of the year. It’s a great way to invest in a hassle-free year, with no sewer blockages in your future.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926

Avoid Holiday Sewer Emergencies

Some of the busiest days of the year for sewer, septic and plumbing professionals are during the winter holiday season. From Thanksgiving through the New Year celebration, families all across the country are cooking huge meals, and giving their kitchen and bathroom plumbing a workout. Unfortunately, all this heavy use can end in a sewer drain backup if you’re not careful, making for a particularly unpleasant holiday memory. Here are a few tips to reduce the chance of a holiday sewer emergency:

–        Take care of your garbage disposal. While cooking large holiday meals, the garbage disposal is used heavily. Make sure to run water when using the disposal to rinse any residual fat or particles down the drain. Processing ice with very small pieces of lemon peel through the disposal can help sharpen the blades and deodorize.

–        Keep fatty foods out of your drains. Do not rinse greasy pans, plates or utensils down the drain. Scrape all excess fat and debris into the garbage, and wipe with a paper towel. Any fat or grease can cause clogs in your plumbing or sewer pipes.

–        Use a sink container. To prevent guests from putting food and fats down your kitchen sink, put container inside your sink for catching food particles. You can easily dump this container outside and keep all the food debris out of your drains and sewer system.

The better care you take of your plumbing and sewer drains throughout the holidays, the less chance you will have a holiday sewer emergency.  It’s worth a few preventive measures to keep your sewer and plumbing working properly while you enjoy time with your friends and family.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283