When to Replace Sewer Lines Vs Repair

August 21st, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on When to Replace Sewer Lines Vs Repair

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

, ,
Read More

Where is My Sewer Line Clean-Out?

April 8th, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Where is My Sewer Line Clean-Out?

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

, ,
Read More

Should You Repair or Replace Your Sewer Pipes?

August 9th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Should You Repair or Replace Your Sewer Pipes?

Like any plumbing, your sewer lines will not last forever. While many can function properly for decades, eventually they can break, crack or crumble, causing a sewage leak or blockage. When you have a sewer line problem, the first inclination may be to just repair the pipe. However, there are times when replacement may be a better option.

Depending on the type of sewer pipes you have, you can experience different types of problems within the lines underground. For pipes with joints, tree roots can infiltrate the joints and bust apart the seams. In some cases, the joints can become corroded or come apart due to pressure from above. Cast iron, cement or clay sewer lines that were commonly used in homes built before the 1970’s often are the cause of sewer pipe failures.

When you have older pipes like those listed above, it may be best to replace the pipes versus repair. Sewer pipes that are fifty years old or older are likely to continue having problems. The material can become to corrode and crumble; shifts in the soil over the years can break them apart. If you have large trees on your property, they are often the cause of issues, with roots seeking the moisture inside your sewer lines. Replacing with seamless piping or other options can reduce further issues, saving money and mess down the road.

If you have newer sewer lines, repair is often the better choice. One cracked pipe can be fixed for much less money, a better option if the rest of the piping is still in good shape. Your local sewer service company can help you determine your options and give you advice on whether repair or replacement is a better choice.

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

, ,
Read More

Dangers of Sewer Line Damage

May 23rd, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Dangers of Sewer Line Damage

You may not think about your main sewer line but if it is damaged, you will be forced to spend more time and money on this component of your plumbing than you ever wanted. Whether you have a septic system or use municipal waste removal, you have a main sewer line that travels out of your home. It either connects to the city sewer line or your septic tank and it needs to be protected to reduce risks of damage.

Find Your Sewer Line

If you do not know where your sewer line runs, it is important to find out. You may be able to get a good idea by locating where it leaves from the house. You can find this in your basement or crawl space under your home. It is most likely located on the side nearest the city sewer line or your septic tank. From there, you can assume it runs straight to the connection with the city sewer or tank. If you have the plot plans for your home, the sewer line path should be outlined on these plans.

Protect Your Sewer Line

Although the sewer line may be located a few feet underground, it is still susceptible to damage from above. It is crucial to make sure that this area is not disturbed as it can lead to a broken sewer line in your yard. Some common causes of sewer line damage include:

  • Driving a vehicle over a sewer line
  • Post hole digging for fences
  • Trenching to add utility lines
  • Construction, landscaping or digging above the sewer line

To protect your sewer line, keep the area above it a work-free zone and make sure no one drives near this area. If you notice any erosion or depressions in the ground above the sewer line, you may have a broken pipe, or a leak, and you should call your local sewer/septic professional immediately.

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

, ,
Read More

Prevent Sewer Line Problems

April 2nd, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Prevent Sewer Line Problems

No one wants to wake up to a sewer backup into their home. However, if sewer line problems are left unchecked, that could be your reality one morning in the future. The problem is that most homeowners do not know they have a potential sewer line issue until it is too late. Stop waiting for the sewer backup to occur and invest in some preventive maintenance.

You maintain your car, HVAC and other systems to prevent failure. The same should be true of your sewer and plumbing system. Clogs don’t happen overnight, nor do rust or corrosion. These are issues that can be caught in the early stages and fixed before they cause a nasty and expensive sewer backup. But it is not something you can do on your own. You need to be able to see what is happening in your sewer lines to mitigate issues – you need a sewer professional.

Camera Inspections and Hydrojetting

The best way to maintain your sewer lines is to schedule a camera inspection through your local sewer service professional. Using a small digital camera, your sewer technician can investigate your sewer lines from the inside. They can view whether there are any clogs forming, tree roots that have invaded your pipes or breaks in the pipe that need repair.

After the inspection, if there is any sludge, tree roots or clog formations in your sewer lines, your sewer tech can clear your lines with hydrojetting. This gives your pipes a thorough cleaning, keeping them clear and free from debris that can cause a sewer backup.

Don’t wait for a mess in your bathroom or a soggy sewer spot in your yard to tell you there is a sewer line issue. Call your local sewer service to schedule preventive maintenance today.

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

, ,
Read More

Do You Know Where Your Sewer Lines Are?

April 2nd, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Do You Know Where Your Sewer Lines Are?

It happens every spring and summer. A homeowner will decide on a great DIY project to do around their home without considering their sewer lines. Maybe they are building a new fence and rent a post hole digger to make the project easier or decide to build a koi pond in their back yard. The problem is, if you dig in the wrong spots and hit a sewer line, you could be in for a nasty and expensive surprise. Before you begin your next outdoor project that requires soil removal, make sure you know where your sewer lines are.

When sewer lines are installed, a schematic is made and often sent to the local municipality. However, if they have been changed since the original installation, the plans may not be up-to-date. If you can get the plans, that is a good first step, but you may not want to trust that alone. Here are some tips to ensure you know where the sewer lines and if they match what is on the plans if you can obtain them.

  • Where does your sewer line leave your home? Look under your crawlspace or in your basement and find the main sewer line. Knowing where it comes out gives you a starting point.
  • Where does the sewer line end? Your sewer line either goes to the city sewer line or your septic system. Unless there is a tree or other obstacle, they tend to run in a straight line from the home to the destination.
  • Check the physical components to your plans. If the plans and your physical inspection match, you should have a good indication of where the sewer lines are and where not to dig during your project.

If you are having problems locating your sewer lines, calling your local sewer/septic company can help. They can perform an inspection and give you exact dimensions on where your sewer lines are before you start your project.

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

, ,
Read More

Is Your Sewer Line Cracked or Clogged?

November 27th, 2017 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Is Your Sewer Line Cracked or Clogged?

Your main sewer line can perform for years without any problems. Waste flows through it and to your septic tank or city sewer line, out of sight and out of mind. But those underground pipes can break or get clogged, causing a sewer line emergency. Both situations require a sewer line service, but may have different signs of trouble. Here are the differences, and similarities, between the two.

Cracked Sewer Line

A cracked or broken sewer line often occurs at a joint in a pipe. Tree roots are common culprits of creating a break, forcing their way into the joint crevices to access the water inside. If you have a cracked sewer line, some of the signs of the problem may be:

  • Wet spot in your yard
  • Greener grass in that area
  • Sewage smell in your yard
  • Sewage backups- this occurs when the broken pipe becomes blocked
  • Soil erosion or soft spots in your yard

Clogged Sewer Line

Clogs can occur from an accumulation of sludge and waste debris that adheres inside your sewer line. Tree roots can also be a catalyst to clogs. Some of the signs your sewer line is forming a clog or is completely clogged:

  • Slow drains in many sinks, showers and toilets simultaneously
  • Sewage backup in the drains closest to the main sewer line
  • Sewage odor coming from the drains in your home

When you see signs of a sewer line problem, call your local sewer or septic service. They can identify whether it is a clogged or cracked sewer line using a digital camera pipe inspection and fix the issue before it causes more problems in your home.

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

, ,
Read More

Choosing a Reliable Sewer Line Repair Contractor

November 27th, 2017 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Choosing a Reliable Sewer Line Repair Contractor

When you have a sewer line problem, you want it fixed as soon as possible, but you also want it repaired correctly. Hiring the first sewer line repair company that you find may not give you the results you desire. You want to find the best contractor, not the one who is the cheapest or happens to come up first in your search. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a sewer line repair contractor when you have a sewer backup, clog or other sewer line problem.

  • You want a sewer line contractor that has encountered and repaired all types of sewer line problems. Experience is important to ensure your problem will be fixed quickly and correctly.
  • Repair options. The last thing you want is to go through the trouble of having a contractor inspect your sewer line problem, then not be able to do the repair. Make sure the company you hire handles all types of sewer line repairs, not just plumbing problems.
  • Licensed and insured. Sewer line repairs can require extensive work done on your property with heavy equipment. Make sure the contractor you hire has the insurance and licensing require in your city or county. Keep in mind some city side sewer line repairs require a special license to work on these pipes that connect to the city sewer systems.

On top of their services, experience and licenses/insurance, check the reviews and reputation of the company you hire. It is better to take a little time to find a reputable, experienced contractor than have needing to find another company to do the repair again later if it not done correctly.

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

, ,
Read More

Sewer Line Repair Options

June 11th, 2017 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Sewer Line Repair Options

It seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. For years, you have never needed to worry about your sewer lines. Everything that goes down your drains disappears without a trace, no muss, no fuss. Then one day, it stops working. You flush, the toilet overflows. You shower, there is several inches of water in the tub when you are done. You have a sewer backup and now you have no choice but to worry about your sewer lines.

The first step is to find out what the problem is and what can be done to fix it. A complete sewer backup usually means one of two things: a clog or a break. If there is a soggy spot in your yard or you can smell an odor outside where your sewer line runs, it is most likely a broken pipe. If that is the case, there are a few different repair options available.

  • Sewer line replacement. If you have old pipes, replacing the whole sewer line may be prudent. Repairing one joint then having another break down the road will only cost you more money in the long run.
  • Sewer line repair. If your pipes are in good shape except for the one issue, you may just need a repair to the section.
  • Pipe relining. In some cases, you can save money by having your pipe relined. This does not require digging up the pipe and can save money on materials and labor.

To find out exactly what the issue is and what options you have for repair, call your local sewer repair service. They can use a digital camera to inspect the inside of your sewer lines and give you a diagnosis and repair solutions.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(770) 927-7926

, ,
Read More

Do You Know Where Your Sewer Lines Are Located?

June 11th, 2017 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Do You Know Where Your Sewer Lines Are Located?

When you look out at your yard, do you think of what is running below the surface? In many cases, it is your sewer lines, quietly doing their job day in and day out. You most likely do not think about them at all, unless they become clogged or broken. There lies the problem. Many homeowners forget they are even there and can accidentally cause damage to them. Here are a few tips to keep those lines safe and protected.

Locating Your Pipes

The first step to protecting your sewer lines is knowing where they are located. If you are on a city sewer system, they most likely run directly from your home to the street. With a septic, it will be through the main line leaving your home to your septic tank. These areas are no-drive zones. Keep all heavy equipment away from areas.

Landscaping and Outdoor Structures

Planning a garden or building a gazebo in your yard? Consider where your sewer lines are before you get started. Keep in mind if your sewer lines ever need to be dug up, anything above them will be ruined. Stick to grass above your pipes.

Trees

One of the biggest culprits of destroying sewer pipes is tree roots. Do not plant large trees near your sewer lines. Tree roots are powerful and are attracted to the moisture of your pipes, infiltrating through small cracks. They can split sewer pipes and causing backups into your home.

If you do not know where your pipes are located, call your local sewer service company. They can help you find your pipes and do an inspection to ensure they are in good shape under your yard.

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

, ,
Read More
Older Entries

Find Local Company | Find Local Sewer Septic Services