Sewer Line Replacement Methods

Once upon a time, the only way of replacing or repairing a failing sewer line was to dig through lawns and gardens in order to access the pipe in question. The excavation of sewer lines can be a time consuming process, not to mention an expensive and destructive one. Instead of destroying your landscaping and garden design, you may want to consider some newer and less invasive methods of sewer line replacement, should the need arise.

Bursting Old Sewer Lines

The phrase “bursting pipes” strikes fear in the heart of most homeowners, but there’s one situation in which a burst pipe is actually a blessing in disguise. By digging relatively small holes for equipment and service connections, a sewer and septic professional is able to thread new lines through your old piping. Then, special heads will shatter the original, aging piping into shards.

Is My Property Well Suited to Pipe Bursting?

While this innovative method allows for the replacement of weakening or damaged lines without a large-scale excavation project, it isn’t always an ideal solution. The most common issue faced by some homeowners is related to the material of their original piping. If the sewer line is not suitable for breaking or its fragments can’t be easily absorbed by the surrounding soil, you may not be a suitable candidate.

To find out more about this effective, less destructive method of pipe replacement, contact a sewer and septic professional in your area to discuss the procedure at length. You may be able to repair your failing sewer and storm lines without sacrificing your lush, beautiful lawn in the process.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

Google

Sewer and Septic Systems: Knowing the Difference

First-time homeowners face a host of questions related to their new property, but one of the most common sources of confusion is related to waste removal. For many, understanding the difference between a city sewer and a septic system can be a mystifying challenge, especially if their experience with one or the other is particularly limited. You know that when you flush your toilet or pour fluids down the drain, waste is carried out of your home. What you may not know is just where it goes, and how it’s managed afterwards.

What is a Sewer System?

City-dwellers and those within a reasonable distance of a municipal area will often have access to the public sewer system. A main sewer line will carry waste water and solids to a treatment facility, away from your property altogether. Municipal sewer systems are maintained by the local government, but only in public areas. Typically, only the main line is maintained by the municipal authorities. The pipe leading to your individual property is usually considered your responsibility, and you will be responsible for contacting a sewer and septic professional should you encounter pipe breakage, clogs or other mishaps.

Septic Systems Explained

If you choose to live a bit off the beaten path, you’re likely to find there’s no municipal sewer system in place in your neighborhood. This means you’ll be dependent on a septic system, which is a self-contained wastewater treatment system which is largely located underground. They’re comprised primarily of a septic tank and a drainfield, which allows for the natural treatment of wastewater from your home. Because the system is self-contained and independent of any centralized sewer system, you are solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a septic system. This includes regular pumping of the septic tank to remove solid waste.

If you have questions or concerns about the upkeep of the sewer or septic system on your new property, contact a local sewer and septic professional for assistance and in-depth maintenance information.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

Google

Keep Your Basement Dry with a Sump Pump

A basement can add to the useful square footage of your home, providing valuable storage or living space. If it’s prone to flooding or leakage, it can also be the source of mold growth, structural damage and create the need for expensive repairs or renovations. One way to protect your basement from leaks, flooding and water damage is to install a sump pump.

What is a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are usually installed inside a sump pit, which is a hole designed specifically for the collection of excess water for drainage with the aid of a sump pump. The pump is then connected to a drain line which directs water out of the basement. Most operate on a float system, which activates the sump pump with a signal when the water level rises above a predefined level. This allows any rain water or collected moisture to be directed away from your basement, keeping it dry and preventing future water damage. Sump pumps should not be confused with ejector pumps, which are designed to remove solid waste from sinks, toilets and other outlets which are situated below the main water line.

Choosing the Right Sump Pump

There are many different brands and types of sump pumps available on the commercial market, each designed to address specific needs. Because of this wide variance and the need for precise installation, it’s always best to contact a professional in order to have a sump pump installed. A plumbing contractor, septic or sewer professional will be able to help you make the right selection, and to ensure proper installation of your new sump pump.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Septic & Sewer

How Laundry Habits Affect a Septic System

When you live on a rural property or in an area without public sewer access, a septic system is the alternative. Most homeowners who rely upon a septic system understand the basics of septic care, like paying attention to what is flushed down the toilet or sent down the drains. What many don’t realize, however, is just how much of an impact their laundry habits can have on a septic system.

Laundry and Water Disposal

When you use your washing machine, water from the wash and rinse cycles flow into your septic system. When you wash several consecutive loads of laundry over the course of a single day, you’re effectively sending large volumes of waste water through your septic system. When excessive levels of water are introduced to a septic system, there may not be enough space in the tank for all the waste to settle and break down at the bottom of the tank. This can force solid materials into the drain field, which eventually causes failure and expensive septic system problems.

Practicing Good Laundry and Water Use Habits

Instead of designating one day for all the laundry which has accumulated over the course of a week, try to break your washing habits up over a few days during the week. This will reduce the volume of waste water which ends up in your septic system in one day. During your laundry sessions, try to limit the amount of water flowing into the tank from sources like dishwashers and showers.

If you suspect your drain field (leach field) or septic tank may be under stress as a result of normal water usage, contact a septic professional in your area for a full appraisal and inspection of your system to avoid potentially expensive repairs or replacement.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

Annual Sewer Line Inspections

The age of technology is upon us, which brings a host of exciting new solutions to old problems. One of these developments is the use of cameras to visually inspect the interior of sewer lines. Due to the small size of these high-tech cameras, your sewer specialist or plumbing contractor is able to spot and diagnose potential problems within even the most diminutive pipes and sewer lines.

While camera inspections can be a very effective diagnostic tool when they’re used to find an existing problem, they’re also useful in terms of sewer line inspections.

How Often Should Sewer Lines Be Inspected?

Ideally, a home’s sewer lines should be inspected each year in order to ensure continuing functionality of the sewer system and to spot potential problems before they become expensive and severe. Annual video inspection of your sewer lines allows your sewer professional to detect cracks, line corrosion, the ingrowth of tree roots, clogs and leaks before they become a damaging, costly problem.

Investing in the Future

The yearly inspection of your sewer lines and pipes with video technology allows you to invest in your home’s future, preventing problems before they arise and present a serious risk. Through extensive inspections each year, your sewer professional or plumbing contractor may even be able to anticipate areas of potential pipe weakness or clogs.

Contact a sewer and septic professional in your area to schedule your first sewer line inspection, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your sewer lines are functionally sound.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro