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

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

Drain Field Design 101

If you are building a drain field for your gravity septic system, there are many different elements to consider. While regulations vary in different states and counties, most have specific rules you must follow. You will need a professional septic company to design your septic system, including your drain field. In most cases, the plans for your system will need to be submitted to the local health or building department for approval. Knowing what elements will need to be included can help you understand what issues may delay the building of your drain field.

Soil

One of the key elements of your drain field will be the depth and type of soil. A perk test will need to be done to ensure the soil is not too dense. Clay-based soils can be troublesome. How quickly waste water can permeate the soil is crucial to building a functioning drain field.

Size

Your drain field will need to be large enough to handle the size of home you have. This is usually based on the number of bedrooms in the home with a minimum size in some states or counties.

Location

There are specific rules on where you can place your drain field. This can include distance from the foundation of the home, wells, bodies of water, property lines and other considerations.

If you are buying property, the septic design and perk test should be done before your purchase. Knowing where the best place to put your drain field can be factored into where to build your home. Since drain fields and septic systems have specific requirements, it is easier to build a home around a septic system than the other way around. Having a septic designer and installer will help ensure your project goes smoothly, from start to finish.

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

Is it Time to Add a Sump Pump to Your Home?

If you have a home with a basement, you may need to add a sump pump to protect it from flooding. You don’t need to live in a wet climate or flood area to have basement flooding issues. Even a slight seeping of water can cause mold and mildew issues in your home that can be costly. Sump pumps help maintain a dry basement and protect your home’s foundation from the onslaught of water invasion.

How a Sump Pump Works

Sump pumps are designed to automatically pump water away from your home when the water table rises. This is activated by a float that is in the sump pit. Once the water hits a predesignated level, the pump turns on and pumps the water out and away from the home. This is ground water and does not need to be pumped into the septic or sewer system. Typically, it is run out through drain pipes to a drainage area away from the home.

Sump pumps are electrically run and need constant power. Since it is common for the power to go out right when you need the sump pump the most during storms, it is recommended to have a back-up power source. Some systems can use a marine battery, while other systems may need to be tied into a power generator system.

Basement flooding is not just a concern when water levels are high, although that is the most common problem. Hydrostatic pressure can be present at all times, forcing the water that is naturally in the ground against your foundation. This is a good reason to have a sump pump for your basement, regardless of the weather or region. Sump pumps should always be installed by a professional for the best results.

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

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

Buying a New Home? Consider Your Sewer Options

When you are looking to buy a new home, you have certain factors to consider. The number of bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage come to mind, as well as layout, location and amenities. But there is another aspect that is important in your buying decision: the sewer system. While not sexy, it is a crucial part of your home and can have a big impact. Here are a few questions to ask about the sewer system before you buy:

Is it a septic or sewer system? This is a basic question you will need to know. If it is on a city sewer system, great. But you will want to learn more about the age and type of sewer pipes on your property as they will be your responsibility. If it is a septic system, there are more questions to ask.

How old is the septic system? Septic systems can last for decades if properly maintained, but if it is twenty years old or more, you will want it thoroughly inspected. You will also want to obtain records on its maintenance.

Can the septic system be converted to sewer? In general, using city sewer can be easier with less maintenance than a septic system. It can also increase the value of the home. If a conversion is possible, it could be worth the cost as an investment into the home.

Regardless of whether it is a sewer or septic system, having your own inspection done on the pipes and other components by a sewer service company is advisable. Sewer/septic repairs and replacement can be expensive – you will want to know what you are getting into before you buy.

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