How Can I Prevent Sewer Line Backups?

April 8th, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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No one wants a sewer line backup in their home, but when these occur, they are often not an accident. Most sewer line backups can be prevented if you know the common causes. When more than one drain in your home is slow or sewage is coming up the drains, you have a big problem with your sewer line. It is either clogged or blocked, leaving no where for the waste to go but up your drains. Here are some ways you can prevent a sewer line backup to keep this from happening in your home.

Protect Your Sewer Line

If your sewer breaks under pressure or becomes clogged with tree roots, you are likely to have a sewer line backup. Protect your sewer line from becoming damaged. Keep vehicles off your lawn where your sewer line runs and do not plant trees near your sewer line. This can help prevent pressure damage to the pipe from heavy vehicles and keep tree roots out of your sewer line.

Watch What Goes Down the Drain

Educate the people in your home on what can and cannot go down the drain. Not only can grease, hair, soap, food debris and non-biodegradable items create indoor plumbing clogs, they can become part of the sludge that can create blockages in your main sewer line. Do not flush plastics, cotton or cardboard – use a garbage disposal for food waste and strainers in all drains to collect hair and other items so they do not go down the drains.

If you do have a sewer line backup, call a local sewer professional to perform an inspection. Often all that is needed is a hydro jetting service to clear your sewer line, unless it is damaged. Either way, they can fix the problem and put an end to the sewer backup in your home.

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

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Should You Replace Your Main Sewer Line?

February 12th, 2019 Posted in Sewer Lines
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The main sewer pipe or line that whisks your home’s waste away to a septic system or city sewer can last for decades. Many old sewer lines still exist that were made from clay, lead, concrete or metal, first installed forty, fifty or more years ago. While these pipes have done their duty, they are more likely to have problems in the future. If you have one of these older types of sewer lines, is it time for replacement?

You may think if there is not a problem, why fix it? True – you can wait for a problem to arise and then replace the pipe if needed. That day may come sooner than you think. If a sewer line is over thirty years old and made from a material that deteriorates like metal, concrete or clay, the day may come when there is a large sewage pool in your yard, or a sewage backup into your home. Or, you could proactively replace your old sewer line now before you have a sewage emergency stinking up your home.

Replacement Options

Most sewer lines now are made from PVC or plastic. These will not corrode from moisture or age, and they tend to withstand tree roots invasion better than the older types of pipe. Once in place, it is unlikely that you will need to repair or replace your sewer line again in your lifetime, so it is a wise investment.

If you are not sure what type of sewer line you have, you can get yours inspected by your local sewer service company. They can do a camera inspection to check the inside of your sewer line to determine the type and condition and give you options for replacement, if needed.

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

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Warning Signs Your Main Sewer Line is Clogged

December 4th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Under your yard, large sewer pipes sweep away waste from your home. Whether you have a septic system or are connected to a municipal sewer system, these sewer lines are critical to keep your plumbing working correctly. Many homeowners can go years, even decades, without any problems with their sewer lines, especially if they keep up with maintenance. However, clogs and do form and when they do, they can cause a sewer backup into your home. Here are some of the warning signs that you may have a clog forming in your main sewer line.

  • Slow drains. If you notice more than one drain in your home is slow, it could be a clog in your sewer line. It usually begins with the drains closest to the sewer line outlet in the lower levels of the home. If only one drain is slow, it is more likely a localized clog in your plumbing.
  • Bad odors. When you smell sewage near your drains or in your yard, you may have a sewer line clog. Sewage may be trapped in the pipes and the fumes can come up through your sink and shower drains.
  • Wet spot in the yard. If a tree root has clogged your sewer line, it could also cause a leak in the pipe, letting sewage out into the soil. This can cause a wet area in the yard or a green spot in your lawn.

If you have any signs of a sewer line clog, don’t hesitate to call your sewer professional. Clearing it before it gets worse can prevent a sewer backup in your home and the damage that it can create. Many sewer line clogs can be swiftly removed with hydro-jetting by your local sewer service company.

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

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Is a Trenchless Sewer Line Right for Your Septic Repair?

December 4th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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If you have a broken sewer line in your septic system, you may be wondering if a trenchless sewer line repair is a good option. No one relishes the thought of tearing up their yard to replace sewer lines, which is why trenchless pipe repairs can sound like a good option. However, there are some factors to consider before you choose a trenchless sewer line versus traditional pipe replacement.

Trenchless sewer line repairs are attractive to homeowners. They do not require the broken pipe be dug up with a trench. Instead, a pipe lining or soft-lined pipe is put in place of the broken pipe. This only involves digging two holes on either side of the broken pipe instead of a trench. This can save landscaping and take less time. However, there are some drawbacks to this method. Some factors that can be a problem include:

  • The grade or slope of the pipe needs to be just right. Pipe lining or trenchless pipe replacements require the right slope or pitch to work correctly.
  • Pipe bursting can cause disruption and damage to other structures underground. Pipe bursting is used when the pipe is being replaced using a trenchless method; if underground utilities are too close, the bursting action could cause damage to this equipment.
  • Unforeseen complications can result in a trench method to be needed, causing further delay and cost.

While trenchless pipe replacement or repair can be beneficial in some situations, it is not the solution for all sewer pipe repairs. Traditional sewer line repairs may require a trench, but many issues can be avoided with this method. Talk to your local sewer/septic repair services about which method is best for your sewer line repair.

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

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Why You Should Replace Polybutylene Pipes

November 5th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Sometimes an invention comes along that seems like a great idea, but turns out to be a literal bust. That is the case with polybutylene pipes, which was used in plumbing between the 1970’s and 1990’s. This blue plastic piping was very popular, thought to be the wave of the future. It turned out it is unreliable and will eventually corrode from the inside out, causing plumbing and sewer line failures. If you have polybutylene pipes in your plumbing or as your sewer line, you should replace it. Here’s why.

Repairs Will Get Expensive

Many home and business owners have opted to repair polybutylene pipes as they burst versus doing a full replacement. While this is less expensive at the time, it will not be in the long run. Running up plumbing and sewer line repairs at a few hundred dollars or more per episode will eventually cost more than replacement, which will need to be done anyway.

Possible Damage

If your sewer line breaks or a pipe bursts in your home, you can be in for expensive damage to your house and property. A broken sewer line can cause a sewer backup, creating a nasty mess, plus possible water and mold problem in your home.

It’s Not if They Will Break, It Is When

If your polybutylene pipes have not already begun to give you problems, they will. Proactively replacing polybutylene pipes will save you on repairs and damage.

Don’t wait for the next plumbing or sewer line emergency to occur. Talk to your local sewer/plumbing service company about replacing your old polybutylene pipes to protect yourself from emergency repair costs and other damage to your property.

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

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Top 3 Signs of a Main Sewer Line Clog

September 24th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Like smaller plumbing pipes can become clogged, so can your main sewer line. The difference is that when the small pipe under your bathroom sink is clogged, only your sink doesn’t drain properly and the pipe can be easily accessed. When your main sewer line is clogged, it can back up sewer into all the drains in your home and the pipe is underground, not easily to reach. You want to catch sewer line clogs as soon as possible before you have a large sewage back-up issue. Here are three signs you may be forming a clog in your main sewer line so you can get it fixed before it becomes a larger problem.

  1. Slow drains. When more than one of your sinks is slow to drain, this can mean there is a problem with your main sewer line. It is more common for the drains closest to your main sewer line to be the slowest if there is a clog.
  2. Bad smell. If there is an odor you can’t seem to find, try smelling your drains. If any have a sewage odor, you may have a clog forming that is causing sewage to stay in the pipes.
  3. Overflowing toilets or washers. Is there still water in the bottom of the dishwasher when you open it and toilets seem to be “clogging” all the time? This may not be localized if you are having multiple problems at once; it could be your main sewer line.

If you notice any of these signs, call your local plumber that handles sewer line clogs or repairs. They can inspect your plumbing and sewer lines for clogs to find the problem and get the issue resolved.

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

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Why You Should Proactively Hydro-Jet Your Sewer Lines

September 24th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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It is common to put most sewer or septic issues out of mind until there’s a problem. It is not something you see or want to see, so unless it creates an issue in your home, it is usually forgotten. However, a little proactive maintenance can go a long way in preventing sewer line clogs and backups that can be inconvenient, nasty and expensive. Here are some reasons why you should proactively hydro-jet your sewer lines to keep them clear of clogs.

  • Trees love sewer lines. If you have trees in your yard, their roots would love to find their way into your sewer line. The moisture inside attracts roots to infiltrate sewer lines. Hydro-jetting can remove any small roots that have made their way inside and clear them before they cause a clog or broken pipe.
  • Remove sludge. Almost every sewer line has a certain amount of sludge that accumulates over time. While it may not be clogging the pipe now, it can eventually become thick enough to cause a backup. Clearing it out regularly can avoid sludge buildup and clogs.
  • Proactive repairs. When you have your sewer lines hydro-jetted, your sewer service can also do an inspection of the pipes. This is done with a digital camera that can be fed down through the line. This can reveal any potential problems so you can get them fixed before they cause a sewer line emergency.

Add sewer line hydro-jetting to your list of household maintenance that you do once a year. It is worth the time and investment to avoid costly and inconvenient sewer line clogs and other repairs when you least expect it.

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

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Does Your Insurance Cover Sewer Line Replacement?

September 6th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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When you realize you have a broken sewer line, the first thing to run through your mind may be the cost. Sewer line repairs or replacement are expensive – it can cost thousands of dollars to fix a sewer line problem. One way to mitigate the cost is to find out whether your homeowner’s insurance could cover some or all your sewer line repair.

Not all homeowner’s insurance covers sewer line repairs, but some have limited coverage. If the sewer pipe breaks due to a natural disaster, damage from weight or other accidental incidents, there is a chance that the replacement may be covered under some insurance plans. You would need to check with your homeowner’s policy and read the fine print regarding these special types of repairs or talk to your insurance agent. However, there are some causes of damage that are most always NOT covered under insurance, like wear and tear or damage to the sewer line connection to the city main line.

If you do not have sewer line replacement on your homeowner’s insurance, you may be looking at paying for your repair out-of-pocket. If you have not had a sewer line problem yet, call your insurance agent. Find out if coverage is available for your sewer lines to protect you in case of accidental damage.

Keep in mind that sewer lines will eventually need replacement due to normal wear and tear. It is better to be proactive and replace old pipes that are beginning to deteriorate before they cause a sewer backup and need emergency replacement. Schedule an inspection of your sewer lines to make sure they are clear and in good condition as part of your regular home maintenance.

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

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Should You Repair or Replace Your Sewer Pipes?

August 9th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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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

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Backyard Basics for a Functional Septic System

July 25th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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When you have a septic system, you have many pipes running under the ground around your home. Sewer lines run from your home to the septic tank and then run from the tank to your drain field. All this underground equipment is essential to your septic system, but sometimes out-of-sight means out-of-mind. It is important to consider this valuable equipment when doing anything in your yard that may impact your septic system. Here are some backyard basics to help you maintain a functional septic system.

Do You Know Where Your Sewer Lines Are?

Do you know exactly where your sewer lines run? This is essential for protecting them from damage. If you do not know, have your local septic service company come inspect your system and give you a schematic of where your lines run. This will help you avoid these areas in your yard.

Be Carefully Where You Plant

Big, beautiful trees can be an asset to your home; they can also cause havoc on your sewer lines. Don’t plant trees that will grow large anywhere near your sewer lines. Tree roots can extend dozens of feet away from the tree’s trunk. Those roots seek moisture and they love to break into sewer lines.

No-Drive Zones

You should never allow vehicles to drive on your yard where your sewer lines are located. This includes the ones going to the septic tank, the lines to your distribution box and all the pipes to your drain field. The drain field is also off-limits for vehicles or heavy equipment.

Doing a few protective basics in your backyard can help prevent many expensive septic issues down the road. Along with regular service and pumping, preventive care can help protect your septic investment for many years to come.

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

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