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

Peek at the Roots in Your Sewer Line

If your sewer line shares a yard with large trees, it is likely those trees are searching for a way to access your sewer line. The roots of trees can spread out from the trunk for 10, 20 or more feet, looking for water and nutrients. If you have jointed sewer line pipes, tree roots can find small holes to squeeze through at the joints and enter your sewer lines. If you want to know if there are tree roots in your sewer lines, there is a way to peek inside.

Digital Camera Inspections

One of the best tools the digital age brought to the sewer/septic industry is digital video cameras for sewer line inspections. There was a time when pipes would need to be dug up to find the exact spot when they were broken or cracked. Now, a small digital video camera can be fed into the pipe, giving a view from inside to inspect the line for issues, including tree root invasion.

Clearing Out Tree Roots

If you have a digital sewer line camera inspection performed by your local septic/sewer professional, they can identify tree root invasion. This can cause clogs and sewer backups, but the problem can be temporarily remedied. Hydro jetting and other tools can be used to clear out tree roots. However, this only clears them from the inside of the sewer line, not the small holes where they entered.

While uses hydro jetting regularly can keep your sewer lines free from tree roots, they can still have a foothold in the holes at the joints. Each year the tree and roots can grow, making these holes larger. It can eventually lead to a break in your sewer line and a need for replacement.

If you are concerned about tree root invasion into your sewer line, schedule a camera inspection of your pipe by a septic/sewer pro. They can show you the inside of your sewer line and discuss preventive options to protect your sewer line from tree root damage.

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

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

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

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

4 Benefits of Hydro Jetting Your Sewer Line

Do you know what is inside your sewer lines? Although sewage may pass through your pipes to head to your septic system or to the city sewer, there may be sludge, debris and tree roots that continue to stay inside your pipes. A camera inspection performed by your local sewer or septic service can show you what is hiding in your sewer lines and identify if you need a hydro jetting service. Here are four of the benefits of hydro jetting to clear out your sewer pipes.

  1. Remove tree roots. One of the most common causes of clogs and sewer pipe damage is tree roots. Hydro jetting can clear out roots that have infiltrated your sewer line to keep your pipes open.
  2. Push out sludge. A thick sludge from fats, oils and other waste can build up inside the sewer line. This can trap debris and lead to clogs. Hydro jetting can push out the sludge and leave your pipes clean.
  3. Reduce corrosion. Hydro jetting can clean out corrosive elements and chemicals that can destroy your pipes or cause damage.
  4. Prevent sewage backups. Don’t wait until a sewer line clog causes a sewage backup into your home, damaging floors and contaminating the environment. Hydro jetting can be performed as a preventive measure to remove tree roots and sludge as needed to stop clogs from forming.

Hydro jetting can used to remove clogs, or better yet, stop clogs from forming in your sewer line. Contact your local sewer or septic service company to have a digital camera inspection of your sewer lines and see if it is time to have a hydro jetting service performed.

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

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

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

What Can a Sewer Line Camera Inspection Reveal?

In the past, the only way to know what was happening in your sewer lines was to dig up the pipes, creating a big mess in your yard. Digital technology has made it easier to identify sewer line problems without the task of digging up pipes unless necessary for repair. Small digital video cameras are used by quality sewer and septic service companies that can be snaked through sewer lines to inspect the interior and identify problems, making it quicker and less expensive to maintain your sewer lines.

Sewer line camera inspections can be used as preventive maintenance to find possible issues before they cause a sewer line clog or backup. They can also help determine where a sewer line problem is, and what is causing a sewage backup. Some of the problems that can be revealed during a sewer line camera inspection include:

  • Tree root infiltration. Tree roots are often the cause of breaks or clogs in your sewer line. Camera inspections can reveal if any tree roots have found their way inside your pipes and where they are located.
  • Sludge buildup. A thick buildup of sludge can occur in sewer lines that can lead to clogs. Camera inspections can check the levels of sludge; high levels may require a clean out, usually with hydro jetting.
  • Clog or crack locations. If you have a clog or cracked pipe, your sewer line professional can use a camera inspection to find the location to begin repair.

Camera inspections make it quicker and easier to maintain sewer lines, saving you money and time. Choose a sewer or septic service that uses digital camera inspections for maintenance and repairs.

Posted on behalf of:
A Rooter & Septic
100 Paper Mill Rd, B-1
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(770) 927-7926