Are Your Trees Attacking Your Sewer Lines?

Tree roots are the nemesis of your underground sewer lines. As your sewer lines deliver waste water and sewage through your yard to your septic tank or city sewer line, they can attract nearby trees with the moisture inside. It only takes a tiny crack at a joint in the pipes to allow a root to get a foothold into your sewer lines. Once inside, they can cause major clogs, sewer line damage and backups.

Tree roots can extend dozens of feet from the trunk of a tree. The bigger the tree, the longer their roots can extend from the base. It is their job to find water and nourishment for the tree, making your sewer lines a target. Once they find a way inside the pipe, sewer waste can collect around the roots and create a nasty clog. They can also grow inside the sewer lines and crack open your pipes, causing costly damage.

To prevent tree root clogs, beware of planting trees near your sewer lines. They may be small saplings now, but they will grow larger over the years. If you already have trees near your sewer lines, you can invest in relining your sewer lines to put a solid barrier inside to prevent tree root infestation.

If you think you have a sewer clog, call your local sewer line service company. They can use digital cameras to inspect your sewer pipes from the inside to see if tree roots are the problem. If you have tree roots attacking your sewer lines, they can offer solutions to clear out the roots and prevent further problems in the future.

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

Benefits of Hydro-Jetting for Sewer Pipes

Your sewer pipes are working 24/7 to move waste from your home or business. You can go years without any problems as long as they stay clear and are undamaged. However, inevitably a problem will occur, usually a clog. One way to mitigate sewer pipe clogs is to proactively use hydro-jetting to keep your sewer lines open and clear.

What Is Hydro-Jetting?

The best way to keep sewer lines clean is with high-pressured water. Sewer service companies use hydro-jetting to remove sludge, debris and even tree roots from the interior of your sewer pipes. This is a basic maintenance service that can prevent clogs from creating a sewer backup, something no one wants to deal with in their home or business.

The benefit of proactively scheduling hydro-jetting for your sewer lines is simple – it can save you time and money in the long run. The treatment is safe for your pipes and can make the interior like new again. Fat, grease and other debris that create sludge inside your pipes is cleared, giving you better drainage. If done on an annual basis, you can prevent most sewer clogs that can cause a backup into your building.

Hydro-jetting should be done in tandem with a video inspection of your sewer pipes. These state-of-the-art cameras can show you what your pipes look like from inside before and after your hydro-jetting service. The cameras can also detect any damage to the pipes that need repair before the problem gets worse.

Regular maintenance on your sewer pipes is a small investment compared to the cost of sewer backups, clog removal and sewer line replacements. Schedule your hydro-jetting and sewer line inspection now to keep your pipes clear and working great for years to come.

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

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

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

Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Broken Sewer Pipes?

When you find out you have a broken sewer pipe that needs repair or replacement, the first thing that may cross your mind is the cost. A sewer issue can be expensive to fix, but it is not something that can be ignored; anything that can help mitigate the cost is appreciated. In some cases, homeowner’s insurance may cover some of the costs of a sewer pipe repair, but there are circumstances where it most likely won’t be covered.

Age/Wear and Tear

If your sewer pipe bursts after many years of use, it may be general wear or age that caused the problem. Insurance usually only covers accidents or unforeseen issues; it may cover damage caused by the burst pipe but not the repair itself.

Workmanship

A broken sewer pipe due to poor workmanship may be covered under your insurance policy or under a warranty by the contractor. Check with both your insurance agent and the company who installed your sewer lines. 

Weather

Did your sewer line freeze, causing it to burst? A weather related broken sewer pipe is more likely to be covered than other issues. Check with your insurance policy to see if weather-related plumbing issues are covered.

Location

Where the sewer line break is located can impact whether it is covered under your homeowner’s insurance. Breaks within the foundation of the home are more likely to be covered. In some cases, if the break is caused by a municipality issue, you may get it covered through them.

The first step is to call your local sewer repair company. They can assess the damage and help determine the cause to report to your insurance company – it is always worth researching to find out whether your insurance will pay for any of the repair.

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

Avoiding Sewer Line Problems

Sometimes, a clogged or broken sewer line cannot be avoided, but other times there are preventive measures that can be done. No one wants the unexpected mess and expense of a sewer backup, so here are some tips to prevent sewer pipe issues and avoid costly repairs:

  • Be careful what you put down your drains. Many sewer line problems are clogs that form from fat, grease, hair and other items that create sludge in pipes. Use drain strainers to catch hair/soap in showers; avoid putting grease or fat down the drains. Managing what goes down the drain can protect your indoor and outdoor plumbing.
  • Keep vehicles off your lawn. A heavy vehicle driving over where sewer lines are located can damage the pipes and cause a broken sewer line. Restrict vehicles from areas in your lawn where sewer pipes are hiding beneath the surface. It only takes one instance to put a crack in a pipe or detach joints in your underground sewer line.
  • Schedule regular inspections and cleanings. Your sewer lines can be maintained to avoid many unexpected issues. Having your sewer lines inspected with a digital camera can catch small issues before they become emergency repairs. Your sewer service company can use digital video technology to check for roots, sludge and other repair issues. Hydro-jetting can be used to clear sludge or tree roots that could put your sewer lines at risk for clogs.

Don’t wait for sewer line problems to occur out of the blue. Maintain your sewer pipes and avoid clogs, backups and other messy problems. Call your local sewer service company to schedule an inspection and hydro-jetting to keep your pipes clear and in good repair.

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

Do You Know What Is Happening in Your Sewer Lines?

The last thing any homeowner wants to think about is the sewage draining from their home through their sewer lines. But if a blockage occurs or a pipe bursts, you will be forced to think about those sewer lines and how to fix them. The best offense is always a good defense, and that includes using preventive measures to keep your sewer lines clear and in good condition.  A camera inspection of your sewer pipes can be the best way to catch any issues before they become a major, and expensive, problem.

Some sewer service companies offer a camera inspection to take a close look inside your sewer lines. This can be used when you are having problems, such as slow drainage or odor coming from your drains. These tiny, yet highly effective, digital cameras can inspect the interior of your sewer lines underground. They can pick up images of tree roots that may be infiltrating your pipes or show where a clog has formed. They take the guess work out of finding sewer issues, making it quicker to pinpoint the problem.

While these cameras are used to determine where and what is causing a sewer backup, they can also be used as a preventive measure. Having your sewer lines inspected is a great way to prevent a sewer emergency. When used in tandem with hydro jetting to clear out your sewer lines, a camera inspection can be the best way to prevent sewer issues and identify any abnormalities in the pipe system.

Don’t wait for a sewer backup to cause an expensive mess. Call to schedule a preventive camera inspection of your sewer lines with your local sewer service company.

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

Could Pipe Relining Repair Your Sewer Line Issue?

Replacing existing sewer lines can be a large project that can expensive and time consuming. To replace many sewer lines, they must be dug up and removed for new ones to be put in place. This is a labor intensive project that can take days; in the meantime, your home will be without plumbing, causing a major disruption in your family’s life. In addition, digging up the pipes can make a giant mess of your yard, ruining expensive landscaping. There may be another way to resolve your sewer line issues: pipe relining.

How Does Pipe Relining Work?

New technology has made it easier to repair many sewer pipe issues without the need for pipe removal. Pipe relining is used for pipes that have breaks or corrosion that are causing leaks or backups. Instead of digging up the old pipes, a small hole is dug near one end of the sewer pipe. Once the pipe is accessed, a liner can be fed into the pipe. The liner is filled with air to expend it to the size of the pipe. An adhesive, usually a type of resin, on the outside of the lining adheres it to the interior of the pipe, creating a new interior surface.

There are many benefits to using this method. Pipe relining does not require your pipes to be removed, saving time and money. This means less downtime and a quicker resolution to your plumbing issue. It also creates a seamless lining that helps fend off joint breaks caused by infiltration of tree roots.

If you have a sewer line problem, call your local sewer repair company that offer pipe relining. It could be a better solution for your sewer line issue.

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

Sewer Line Problem? Clogs Versus Broken Pipes

A sewer line problem is never a fun surprise. Since sewer pipes are located underground, it can be an issue that sneaks up on you, slowly becoming a big problem. But what exactly is going on underground? If you are noticing that your drains are slow to dispel water or your toilet backs up, there is an issue, but what? The two most common issues are sewer line clogs and broken pipes, so which is causing your sewer backup problem?

Clogged Sewer Pipes

If you have a major clog in a sewer line, it is usually a gradual issue that slowly becomes worse. You may notice that your bathtub or kitchen sink seem to take longer to drain, becoming slower and slower. There may be a nasty odor coming from your drains as wastewater sits in the pipes in your home. Fats, oil, paper, inorganic objects and even tree roots can cause clogs that continue to close the inside of your sewer lines, eventually causing a backup into your home.

Broken Sewer Pipes

A broken sewer line can also cause a backup, but it is usually more sudden than a clog. Also, if a pipe has broken, it is most likely leaking out wastewater into the ground. You may see an area in your yard that is wet or sunken above the broken pipe. There also could be an odor in your yard, alerting you to a sewer leak below the surface.

If you have noticed any of these issues, you need to call your local sewer service company to inspect your sewer lines. They can quickly find out whether it is a clog or a broken pipe and offer a repair solution.

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

Does Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Cover Your Sewer Lines?

You know you have homeowner’s insurance to cover accidental damage to your home. But do you know what it covers if you have a sewer line problem? Many homeowners assume that if they have a major issue with their sewer lines, their insurance will be available to help with the costs of repairs. However, that is not always case. Here are a few tips to ensure you are not caught off guard when you have a sewer line problem.

  • Regular wear and tear. In most cases, sewer lines that break or get clogged due to normal wear and tear are not covered under homeowner’s insurance. This is a good reason to have routine maintenance done on your sewer lines to inspect for issues before they become clogged or broken.
  • City sewer. If you are connected to a city sewer system, the general rule is you are responsible for pipes on your side of the property line. If your insurance does cover sewer line problems, it will only cover those that happen on your property.
  • Check your policy. Read your homeowner’s insurance policy. Check for coverage for sewer or plumbing issues. Does it cover repairs or replacement? Does it cover damage caused to your home from a sewer line break or backup? If you are not sure, call your insurance agent. You may be able to add a rider to cover these potential issues for a low premium.

Knowing what is covered under your insurance ahead of time can help prepare you in case of a sewer line issue. It is better to know what to expect than to be caught unaware during a sewer emergency.

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