Top 3 Signs of a Main Sewer Line Clog

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

Root Sewer Pipe Invasion -What Is Going on Under Your Lawn?

When you look out at your yard, it may look peaceful, even pleasant. The green grass, your beautiful trees – everything looks perfectly healthy and in place. However, there may be a war going on beneath your lawn between your sewer pipes and tree roots. Those relentless roots want what’s inside your sewer pipes and they won’t stop until they find a crevice or crack to squirm their way inside, making a mess out of your sewer lines.

Large trees and sewer lines just don’t mix, especially if you have older sewer pipes. Jointed pipes are bound to corrode and crack over time, allowing just enough space for tree roots to take hold. Tree roots can split apart giant boulders, so a few inches of piping are nothing for them to crack open if given time.

So what is the solution? You can have tree roots cleaned out of your sewer pipes by a professional using hydrojetting, but that is only a temporary fix. To rid yourself of the problem, you need to consider more permanent options such as:

  • Replace old pipes.  Replacing older fitted pipes with seamless piping such as polyethelyne pipes can prevent tree root invasion. If they are beginning to crack and corrode, this may need to be done eventually.
  • Relining pipes. A less expensive option to replacing pipes is relining the interiors with a seamless barrier. Many sewer companies offer this service.
  • Tree removal. Removing the trees is an option, but not one that most homeowners want to consider. Fixing the pipe problem is often a more viable solution.

Not sure if you have a root invasion problem? Call your local sewer company for a professional camera inspection of your sewer pipes. It is the best way to see what is going on under your lawn and determine whether your sewer pipes are holding up against root invasion.

Call your local sewer professional to discuss ways to prevent future damage to your sewer lines from your beautiful trees.

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

Homeowner Versus City Responsibilities for Sewer Problems

Many homeowners who are connected to a city or municipal sewer system may not know what sewer issues are their responsibility, and which belong to the municipality. It’s a common misunderstanding that, since they pay for their sewer service, any problems which may occur will be taken care of through the utility company. However, in most areas there are distinct rules regarding what homeowners are responsible for when it comes to repairing and maintaining their sewer lines.

City Sewer Limitations

In most cities and areas which offer sewer service, there is an expectation that homeowners will share in the responsibility of maintaining the sewer system. Generally, this means that the sewer line from where it connects to the municipal line back into the home is to be cared for by the homeowner. This means any pipes which need to be repaired or replaced on the property will be paid for by the homeowner.

Most sewer backups will be caused by clogs in the pipes close to the house. However, it is possible for there to be a large backup in the main municipal sewer line. If this is the case, the utility company is usually responsible for repairing any issues. However, in most situations, the homeowner will need to call in a sewer service company to inspect the problem before they will know whether the clog is their sewer line or coming from the utility line.

Since the lateral sewer line between the home and city sewer line is the responsibility of the homeowner, it should be maintained to prevent expensive problems. Homeowners should consult their local sewer professionals about how to care for their sewer line to avoid sewer backups and other problems.

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

Common In-City Sewer Line Problems

If your home is connected to a city sewer, most likely all the pipes in your home and those which connect your plumbing to the city sewer system are your responsibility. This means that if there’s a problem, you will need to have it addressed quickly in order to keep your part of the system in good repair. Most problems which happen inside the home can be handled by your local plumber, but for sewer line problems, you’ll want to call in a sewer line specialist. Some of the most common sewer pipe problems include:

  • Blockages. Just like your indoor plumbing, your outside sewer lines can become clogged and cause waste to back up into your home. Food, grease, hair and many other items can clog your pipes, as well as tree roots and other outdoor intrusions.
  • Cracked sewer lines. Some of the older sewer pipes are prone to cracking after many years underground. If you notice any areas in your yard which have eroded, or wet soil in a particular spot, you may have a cracked sewer line, or worse, a broken sewer pipe.
  • Broken sewer pipes. A cracked sewer pipe can break in half, cause a large leak of sewer waste into your yard. If you notice a sink hole in your yard or any foul odors, make sure to call your sewer emergency professional immediately.

If  you have any of these issues, your sewer professional can quickly determine what the issue is, often without needing to dig up your sewer pipes. Many sewer service companies offer digital camera inspections which look directly into the pipes to find the problem through minimally invasive efforts. Keep in mind, however, that some municipalities require a side sewer contractor to perform certain work on city-dweller sewer line problems, so always make sure your contractor meets all the local legal requirements.

Posted on behalf of Mike Smith, A-Flo Free Septic

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Signs that a Sewer Line is Clogged

Most people flush the toilet, take showers, brush their teeth, and rinse dishes without giving a moment’s thought to their sewer lines. The water is turned on, it goes down the drain, and the water is turned off. Simple as that. Right? Well, it is simple until a sewer drain clog happens. A sewer line clog is a very serious problem that can be considered a plumbing emergency. Water and waste have no place to go other than down the drain or coming back up into the household plumbing. A sewer line clog will only allow the wastewater to go one of those two ways – and that is where the emergency begins.

There are certain signs that indicate that there may be a sewer line clog. One very obvious sign is when multiple plumbing fixtures become clogged at the same time. If the toilet in one bathroom is clogged, the sink in the kitchen is clogged, and the washing machine suddenly won’t drain, it is time to call in the professionals.

Toilets have the most direct path to the sewer because of the type of waste that they handle. The largest drains lines in a home will be connected to the toilets, so if there is a problem with the sewer drain it will most likely show up in the toilets first. It is very rare to have a main line sewer clog where the toilets are still working properly. Toilets that do not flush or that result in water backing up are indicators that a sewer line is clogged.

If a house has a sewer line clog, members of the household should not use any of the plumbing in the home until the clog has been cleared. Serious health risks must be taken into consideration whenever sewage is involved. A professional plumber should clear a sewer line clog as quickly as possible.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer

Sewer Line Camera Inspections

Technology has improved almost every aspect of home building and home repairs. Years ago, if a home had a sewer problem inspectors had to use guess work in order to find the spot of trouble. They had to dig at different points on a sewer line until the exact point of trouble was found. Today, finding those trouble spots has become much easier with sewer cameras and locating equipment.

A sewer line camera inspection is a process where a plumbing company will run a video line down the branch lines (the pipes that lead from the bathtubs, toilets, and faucets to the house’s sewer line) in order to see close up details of the lines and to specifically locate the source of the problem. Each camera is equipped with a transmitter. When the video technician or plumber finds a blockage point, the camera will be stopped. The plumber or technician will go outside to ground level and wave a locating device until the device picks up the transmission signal. This allows him/her to spray a paint spot on the exact point of blockage so that the sewer trench will be dug in the correct spot.

Sewer line camera inspections can run anywhere from $99 to $300 depending on where a house is located and how much line must be run to find the point of blockage. While this price may seem high for some, being able to pinpoint the exact spot of trouble within a sewer line is actually much more cost effective than having the line dug into multiple times. By investing money into finding and repairing sewer problems at the source, homeowners can efficiently repair any issues. Sewer line camera inspections are great ways to save time and money in the long run.

Posted on behaf of Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.

Are Your Septic Pipes Talking To You?

Without being an expert, we all can recognize the smell of a septic or sewer problem. Recognizing the sounds of a septic problem can be a little more tricky. One of the most common trouble noises in a septic system is a distinct gurgling sound that comes from the septic pipes. This is a definite sign of trouble which needs to be investigated further, preferably by a septic service professional. However, there are a few things that you can look for to determine how severe of a septic problem you may be facing.

What To Do If Your Septic Pipes Are Gurgling

If you notice a gurgling noise coming from your septic pipes, it usually means there is a blockage somewhere in your system. The big question is where the blockage is located and whether it is causing your septic system to back up as a result of its presence. Gurgling can be caused from a blockage inside the home, between the home and septic tank or in the pipes leading from the tank to the drain field. To find out whether the blockage is causing a back up, check two areas around your home:

  • Drain field. Go out to your drain or leach field and look for standing water, a common sign of a septic backup. You may also catch the smell of sewage odor in that area if there is a backup problem.
  • Plumbing fixtures. Check the plumbing fixtures and drains in your home to see how quickly they are draining, especially on the lowest level of the house. A backed up septic will cause slow draining or stop draining altogether.

Regardless of where or how bad the blockage is, the next step should be sewer line service by your local septic service professional. Often the blockage can be removed before any more damage is done to the system.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.

Do You Have A Clogged Drain Pipe Or A Clogged Sewer Line?

All pipes leading from a drain can become clogged, from the small pipes under your sink to the large exterior sewer pipes under your yard. While a clogged pipe inside your home can often be quickly remedied, a clogged sewer pipe can lead to larger and more expensive problems if not resolved. If you have a slow drain or drains that are backing up, these signs may suggest that you have more than a clogged drain and that you should call a sewer professional for drain line repairs:

  • Location of drain affected. With a sewer clog, generally the problems will begin in drains closest to the main sewer pipe. This may be drains in the basement or first floor of your home, typically washing machine or bathtub drains.
  • Slow drains. The drains affected will start by draining slowly. Then other drains will begin draining slower until usually, all drains are affected. These will seem to climb, starting at the lowest level drain, working up those at the highest levels.
  • Odor. A clogged sewer pipe will usually begin to emit an unpleasant smell as sewer water becomes trapped in the pipes below and in your home. This odor, combined with slow or backed up drains, is almost always a sewer pipe problem or clog.

Sewer pipe clogs should be handled by a professional. Many companies will use a video inspection to find the clog or problem, and then recommend solutions for getting it fixed. Sometimes clogs can be removed through flushing, however if other damage has occurred, there may need to be repair. Getting a professional out to assess the situation quickly is your best bet, and can save you both time and money in the long run.

Posted on behalf of Shawn Bynum, Bynum Plumbing

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How Does a City Sewer System Work?

In areas of dense population, usually urban or suburban, when people begin to live closer together there develops a greater need to treat wastewater as the ballooning populace gives rise to concerns for health and safety, in addition to preservation of environmental ground water. At such a time, communities will usually construct a sewer system that collects the wastewater and takes it to a wastewater treatment facility. Instead of a septic system, homes are connected to the municipal sewer system through their sewer line (or sewer lateral).  All of the wastewater from a home flows through the sewer line to the municipal sewer main.

A sewer system, like a septic system, is dependent on the force of gravity to aid the wastewater in exiting from homes and businesses to run “downstream”, as it flows from individual buildings into a sewer main, then gradually into larger pipes until it reaches the wastewater treatment facility. Along the journey of the sewer main pipes, occasionally a vertical pipe to the surface will provide access for maintenance crews if necessary. The municipal sewer plant is also usually in a lower plan as it aids in transporting the sewage water downhill. Sometimes a lift station is necessary if the water must be moved over a hill.

Once at the treatment plant, the wastewater goes through several stages of treatment. The first stage is separation of solids for disposal; a second stage, organic materials and nutrients are removed with the help of bacteria; finally, chemicals are used to remove the remaining residues of phosphorous and nitrogen, chlorine is added to kill any remaining bacteria, and then the water is discharged. Since the average community can discharge 10 to 100 million gallons of water per day, the effectiveness of wastewater treatment and management is closely monitored. If you have any concerns about the effectiveness of your home’s system, your local sewer professional can inspect and service your sewer’s connection to the city’s main to ensure that all is working safely and properly.

The Value of Camera Inspections of Sewer Lines

Your main sewer line could be stopped up for many reasons. Forgotten objects accidentally lost down the sink drain become obstructions, as well as years of grimy build-up. Pipes can become broken or disjointed simply from the spread of tree roots growing around them. Septic tanks also become clogged or over-filled. Even after a drain or pipe has been successfully snaked, there may be other “hidden” problems existing that may cause recurring drainage issues. Today, cameras can be used by your sewer line professional to inspect your system and determine more accurately the cause of main line stoppages.

Pipeline camera inspections can save time and money in narrowing down the problem to a specific area. Modern video equipment allows the interior of the pipe to be inspected in a way that does not require additional home repair from destructive plumbing techniques. These cameras can fit into very small lines, clearly detailing troublesome areas. Sewer inspection cameras can be used, not only to identify blockages, but to actually aid in pushing out those that appear stubborn.  Cameras have even been found useful in guiding a plumbing snake to the exact section of pipe that is plugged.

Should excavation appear necessary work on your sewer line, these cameras can help keep the destruction to your landscaping at a minimum by accurately pinpointing the location needing repair. Long gone are the days when excavators were called upon to haphazardly dig trenches in your yard, hoping to find the source of your sewer problems.

Calling your local plumber or sewer professional for a video inspection of your sewer lines and household connection pipes is well worth the investment.