What To Do When You Have A Sewer Back-Up

November 19th, 2014 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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One of the most frustrating events you can experience as a homeowner is a sewer backup, or backflow. Whether you’re on a city sewer or have a septic system, the end result is the same: a foul mess in your home. Many sewer back-ups can dump gallons of sewer waste into your home, causing water damage and dangerous contamination in addition to the underlying sewer problem. If this happens to you, it’s important to know what to do to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

  • Determine the cause. There is a big difference between a back-up due to internal plumbing and a backflow from the sewer or septic system. If you’re dealing with a clogged toilet or drain, usually only one appliance will be affected. A backflow will bring sewer water out of several drains, usually starting with the lower drains in the house.
  • Call a professional. If the problem is a clogged drain, you can call a plumber. However, if it is a septic or sewer issue, you will want to call a septic-sewer professional. You may also need to inform your municipality if you are on a city sewer.
  • Contain the problem. Sewer water can contain dangerous bacteria, making it a health hazard. Turn off your central heat and air system and, if possible, keep the flow away from floor vents. Keep your family and pets away from the contaminated area.
  • Plan for clean-up. In most cases, it is advisable to hire a professional to clean-up a major sewer backflow. It will require water removal, plus disinfecting of the area exposed to waste.

It is unfortunate when a sewer back-up occurs. However, many can be prevented with annual sewer or septic maintenance. Talk to your local septic-sewer service about what you can do to avoid back-ups in the future.

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

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Determining Where Your Pipes Are Clogged

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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When you notice you have a slow draining sink or shower, your first thought will likely be a clogged drain pipe, which is true in most cases. However, there are times when you try plunging a drain or even snaking out a clog, yet the drain continues to be slow. It may be that your clogged drain isn’t just under your sink, or even in your home. You may have a clogged sewer line. 

Troubleshooting A Clogged Sewer Pipes

If you aren’t sure whether you have an interior pipe or an exterior sewer pipe which may be clogged, there are a few ways to troubleshoot and perhaps better determine where the clog is located. Although any clogged pipe will cause one slow drain, sewer pipe clogs will cause drains throughout the house to  eventually back up. The first signs include: 

  • Lowest drains. The first drains to be affected by a sewer pipe clog will be those at the lowest level of the house. In other words, if the only sink in your home that is not draining is upstairs, then it is most likely an interior clogged pipe.
     
  • Odor. A sewer clog can cause a distinct sewage odor in your home, especially through the drains closest to the outdoors.
     
  • Multiple slow drains. If you noticed your toilet, sink and shower are all draining slow at the same time, it is time to call your local sewer service professional. 

Knowing which drain is clogged is the first step to fixing the problem. If it is a sewer pipe, many clogs can be cleared with the use of techniques like hydrojetting, offered by your sewer professional.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

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What Type Of Sewer Pipes Do You Have Under Your Yard?

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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If you’re on city sewer, you may have no idea what type of sewer pipes you have, or even a general estimate of their age. Are they clay, plastic or cast iron, or have they been replaced with newer material? Although it’s not strictly necessary to know the material of which your pipes are made, this information can give you an idea of how long they’ll last. Each type of pipe has its merits,but each also comes with its own set of drawbacks and possible repair issues. 

Types Of Sewer Pipes And Problems

The most common sewer pipes in homes built at least ten years ago are made from clay, cast-iron or plastic. Of course, regardless of what type of pipe was used when the home was built, there may be new piping which has been installed in recent years, including trenchless piping made from high- density polyethylene (HDPE). Some of the common issues with the main three types of sewer pipes include: 

  • Clay. Clay piping was very popular for many years before plastic piping became prevalent in the late 1960’s. Although durable, clay is also porous, attracting tree roots to their surface. These pipes can be cracked from invasive roots, splitting them open at the joints.
     
  • Cast-iron. Cast-iron has been used for sewer pipes since the 1800’s, due to its strength and longevity. It can last for a hundred years or more, which means many older homes still have cast-iron. The main issue is that very few sewer repair companies have the tools or skills to repair this type of piping, which means it usually needs to be replaced.
     
  • Plastic. PVC and ABS are very common pipes used in underground sewer lines and interior plumbing. It is resistant to root invasion, but is not as strong under pressure or weight. 

Regardless of the type of pipe you have under your yard, your local sewer service company will have options when it comes to repair or replacement.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

 

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Think Before You Flush: Protecting Sewer and Septic Systems

December 18th, 2013 Posted in Sewer Lines
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There is a wide array of products on today’s commercial market, all of which are advertised as safe to flush down the toilet. From personal wet wipes to feminine care items, many products tout their “flush-ability” as a selling point. Despite claims to the contrary printed on the packaging and labels, there are some things you should never flush if you want to protect your sewer and septic systems.

  • Cotton Swabs – These tiny objects may seem like they’d be relatively harmless to flush, but the truth is that they don’t break down in water the way most people think. Instead, they tend to collect in bends of the pipes leading away from your toilet, eventually causing sewer line blockages and backflow.
  • Personal Wipes – Akin to baby wipes but marketed towards adults, personal wipes are an increasingly popular product. Most brands are advertised as completely safe to flush, but they’re creating a widespread problem in sewer and septic systems across the country. They don’t break down in the same way toilet paper does, leading to major blockages and trouble.
  • Medication – You may think you’re making the safe choice by dumping unused prescription medication down the toilet, thereby keeping it out of the reach of kids and pets. Still, prescription medications can contaminate groundwater. If your home is on a septic system, some medications can cause trouble by killing the beneficial bacteria that keep your system in balance.
  • Dental Floss – The waxed string you use to keep your teeth in tip-top shape can actually be quite harmful to sewer and septic systems, because most brands are not biodegradable. Instead, floss tends to become tangled with small clogs and blockages, making them larger and more likely to become problematic.

Posted on behalf of Shawn Bynum, Bynum Plumbing

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