Understanding Your Sewer Line
Your sewer line is a deep underground pipe that carries wastewater away from buildings and into the municipal sewage system. Because it is responsible for carrying wastewater, including blackwater, away from your home, when there’s an issue, it can be significant and potentially dangerous. Maintaining your sewer line is important for the safety and efficiency of your home.
Common causes of sewer line problems include:
- Root intrusion
- Corrosion
- Wear and tear
- Faulty installation or maintenance
- Outdated or substandard materials
Sewer lines should be regularly inspected to identify issues before they become unmanageable. Not addressing these problems quickly could cause major damage to your property or put your and your family’s health at risk.
How to Diagnose a Sewer Line Problem
Diagnosing problems in the system early on is important because, without proper detection and repair, the situation can escalate and result in costly repairs. Anytime you suspect a sewer issue, you should contact one of our professional plumbers at Moe Plumbing to physically inspect the sewer line. During this inspection, our plumbers will use specialized equipment such as cameras and probes to locate and diagnose the problem. If an issue is identified, we will provide you with your repair options.
Signs you may have a sewer line problem include:
- Unpleasant odors
- Slow drainage
- Clogged drains
- Overflowing toilets or drains
- Sewage backing up into your tub, sink, or shower drains
- Gurgling sounds coming from your drains
- Soggy patches of grass in your yard
- Multiple clogs in different areas of your home
Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues from escalating, as well as give you a chance to identify them while they are still small and easier to fix. Early detection and repair of a sewer line issue can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress in the long run.
Can Hydrojetting Solve My Sewer Problem?
Hydrojetting effectively clears out several types of sewer line issues, including root intrusion, blockages, and buildup. During hydrojetting, a technician will use a specialized high-pressure hose with water jets to scour the inside and outside of your pipes, removing anything that could be causing clogs or other problems. This method is usually very safe for your sewer line, as the pressure can be adjusted to ensure that no damage is done to your plumbing system. Furthermore, hydrojetting can reach areas and angles that a traditional snake auger can't, thoroughly flushing out debris.
However, hydrojetting will not always be enough, and you may find that you have to replace your sewer line to resolve your issues. Keep reading to learn more about sewer line replacements.
What to Do If a Sewer Line Replacement Is Recommended
If your plumber recommends a sewer line replacement, it may be worth getting a second opinion. After all, replacing a sewer line is a big, expensive job, and it's essential to be sure of the diagnosis and have a good sense of your replacement options. For example, does your situation require traditional sewer line replacement, or can you use less invasive trenchless sewer line replacement methods?
Sewer line replacements are most likely to be recommended in situations where:
- Your sewer line has collapsed
- Your sewer line is made from substandard or dangerous materials (such as lead)
- Your sewer line is so extensively damaged that it cannot be repaired
If you need to move forward with the replacement project, always work with a licensed and insured plumber local to your area, like Moe Plumbing. While it might be tempting to work with an out-of-area plumber that offers the lowest rate, only employ professionals familiar with local building codes and who have experience working in your city to ensure quality service and prevent any additional complications down the road.
Are you having issues with your sewer line? Call Moe Plumbing today for help. We can get your plumbing system back up and running in no time.