Nothing is worse for a homeowner than having sewer issues. Not only can sewer issues lead to very unpleasant situations, but they can also cost you a ton of money. The cost of sewer repairs can rise if sewer issues are not addressed very quickly. This is why it is very important to understand the most common problems that can arise within your sewer system and ways that you can fix them that can help you save not only time and money but headaches as well. In this comprehensive guide on fixing sewer issues, we will address the most common sewer problems you can have, what causes them, and provide you with guidance on how to resolve them quickly and efficiently.
A properly functioning sewer system is imperative for maintaining a hygienic and healthy environment for you and your family. Unfortunately, you can have problems with your sewer system for a variety of different reasons, including blockages, deteriorating infrastructure, and leaks. Dealing with sewer problems can be a very daunting task, but with the correct knowledge and the right approach, you can resolve these issues very effectively. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to tackle the most troublesome sewer issues around.
When it comes to sewer repair, it is always better to call in a professional plumber who is licensed and insured, but if you must do it yourself, there are several tools you will need to have on hand. Some of these very important items include essential tools, such as drain snakes, augers, and pipe cutters, and safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, and masks. It is important when working on your sewer system to have the appropriate safety measures in place to protect yourself during the repair process. It is really best if you can search for ‘what services do plumbers provide’ on Google or another search engine to locate licensed plumbers in your area who can make the necessary repairs to your sewer system in a timely manner. When it comes to what services do plumbers provide, it is safe to say that they provide all of the necessary services to keep your sewer system functioning properly while helping you to avoid any further sewer issues through regular maintenance of your sewer system.
Sewer Issues and Effective Repairs
Sewer systems play a major role in maintaining not only public sanitation but the health and well-being of residents throughout the city or area. Sewer systems are designed to transport wastewater and sewage away from residential homes as well as commercial buildings and industrial areas. Over time, though, these sewer systems can start to have a wide range of issues that require immediate attention and repairs. Let’s explore some of the most common sewer problems as well as their causes and practical solutions to resolve those issues.
You may be wondering what services do local plumbers provide when it comes to sewer issues. There are many services that plumbers provide, including the ones that are highlighted below.
Blockages ( Clogged Sewer)
Blockages are among the most prevalent sewer problems. A clogged sewer can happen when foreign objects, debris, or accumulated grease obstruct the flow of wastewater through your home or building’s sewer pipes. It can even happen if you have a broken tile in the sewer pipes that go from your house to the street. Blockages can result in backups, foul odors, and potential health hazards, not to mention a clogged or overflowing toilet or two. It is messy and a problem nobody wants to have. It is imperative that you call in a professional plumbing service that can help with the clogged sewer and get rid of these nasty issues.
The Corrosion of Sewer Pipes
As mentioned above, you can have a broken tile or other debris inside your sewer pipes. Sewer pipes are made of materials, such as clay or cast iron, and they can erode over time. The erosion can be due to chemical reactions with things like soil and wastewater. This type of corrosion makes the pipes weak, and they lose their structural integrity. This leads to leaks, cracks, and eventually complete pipe failure. This type of issue needs to be remedied right away before it gets worse over time. In the past, it was necessary for a professional plumber or company to have to dig up your yard and dig into your basement floor to replace your sewer lines from your house to the street or the ones that run through your house under your basement or crawl space. That is no longer the case thanks to the latest technology in which a pipe can be placed down through the drain and will expand to fit inside the old pipe. Not only is this way more efficient, but it also gets rid of the need to dig up anything. This means you have less mess to clean up, fewer headaches, and less of a need to have to spend a ton of money to get this problem fixed.
Tree Root Issues
Tree roots are one of the most common causes of a clogged sewer. This is due to the fact that they seek out sources of water and moisture, which include the wetness and dampness they can find inside your sewer lines. As the roots grow through your pipes, they can cause small cracks or joints in the sewer pipes which then cause not only structural damage but major blockages that will cause you all kinds of issues inside your home or building. Professional local plumbers are able to use a machine called an auger to go down through the pipes and clean out those tree roots and any other blockages.
Bellied or Sagging Pipes
Shifting soil over time can cause parts of your sewer pipes to sink or sag. This can also happen if your sewer lines are installed incorrectly. These issues can cause low spots to form where waste and debris can accumulate, which can then lead to frequent blockages and even potential pipe collapses.
Leaking Joints
Over time, the joints connecting sewer pipe segments can deteriorate, resulting in leaks. Leaking joints can contribute to groundwater contamination, soil erosion, and the potential for sinkholes. You will need to have plumbing leak repair conducted by a professional as soon as possible to avoid further issues.
Sewer Issue Repair Options
When it comes to repairing sewer problems, it is best to enlist the help of local professional plumbing repair services. From well pump installations to sewer backup repair, a professional licensed plumber can resolve your issues when it comes to your sewer lines and other pipes that are part of your plumbing system.
Listed below is an array of different sewer issue repair options that can fix the problems we have already discussed above.
CCTV Inspection
A very important first step in diagnosing the issue in your sewer system is to conduct a comprehensive inspection using Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras. These cameras are inserted into the sewer pipes to allow technicians to identify the exact location and nature of the problem, such as blockages, cracks, or root infiltration. Although this procedure can be a little pricey, it can save you money in the long run since your licensed plumber will be able to diagnose the problem right away instead of fixing things that may not need to be corrected. He or she will know exactly what the problem is so repairs can get underway and your sewer problems can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Hydro Jetting
If you have blockages that are caused by grease buildup or debris, hydro jetting can be an effective method to get rid of them. Hydro jetting is a process that uses high-pressure water streams to flush out sewer lines and dislodge any obstructions so that the flow can be restored within the pipes. It is a non-invasive technique that gets rid of the need for excavation in your basement or your lawn.
Pipe Relining
If your sewer lines have only suffered minor cracks or leaks, pipe relining can be a great option. It is a cost-effective solution that involves inserting a flexible liner that is coated with resin into the damaged pipe in your sewer system. The liner is then inflated before it adheres to the inner walls of your pipe, basically creating a new pipe within the old one.
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting is a very effective technique that is used to replace deteriorated pipes without having to undergo extensive excavation. This type of method involves pulling a new pipe through the old one while simultaneously just draining the damaged pipe by fracturing it. Pipe bursting is used to reduce disruption to the surrounding area where the pipe is located and minimize the need for having to dig a trench in your yard or basement.
Chemical Root Treatment
If tree roots have infiltrated your sewer lines, chemical root treatment may be an option to employ. This type of treatment involves using a herbicide or filming agent that will kill the existing roots in your pipes and stop future root growth from happening. Chemical root treatments are usually followed up by mechanical root removal to prevent any further blockages.
Trenchless Technology
Trenchless repair methods are gaining in popularity since they are much neater, since there is no need for large-scale excavations of your yard or basement floor. Trenchless technology involves using a cured-in-place pipe lining process or pipe bursting method to minimize the need for any type of excavation. Trenchless technologies significantly reduce the disruption of your home and property, have less of an environmental impact, and can even reduce costs that are associated with sewer line repair. It’s a great method to use instead of the traditional dig-and-replace techniques that have been traditionally used for many decades.
Regular Maintenance
It is imperative that every homeowner or building owner calls in a licensed plumber to conduct drain and sewer cleaning periodically. This is a proactive maintenance program that is crucial for preventing sewer issues from occurring. This will help you avoid costly sewer backup repair and the headaches that go along with it. Regular maintenance of your sewer system includes regular and timely inspections as well as cleaning and flushing of the sewer system. Not only will this maintenance schedule help to keep the water flowing freely through your sewer pipes, but it can also help identify potential problems early on. By identifying issues earlier, you can reduce the potential risk of having to pay for major repairs and costly emergencies.
If you live in a rural area or a location in which your home or building has a septic system instead of a regular sewer system, you should definitely call in local septic system cleaners on a regular maintenance schedule so that you can avoid costly repairs to your septic system. Keep in mind, also, that well pump installations can be quite expensive, so it is a good idea to keep your well system in good shape at all times also.
What Services Do Plumbers Provide?
Plumbers are skilled professionals who specialize in a wide range of services related to plumbing and even sewer systems. Their knowledge and experience include everything from leaky pipes and installing septic and plumbing systems to repairing sewer lines and sewer back up repair in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Professional licensed plumbers are needed when you have a major sewer backup. This is because they have the expertise to be able to repair your sewer system, install your plumbing system, or even conduct septic system installation, properly and efficiently. While you can certainly attempt to make these repairs or installations yourself, it is much more difficult than you think it is and if something goes wrong, it can create an unsafe situation or a very costly one. In other words, call in a professional plumbing service to maintain or repair your sewer lines or the entire system so you can enjoy the benefits without the mess and hard work.