Although nobody really wants to think about their sewer line, the consequences of ignoring it can be messy and foul. Regular sewer inspections and sewer pipe maintenance is a necessary part of owning a home, which is why we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know about your sewers.
A sewer inspection is a routine maintenance check of the sewer lines that connect your home’s plumbing to the city sewer lines. During a sewer and plumbing inspection, our licensed Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric technicians will use a long, flexible cable known as a drain snake to analyze the inside of your pipes. The drain snake is attached to a small camera, which is then threaded through your pipes. The camera will display live footage of everything it sees, so you and your plumber can tell if there is an issue.
During a sewer inspection, we look out for the following common indicators of sewer pipe problems:
As with most plumbing issues, prevention is better than cure, and sewer lines are no exception. Most homeowners would agree that when it comes to sewer lines, knowing about a problem before it starts to stink out your home is worth the cost of a sewer inspection. In fact, replacing or repairing a damaged sewer line can be one of the most expensive plumbing jobs you’ll have to do, as insurance often does not cover general sewer wear and tear.
Aside from the cost, sewer issues can be both messy and dangerous. Preventing an unpleasant back-up, stoppage or unnecessary leak by regularly inspecting your drains is quick and easy.
It’s best to have your sewer inspected roughly once every two years, particularly if you have a large family and a well-used sewer system. We also recommend that anyone purchasing a property requests a sewer inspection before the transaction occurs, to ensure that you aren’t buying a home with an already damaged sewer line. Otherwise, make sure to schedule an appointment with Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric if you notice any of the following sewer issues:
Your toilet might clog up occasionally, but if a clogged toilet is a regular occurrence you should think about getting your drains checked. Blocked pipes can cause serious damage to your sewer system, but can also be easily fixed with regular maintenance. If our licensed technicians encounter a serious blockage, they can either use a drain snake to clear it, or even hydro jetting.
Surprised that your lawn looks better than ever, even though you forgot to water it last week? Unfortunately, plush green grass can be a side effect of a sewer leak. Like manure and fertilizer, sewage encourages plants to grow. The same goes for trees – tree roots automatically seek out more water and nutrients, and will expand after finding their way into small holes and cracks in drains. If you have a shrub or tree near your sewer line, it’s important that you have regular inspections to make sure that roots haven’t infiltrated your sewer system.
Although bathrooms don’t always smell fantastic, if you ever smell a sewage-like odor in your bathroom or anywhere else in your home, it’s very possible that your sewage pipe has sprung a leak. Leaks can quickly became serious, messy problems, and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Raw sewage can also pose health risks, particularly if leaks are left ignored for extended periods of time.
If caught early enough, sewer problems such as clogged or leaking pipes are easy enough to fix. You may have to cut back a shrub, or even get rid of a tree completely – whatever the problem is, our qualified technicians will be sure to provide you with the best advice possible.