If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your septic system – until you think there might be a problem. The sewer line in your home is vital to the functioning of your plumbing system. If something goes wrong it could lead to a variety of issues, from clogged drains to a pipe that is completely blocked.
So, how do you know when your sewer pipe needs to be replaced? First, let’s take at some early warning signs that your pipes might need to be replaced:
- Sinks, bathtubs and toilets that are slow to drain
- Leaks in pipes in the home
- A “rotten egg” smell that is noticeable in or around your home
- Standing water pools in your yard
- Frequent sewer backups and/or blockages
- Mold growth on walls or ceilings
- A noticeable indentation or dip in your lawn above the main sewer line
- Loud gurgling noises in the pipes while washing the dishes or using the shower
If you are experience one or several of the above issues, it could mean that there is something wrong with your sewer line. But, what?
Here are some of the most common sources for problems with sewer lines:
- Pipes older than 50 years. If your home was built more than half a century ago, there’s a good chance that the pipes are made from cast iron, which may be starting to rust and corrode.
- Clogs. Over time, buildup may start to form in your pipes from grease, hair, fat and soap collecting and adhering to the pipe interior. This can lead to a narrowing of the pipe, which decrease how efficiently it functions.
- Tree roots. For trees seeking nutrients, the contents of your sewer pipes will seem like the jackpot, since they typically contain oxygen, water and nutrients. If there are any cracks in your pipes, tree roots will start to grow toward, and eventually, inside the pipe. Not only can this lead to a blockage, it can also cause serious damage to the pipe.
If you suspect that you have an issue with your sewer line, the experts at EcoClean can help. Using remote-access cameras, our team can inspect your sewer system for any defects, buildup or root intrusion. Then, using video inspection software, we can further analyze our findings and make recommendations on how to best treat the issue.
In many cases, we can restore your sewer pipe to normal functioning through trenchless sewer repair utilizing re-lining, which involves using specialized equipment to repair or replace damaged portions of sewer pipes. Not only can most projects be completed in one day, it also eliminates the need to dig up your lawn.
There are two types of trenchless sewer line replacement: pipe lining and pipe bursting. For pipes with minor wear and tear, we can insert pipe liners – which are made from a resin-coated flexible tube that is inserted into the broken pipe and then inflated. After the resin hardens, it creates a new plastic pipe inside the damaged pipe. If the old pipe has suffered too much damage, pipe bursting is another repair option. This involves using a steel cable to insert a new pipe through the damaged pipe, breaking up the damaged pipe in the process.
If you have any questions about repiping, sewer line replacement, drains, or other plumbing issues, give us a call to schedule a consultation today!
