How To Diagnose If You Need a Sewer Replacement

Sewer lines are underground and out of sight. You never know if you have one until you notice the telltale signs of buildup, a clog or damage. The sooner you catch the problem, the less expensive it is to repair it, so it makes sense to know the warning signs.

Here is a look at how to diagnose if you need a sewer replacement.

The Basics of Your Sewer Line

Your sewer line helps to transport wastewater from your house to the main sewer lines. Your home has a sewer line, called a sewer lateral, that connects to the municipal line, which is out in the street.

Your sewer line can become clogged, just like other pipes in your plumbing system. This can lead to messy backups and damage to the pipe.

These pipes also get old and deteriorate, making them susceptible to major problems. If the damage is too involved, you might need a sewer replacement.

Clogs

The most common problem with sewer lines is a clog. The cause is grease, hair, soap scum and food particles building up inside the pipe. The first thing you will notice is a slow moving drain.

If you repeatedly try to fix a slow drain but it keeps coming back, this is a good indicator that you are dealing with a lot of buildup in the pipe. If left untreated, it will lead to a clog that shuts the pipe down.

For slow running drains and clogs, hydro jetting is a quick, safe way to get rid of buildup and prevent more from forming in the near future. This method sends high-pressure jets of scalding water through your pipes.

If a clog has already formed, you will see water in your basement. You might have water backup out of your toilets and drains. Sometimes the only sign is gurgling in your pipes.

Tree Roots

Tree roots love sewer lines. They are a constant source of moisture to keep the roots alive. But the roots grow into the joints of the pipe and get bigger and bigger. Eventually they completely block it.

What you will notice is a clog. A plumber can pinpoint if the cause is a tree root. He will tell you the best way to deal with it, whether it is hydro jetting or trenchless technology. In that case, the solution is pipe lining or pipe bursting, which is used if he pipe itself has been seriously damaged.

Old and Damaged Pipes

Pipes have a lifespan that varies with the material used to make them. As they get old, they deteriorate. Shifts in the soil can also cause problems with the pipe structure.

A damaged pipe needs replacing. As a rule, plumbers prefer to use modern trenchless methods for sewer replacing because they are quicker, less invasive and messy and cost the homeowner less money in the long run.

What To Do About Sewer Line Problems

Calling a plumber is your first step to diagnose if you need sewer replacement. He can do a video camera inspection that will tell him the exact location and the cause of the problem.

Then he can work with you to decide the best solution. In some cases hydro jetting will work. If the damage is more extensive, he will probably recommend trenchless sewer replacement.

Call the professionals today for a free, no-obligation quote for sewer replacement. The sooner you do, the less expense and inconvenience you will have.