Category Archives: sewer systems

6 Common Types of Sewer Line Problems in Chicago

tree root intrusion causing sewer line problems.

The sewer system is an essential part of any urban center or city, serving its people by disposing of waste and keeping the surroundings safe and healthy. Chicago, a bustling city in the United States, has a complex sewer network that helps keep the city moving. However, this network can also experience problems that endanger public health and the environment. In this article, we will explore the six common types of sewer line problems in Chicago that residents and businesses face, their causes, and recommended solutions.

1. Tree Roots

One of the most common sewer line problems in Chicago is the intrusion of tree roots. Trees can grow deep into the ground, sometimes penetrating sewer lines in their quest for water and nutrients. Once inside the sewer line, continuous growth and movement can cause significant damage. Over time, roots can form a blockage, leading to clogs that force wastewater back up into homes and businesses. The underground nature of sewer lines can make it challenging to detect root intrusion, although some clues include gurgling sounds from the toilet, slow drains, or foul smells.

To address this problem, Chicago residents should consider calling a professional plumber to examine areas of the property around the sewer line, look for signs of tree roots, and inspect the sewer line for damage. Depending on the extent of damage, a plumber may recommend root removal, the installation of a barrier to deter growth or replacement of damaged pipes.

2. Clogs and Blockages

Clogs and blockages, whether caused by tree roots, grease, debris, or other material, are another common sewer line problem in Chicago. Clogs can cause backups, resulting in wastewater backing up into households and, in severe cases, causing catastrophic damage.

In many cases, clogs can be avoided by taking preventative measures. For example, regularly cleaning the drains helps prevent build-up and blockages. Avoid flushing items that do not break down quickly, such as cotton swabs, wipes, and sanitary pads. Cooking grease, fats, and oils should also be disposed of in the trash can and not down the drain.

When a clog or blockage occurs, a plumber should be called immediately. They will be able to locate the source of the blockage using specialized tools and equipment and remove it, restoring proper flow to the sewer system. By way of hydro jetting service, plumbers can have you back up and running in no time.

a cracked sewer line.

3. Cracks and Corrosion

Sewer lines are underground and exposed to various environmental factors, such as soil, moisture, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations. As a result, they are vulnerable to cracks and corrosion.

Cracks and corrosion can occur due to physical stress, such as a heavy vehicle’s impact, soil movements, or shifting foundations. Corrosion can result from the buildup of acids in the sewer system or chemical reactions caused by wastewater and the sewer line materials. Over time, cracks and corrosion can lead to sewer line failure, creating an environmental and health hazard.

Addressing cracked or corroded sewer lines requires a team of professionals trained to locate the source of the problem and repair or replace damaged sewer lines. In some cases, trenchless methods may be used to repair the sewer line, reducing the impact on the surrounding environment and infrastructure.

4. Sagging or Collapsing Pipes

Sewer line pipes are generally made of plastic, cast iron, or concrete and are prone to sagging or collapsing. Sagging pipes occur when the ground under the sewer line softens or shifts, creating a dip in the pipe. Collapsed pipes, on the other hand, occur when the pipe is exposed to external pressure, such as heavy vehicles, soil weight, or changes in soil moisture.

Sagging or collapsing pipes can prevent wastewater from flowing correctly, leading to backups and environmental hazards. Fixing sagging or collapsing pipes requires digging out the affected pipe section and replacing it with a new one. This process can be invasive and costly, requiring extensive excavation, re-landscaping, and possibly street closures.

5. Bellied or Misaligned Pipes

Bellied or misaligned pipes occur when a section of the sewer line sinks or shifts from its intended slope or alignment. This can cause wastewater to pool in the affected area, creating a potential blockage, and a breeding ground for bacteria and other health hazards.

Bellied or misaligned pipes can be challenging to detect as they are often invisible from above ground. However, some clues that alert homeowners and businesses include foul odors, slow drains, backed-up wastewater, and wet spots in the lawn.

Fixing these sewer line problems requires excavation, identifying the affected area, assessing the extent of damage, and correcting the alignment. Depending on the level of damage, a partial or complete replacement may be required.

6. Off-Grade Pipes

Off-grade pipes are those that are not installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications or the plumbing code. These pipes can result in backup and leaks, reducing the sewer line’s overall capacity.

Determining whether an off-grade pipe is present requires a professional plumber to investigate the sewer line’s condition. If an off-grade pipe is detected, it must be replaced with a new one to ensure adequate sewer system function.

Conclusion

The sewer line system is a crucial aspect of public health and safety in Chicago. The six common types of sewer line problems can cause significant issues, which require prompt professional attention. Although some preventive measures, such as avoiding flushing of non-degradable materials and regular drain cleaning, can help reduce the chance of sewer line problems occurring, it is essential to seek professional help when problems arise. Through adequate maintenance, sewer camera inspections, and timely repair or replacement, Chicago residents can ensure a safe and functioning sewer line system.

The Role of Professional Plumbers in Protecting Your Home’s Sewer System

a professional plumber performing a sewer camera inspection.

When it comes to maintaining your home, the sewer system is probably one of the last things that come to mind. However, it is one of the most crucial systems in your home, responsible for removing waste and wastewater from your home. A malfunctioning sewer system can cause severe damage to your home and pose a serious health hazard. In this article, we will discuss the role of professional plumbers in protecting your home’s sewer system.

What is a Sewer System?

A sewer system is a series of pipes that transport wastewater and sewage from your home to the municipal wastewater treatment plant. The sewer system comprises the pipe that connects your home to the main sewer line, the main sewer line, and the municipal wastewater treatment plant.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Home Sewer System

Maintaining your home sewer system is essential to ensure that the system functions correctly and efficiently. A malfunctioning sewer system can result in the backup of sewage and wastewater, which can cause foul odors, water damage, and health hazards. Sewage backups can also affect your plumbing system, causing damage to pipes and fixtures and even leading to expensive repairs and replacements.

professional plumber working on a sewer line cleaning.

The Role of Professional Plumbers in Maintaining Your Home Sewer System

Professional plumbers play a crucial role in maintaining your home’s sewer system. They have the tools, expertise, and experience necessary to diagnose and fix any issues that might affect your sewer system. Some of the services that professional plumbers offer to ensure your home sewer system runs smoothly are:

1. Regular Sewer System Inspections

Professional plumbers can conduct regular sewer system camera inspections to identify potential problems before they become severe. They use advanced technology, such as cameras and video inspections, to evaluate the condition of your sewer system and identify any blockages, cracks, or leaks. Early detection of these issues can save you from expensive repairs and replacements in the future.

2. Sewer Line Cleaning

Sewer line clogging is the most common issue that affects home sewer systems. Professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to clean your sewer line and remove any blockages that might cause backup and other issues. Common methods used to clean sewer lines include hydro jetting and sewer rodding service.

3. Sewer Line Repairs and Replacement

Sewer line damages can occur due to various reasons, including tree root invasion, pipe corrosion, and soil settling. Professional plumbers can diagnose the issue and determine whether repairs or replacement is necessary. Replacement might be necessary if the sewer line is extensively damaged, corroded or has collapsed.

sewer line repair being performed by a professional plumber.

Conclusion

The sewer system is an essential part of your home and requires proper maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly. Professional plumbers play a significant role in maintaining and protecting your home’s sewer system. Regular sewer line inspections, sewer line cleaning, and sewer line repairs can save you from expensive replacements in the future. Contact a professional plumber today to keep your sewer system running efficiently.

The Benefits of Professional Sewer Line Maintenance

hydro jetting service is a great way to maintain your sewer line.

The Benefits of Professional Sewer Line Maintenance

Maintaining the sewer lines of a home or business is an important part of keeping it functioning properly. The sewer line is responsible for carrying away the waste water and other substances from the property. Without regular maintenance, the sewer pipe can become clogged and lead to other costly problems. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems and keep the pipes running smoothly.

Benefits of Maintaining your Sewer Line

Regular maintenance of the sewer pip has many benefits. Sewer line maintenance can help prevent clogs and backups, which can lead to costly repairs. Maintaining your home sewer line can also help extend the life of the line, as it can identify any potential problems before they become major issues. This can save homeowners and businesses money in the long run.

Sewer Line Maintenance Services

Sewer maintenance services can help keep the line clean and clear. These services can include pipe cleaning, line inspection, and pipe relining. Drain cleaning services, such as a professional hydro jetting service can help remove any debris that has built up in the line over time, while line inspection and pipe relining can help identify and repair any potential problems.

Sewer Pipe Cleaning

Sewer line cleaning is an important part of maintaining a sewer line. This process involves using a variety of tools to remove debris, such as roots, grease, and other materials, from the pipe. Pipe cleaning can help prevent clogs and reduce the risk of sewer backups. It can also help improve the efficiency of the sewer line.

Maintenance can help keep the sewer line running smoothly and prevent costly problems. Regular maintenance can extend the life of the sewer pipe, save money in the long run, and help keep the property safe and clean. You can also avoid having to go through the nightmare that is a sewer line repair. Whether it’s for a home or a business, professional maintenance services can provide many benefits.

Blocked Sewer Lines: How Can You Tell?

a blocked sewer line

Your sewer line is the most hardworking part of your home’s drain system. Every day, it handles large volumes of wastewater from your home’s kitchen, toilets, and showers, along with solids and semi-solids inside the water. If it is trash and liquid, the chances are high that it will end up inside your drains to be channeled into the sewer lines.

With so much waste materials going into the sewer lines, it is expected that you should have problems from time to time. The most common sewer line issue you will face is blockages in the line due to accumulated debris. A blocked sewer line may cause you minor headaches, but it can also result in major disaster if it causes the sewer to back up.

A sewer backup is the most common drain problem in your home, says Vesta Management. Waking up to the sight and odor of raw sewage oozing from the toilet or floor drains is not an experience you want to have. The key to preventing this problem is to catch it early. But the trouble with catching sewer line issues on time is that the signs are not always obvious.

Why is that?

Sewer line blockages happen slowly, so the signs of the problem are often minor and easy to overlook at the beginning. Ignoring those initial signs of the growing problem in your sewer lines gives the blockage time to get worse. A minor blockage that could have been fixed cheaply may eventually cause massive damage that will cost thousands of dollars to fix.

How do you catch a blockage in your sewer lines before it causes a catastrophe in your home?

How to know if your sewer line is blocked

If you notice the following signs in your home, the likelihood of a blooming issue within your sewer lines is very high.

Drains are slow

If the toilet, shower, or sink is not draining as it should, it is usually due to a blockage within its drainpipes. Not all cases of slow drains are caused by blockages in the main sewer line. 

A sink, toilet, or bathtub will be slow if there is an obstruction in the pipes immediately after that drain opening. To know if the slow drains issue in your home comes from the main sewer line or a specific drain, check if the problem is happening with all the drains in your house. 

If the issue is broad, the source of the problem is in the main sewer line. Note that if you do not remove blockages in the individual drains in the home, they may eventually cause a blockage in the main sewer.

Gurgling sounds

Gurgling sounds are caused by trapped air within a drainpipe trying to find its way out of the drain. In a typical situation, this should not happen; air will only be trapped in a pipe if there is an obstruction inside that pipe. 

When water enters the pipe, the trapped air is then compressed, and having nowhere to go; it flows backward in the direction from which the water is coming. This creates a bottleneck at the drain opening, as the water tries to get into the pipe while the air is trying to leave it. The gurgling you hear is the sound of air forcing its way out through the water.

Multiple drain clogs

If your toilet is clogged, but the kitchen sink and shower are draining properly, the cause of the clog is in the pipes connected to the bathroom. The same is true if the sink or shower drain is blocked, but other drains in the home are working properly. However, if you find one or more drains blocked simultaneously and trying to solve the problem at the individual drain level does not work, you should look to your main sewer line for the cause. 

Additionally, you may have trouble with persistent blockages in a specific drain, usually the toilet or shower drain. Blockages in the sewer line will show up in the shower and toilet before the sink because those are closer to the ground.

Strange reactions in your drains

When using a fixture or appliance, you may notice unusual reactions in your drains. For instance, when using the washing machine, you may notice that your toilet overflows when water drains out of the machine. You may also hear a gurgling sound in the toilet when you use the kitchen sink, or the water in the toilet bowl will move when another drain is used.

What should you do if you see one or more of these signs in your home?

Many homeowners resort to chemical drain cleaners or DIY methods to solve issues in their sewer lines. But chemical drain cleaners damage your pipes, and most DIY methods only address the symptoms of the issue, not the cause. To solve sewer issues with finality, contact your plumber and have them properly inspect your sewer lines.

Best Ways to Prevent Sewer Back Ups

Best Ways to Prevent Sewer Back Ups – Plumbing issues in the home are almost unavoidable. They are the inevitable outcome of the normal use and eventual aging of the plumbing system. Plumbing issues can happen at any time and in almost any part of the home. This is because the plumbing in your home extends throughout the house, as TE Johnson & Sons explains, so problems are not limited to just one part of the building.

Best Ways to Prevent Sewer Back Ups

Plumbing issues come in different forms. They may take place unseen behind an appliance or feature of the home. When this is the case, a plumbing problem can do secret harm and it could take some time before it is discovered. Other times, a plumbing problem is self-evident because it happens in a way that completely disrupts the normal use of the plumbing.

This second type of plumbing problem creates what is known as a plumbing emergency. These are issues that are so distressing that they must be dealt with immediately. Plumbing emergencies not only prevent the normal use of the plumbing, but they also damage the other features of your home. Sewer backups are perhaps the number one plumbing emergency in the home.

What is a sewer backup?

Sewer backups happen when the normal flow of wastewater from the home is prevented by a blocked or damaged sewer line. When a sewer line is blocked, its contents don’t flow into the municipal sewer lines as it should. Instead, it is trapped inside the pipes on your property. If those pipes become full, their content eventually starts to overflow inside your home.

A sewer backup is easily the most disgusting type of plumbing problem because it will release the gross contents of a sewer line into your home. Sewer backups are so damaging that out-of-pocket cost for fixing the problem is often between $2,000 and $10,000. But the good news is the problem can be prevented.

How to prevent sewer backups

Watch what you flush down the drain

Your home’s drainage system does not have the capacity to handle everything you throw at it. In fact, most items labeled “flushable” will create problems for the drain. The only thing you should flush down the toilet is toilet paper, not wipes, sanitary towels, disposable diapers, or feminine products. 

In the kitchen avoid putting grease, oil, fat, eggshells, potato, rice, fibrous vegetables, and coffee grounds into the drain. Also, do not let hair get into the shower drain.

Protect sewer lines from tree roots

The roots of plants and even small bushes pose a major threat to your sewer lines. The wastewater inside sewer lines provides a rich source of nutrition and plant roots will invade any place where there is water and nutrition.

sewer tree roots

If allowed to grow close to the sewer line, plant roots can puncture the pipe and eventually block it. To prevent this, don’t plant trees or bushes near sewer lines and laterals. You can also prevent tree root damage by using plastic piping.

Do not divert excess rainwater into the sewer

Diverting the water from downspouts, the sump pump, French drains, and your flood control systems into the sanitary sewer line might seem like a good idea. It feels like an easy way to prevent water pooling in your yard. But it is actually a bad idea because rainwater can overwhelm the drain and cause flooding in your home. By diverting the downspout into the sewer, you could be unintentionally channeling floodwater into your house.

Install a sewer backup valve

This serves as the last line of defense against sewer backups. The backwater valve will let wastewater flow out of your home into the sewer line but will prevent the sewer contents from flowing in the opposite direction. When backs happen up due to a damaged or blocked line and because of heavy rains, the valve automatically closes the channel.

Install an exterior cleanout

An exterior cleanout offers a cost-effective way to deal with sewer problems. They are often located in the yard and can be identified by their round cap. Most are made of vitreous clay pipe and installed flush with the ground.  

An external entry point to the main sewer line makes the work of cleaning sewer lines or removing blockages easier. An outside cleanout helps prevent water and pipe damage, and if a problem does happen, it cuts your repair costs since the repair is done from inside the cleanout.

Inspect and fix old pipes

The probability of sewer backup increases with damaged lateral lines. The only way to be sure your sewer line is in good condition is to have it inspected by an expert once a year. If the line is damaged, you have three options for solving the problem. Lining the pipe is an effective way to solve minimal issues with the lines. For more serious issues the next option is pipe bursting. Both pipe bursting and pipe lining do not involve excavation. But if the problem is major, the only way to solve it may be to dig up the yard and replace the pipe.

Understanding Your Home Sewer System

sewer-system-chicago

You know your home has connections to a sewer system. The wastewater that comes from your home has to be going somewhere, and that place is not within your yard. But beyond this and the fact that there is an underground sewer line running from your home to the public sewer system, what else do you know about your home’s sewer system.

Most property owners know surprisingly little about how the various systems in their homes work, says East Bay Property Management. When they take the time to learn about the function of one of the building’s systems, the sewer system is often the last one they choose to educate themselves. Yet the sewer system is easily the most important in a house for keeping the home sanitary.

Knowing how your sewer system works will help you understand your home better and improve your ability to maintain it. It will make it easier to understand some of the obscure terms your plumber uses when explaining plumbing issues to you. Knowing how the sewer system works will also satisfy your curiosity about what happens after you flush the toilet.

Types of Wastewater Systems

Every time you wash your hand in the sink or flush your toilet, you create wastewater (known more correctly as sewage). Instead of the ground around your home or a nearby stream, this wastewater is channeled away from your property. There are three main reasons for this:

  • Unpleasant odors: Sewage has a strong foul odor that people find highly repulsive. Releasing sewage into the soil around the home or streams would make it hard to live on the property. Also, it would destroy the water in that stream.
  • Presence of harmful bacteria: Sewage contains harmful bacteria which can cause diseases if people come into contact with them. Releasing sewage into the ground around the home or nearby streams will let these harmful organisms find their way into the communal drinking water.
  • Dangerous chemicals and solids: Wastewater contains nitrogen and phosphates. These elements encourage algal bloom that disrupts marine ecosystems. The bacteria in wastewater will also deprive fish of oxygen. Furthermore, the solid materials in wastewater will pollute streams and make them murky.

    Septic tanks

Houses in rural areas have what is called a septic tank. These are large concrete or steel tanks buried near the home. Wastewater is channeled into the septic tank, where it is held until its contents decompose naturally. Septic tanks can hold up to 1,000 gallons of water. They are the preferred method for treating wastewater in these regions. That is because homes are so widely dispersed that a central sewer system would be too costly to install.

Urban wastewater systems

Urban areas use a centralized sewer system; wastewater from all the homes in the community is collected and channeled to a municipal wastewater treatment facility. Most homes have two separate sewer lines: a sanitary sewer and a storm sewer.

  • The sanitary sewer carries wastewater from the home to the city wastewater treatment.
  • The storm sewer takes the water (rain and snow) outside your house, bypasses the wastewater treatment to a stream, river, or lake.
  • The storm sewer may also connect to the sanitary sewer to create what is known as a combined sewer system.

Here is how the three systems work:

       Sanitary sewers

Here is how sanitary sewers work:

  • When the toilet in your home is flushed, or you wash dishes in the kitchen sink, the wastewater flows through small pipes into your home’s sewer line.
  • The sewer lines in your home are only large enough to carry human waste and toilet paper. They transport the wastewater out of your property into the sewer main in the street.
  • The sewer main moves this content until it reaches the wastewater treatment plant, where it is stripped of pollutants.
  • The treated water is then returned to the environment.
  • This system operates under the force of gravity, but in low-lying areas, pumps may be helpful.

    Storm sewers

These carry rainwater or melting snow from roads and roofs and transport the water to nearby water bodies. Here is how they work:

  • When it rains or when the snow melts, the water flows over the ground until it enters a storm sewer through a ditch, manhole, pipe, or storm drain inlet.
  • This wastewater bypasses the wastewater treatment plant. It is not treated but is carried directly to a stream or river.

    Combined sewers

Here, a single pipe transports wastewater and storm runoff water. In combined sewer systems, all the contents of the sewer pipes go to the wastewater treatment plant. In the dry season, when the volume of stormwater is low, this does not pose a problem. But in the wet season, water quantity in the systems may be so much that some will flow into rivers and streams. Combined sewer systems are not very efficient.

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