Tag Archives: sewer rodding

Unveiling the Secrets of Successful Sewer Rodding: A Homeowner’s Guide

a sewer rodding being performed in chicago.

The Importance of Sewer Rodding

As a homeowner, it is essential to understand the importance of regular sewer rodding and maintenance to ensure the smooth operation of your plumbing system. By taking proactive measures and addressing any issues promptly, you can prevent costly and inconvenient sewer backups.

Understanding Sewer Rodding

Sewer rodding is the process of clearing blockages and obstructions in your sewer lines using specialized tools, such as a sewer snake or auger. The sewer snake is a long, flexible tool that can reach deep into the sewer pipes to break up clogs and debris.

This process is crucial as accumulated debris, grease, tree roots, and other foreign objects can obstruct the free flow of wastewater through your sewer lines. If left unaddressed, these blockages can lead to sewage backups and potential damage to your home’s plumbing system.

Signs That Your Sewer Lines Need Rodding

It is important to be aware of the signs that indicate your sewer lines may need rodding. By recognizing these signs early on, you can take the necessary steps to prevent major plumbing issues.

Here are some common signs that your sewer lines may be in need of rodding:

  • Slow draining sinks, showers, or bathtubs
  • Gurgling noises coming from your pipes
  • Unpleasant odors coming from drains
  • Sewage backups or water pooling in your basement or yard
  • Multiple drains clogging simultaneously
sewer rodding service being executed in lincoln park chicago il.

Once the blockage has been identified, the plumber will use a sewer snake or auger to break up the debris and clear the obstruction.

The Sewer Rodding Process

When hiring a professional plumber to perform sewer rodding, they will follow a systematic process to ensure effective results. Here is a breakdown of the typical sewer rodding process:

1. Inspection:

The plumber will inspect your sewer lines using a video camera to identify the location and nature of the blockage. This step helps them determine the most appropriate approach for clearing the obstruction.

2. Clearing the Blockage:

Once the blockage has been identified, the plumber will use a sewer snake or auger to break up the debris and clear the obstruction. The length and size of the sewer snake used will depend on the severity and location of the blockage.

3. Hydro Jetting (Optional):

In some cases, hydro jetting may be necessary to thoroughly clean the inside of your sewer pipes. This process involves using high-pressure water to flush out any remaining debris and buildup along the walls of the pipes.

4. Inspection and Testing:

After the blockage has been cleared, the plumber will perform another video inspection to ensure the sewer lines are free of any remaining debris or obstructions. This step helps confirm the success of the rodding process.

Benefits of Regular Sewer Rodding

Maintaining a regular sewer rodding schedule offers several benefits for homeowners:

1. Prevents Costly Repairs:

Regular rodding helps prevent major sewer line issues that can lead to expensive repairs. By addressing clogs and blockages early on, you can avoid the need for extensive excavation or replacement of damaged pipes.

2. Extends the Lifespan of Your Sewer System:

Proper maintenance, including regular rodding, can extend the lifespan of your sewer system. Removing debris and preventing buildup ensures the smooth flow of wastewater, reducing the strain on your pipes and minimizing the risk of premature deterioration.

3. Reduces the Risk of Sewer Backups:

Clogged sewer lines are prone to backups, which can lead to extensive water damage in your home. Regular rodding helps prevent these backups, protecting your property and belongings from potential harm.

4. Maintains Proper Drainage:

A well-maintained sewer system ensures proper drainage, preventing excess water from pooling in your yard or basement. This helps maintain a dry and healthy living environment.

5. Preserves Water Quality:

Blockages in sewer lines can cause contaminants to seep into groundwater, affecting the quality of your water supply. Regular rodding helps prevent these contaminants from entering your water system, preserving water quality for your household.

a professional plumber performing a sewer line rodding in chicago.

Look for professionals who specialize in sewer services and possess the necessary knowledge and skills to handle any issues that may arise.

Finding a Reliable Plumbing Professional

When it comes to sewer rodding, it is crucial to hire a reliable and reputable plumbing professional. Consider the following factors when selecting a plumber for your sewer maintenance needs:

1. Experience and Expertise:

Choose a plumber with extensive experience in sewer rodding and maintenance. Look for professionals who specialize in sewer services and possess the necessary knowledge and skills to handle any issues that may arise.

2. Proper Licensing and Insurance:

Ensure that the plumber you hire holds the appropriate licenses and insurance coverage. This protects both you and the plumber in case of any accidents or damages during the rodding process.

3. References and Reviews:

Read customer reviews and ask for references from previous clients. A reputable plumber will have positive reviews and be willing to provide references to demonstrate their track record of satisfied customers.

4. Transparent Pricing:

Obtain multiple quotes and ensure the plumber provides a detailed breakdown of the costs involved. Beware of unusually low prices, as they may indicate subpar service or additional hidden charges.

Maintaining a Sewer Rodding Schedule

Once you have cleared any existing sewer blockages, it is essential to establish a regular rodding schedule to prevent future issues. Consult with your plumber to determine the appropriate frequency for rodding based on your specific circumstances.

Factors that can influence the frequency of rodding include:

  • Age of the sewer system
  • Surrounding vegetation and tree roots
  • Living in an area prone to heavy rainfall
  • Usage patterns and household size

In Conclusion

Regular sewer rodding is an essential aspect of maintaining a well-functioning plumbing system and protecting your home from sewer backups and water damage. By understanding the process and benefits of sewer rodding, you can make informed decisions as a homeowner and ensure the longevity of your sewer system.

The Sewer Line Rooter Service Process in Chicago

a sewer line rooter service happening in chicago.

The Importance of Sewer Line Rooter Service in Chicago

When it comes to maintaining the functionality of your home or business’s plumbing system, there are few services as crucial as sewer line rooter service. The sewer line is responsible for carrying wastewater away from your property and into the main sewer system. Over time, this line can become blocked or clogged with debris, roots, or other obstructions, leading to a range of problems from foul odors to sewage backups.

The Sewer Line Rooter Service Process

If you suspect that your sewer line is experiencing issues, it is essential to understand the rooter service process. In the bustling city of Chicago, sewer line problems are not uncommon due to the older infrastructure and frequent tree growth. The rooter service process involves the following steps:

1. Initial Assessment

The first step in the sewer line rooter service process is conducting an initial assessment of the situation. A professional plumber will visit your property to inspect the sewer line and identify the root cause of the problem. In Chicago, this often involves maneuvering through the city’s underground network of pipes and drains.

2. Equipment Preparation

Once the assessment is complete, the plumber will gather the necessary equipment for the rooter service. Rooter machines, also known as drain snakes, are commonly used to clear blockages from sewer lines. These flexible cables are inserted into the sewer line, and their rotating blades help break up the obstructions.

3. Clearing the Blockage

With the equipment ready, the plumber will begin the process of clearing the blockage. The rooter machine’s cable is carefully inserted into the sewer line through an access point, such as a cleanout or an inspection chamber. As the cable is fed in, the rotating blades will break apart the debris, roots, or other obstructions, allowing the wastewater to flow freely again.

4. Inspection and Maintenance

After the blockage has been cleared, the plumber will perform a thorough camera inspection of the sewer line to ensure that there are no additional issues. In some cases, the roots may have caused damage to the line, such as cracks or leaks. If any problems are identified, the plumber will discuss the necessary maintenance or repairs with the homeowner or business owner.

a plumber performing rooter services in chicago.

Rooter service ensures the smooth flow of wastewater away from your property, eliminating the chances of backups.

Benefits of Sewer Line Rooter Service

Now that we understand the process of sewer line rooter service, let’s explore the benefits it provides to property owners in Chicago:

1. Prevents Costly Repairs

Regular sewer line rooter service is an excellent preventive measure to avoid costly repairs in the future. By clearing out debris and roots, you can maintain the integrity of your sewer line and prevent damage that can lead to major repairs or replacement.

2. Eliminates Foul Odors

Sewer line issues often result in foul odors emanating from drains or toilets. Rooted sewer line service resolves these odors by removing the cause of the problem. This can significantly improve the indoor air quality of your property.

3. Prevents Sewage Backups

One of the most significant concerns with a blocked sewer line is the potential for sewage backups. These backups not only cause inconvenience and property damage but also pose health risks to the occupants. Rooter service ensures the smooth flow of wastewater away from your property, eliminating the chances of backups.

4. Increases Water Efficiency

A clogged sewer line often leads to slow drainage and water backups, making it challenging to use plumbing fixtures efficiently. By removing blockages, rooter service allows water to flow freely, promoting better water efficiency and reducing wastage.

5. Maintains Healthy Trees and Landscaping

In Chicago, tree roots are a significant cause of sewer line blockages. Regular rooter service helps prevent root intrusion into the sewer line, maintaining the health of your trees and landscaping. This service also eliminates the need for extensive tree root removal, which can be costly and disruptive.

6. Extends the Lifespan of your Sewer Line

By addressing blockages and issues promptly, sewer line rooter service can significantly extend the lifespan of your sewer line. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent severe damage, deterioration, and the need for premature replacement.

a plumber clearing a drain with drain rooter service in chicago.

Sewer line rooter service is a vital aspect of maintaining the functionality and integrity of your plumbing system in Chicago.

Choosing the Right Sewer Line Rooter Service Provider

When it comes to sewer line rooter service in Chicago, it is crucial to choose a reputable and experienced service provider. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a company:

1. Expertise and Experience

Look for a company with extensive experience in sewer line rooter service. Knowledge of Chicago’s unique plumbing challenges and infrastructure will ensure the most effective and efficient solution for your property.

2. Licensed and Insured

Always choose a service provider that is licensed and insured. This protects you from any liability in case of accidents or damage during the rooter service process.

3. Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Read customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of service provided by the company. Look for consistently positive feedback and references from satisfied customers.

4. Emergency Services

Plumbing emergencies can occur at any time, so it is vital to choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency plumber services. A quick response time can minimize the damage caused by sewer line issues.

5. Transparent Pricing

Obtain multiple quotes from different companies and compare their prices and service offerings. Ensure that the company provides transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Conclusion

Sewer line rooter service is a vital aspect of maintaining the functionality and integrity of your plumbing system in Chicago. By addressing blockages, clearing debris, and preventing further damage, this service ensures the smooth flow of wastewater and protects your property from potential hazards. Choose a reputable and experienced service provider to benefit from efficient and effective rooter service that meets the unique challenges posed by Chicago’s plumbing infrastructure.

Interested in rooter services in Chicago or Suburbs? Contact us below!

How to Choose the Right Sewer Rodding Service for Your Needs

choose the right sewer rodding service.

Sewer-rodding is a drain-cleaning method that is highly effective for dealing with stubborn clogs and removing debris from hard-to-reach areas of the home and commercial drains. Sewer-rodding utilizes sets of flexible rods that are guided into the drain to remove the clogs.

How does sewer rodding work?

Sewer-rodding equipment comprises a sewer-rodding machine, a roll of flexible metal rods and a metal cutting head. The cutting head is attached to the end of the rod before it is inserted through a manhole, cleanout, sink opening and any opening from which the drains can be accessed.

The sewer-rodding machine feeds the rod into the drainpipe, while simultaneously spinning the cutting head to cut through any blockages inside the pipes.  The size and type of cutting head used depend on the diameter of the pipe being cleaned and the severity of the clog.

Sewer-rodding works for small and large pipes in residential, commercial and industrial drain systems. You can use this method for simple jobs like cleaning a sink or shower drain and for more-complex drain-cleaning operations like clearing blockages from your main sewer line.

What are the signs that you may need a sewer rodding service?

If you are seeing any of the following signs in your home, MTD Management experts advises you should hire a sewer-rodding service:

  • Several drains in the home are slow at the same time
  • Frequent backups in your toilets, showers, or tubs
  • Unexpected reactions in other drains when you use the toilet, shower or dishwasher.
  • Sewer odors inside or around the home

Given that sewer rodding involves inserting a metal rod into your drainpipes, is it safe? Sewer-rodding is a safe method for cleaning your drains, but a lot depends on the quality of the sewer rodding service you hire. What should you do when hiring a sewer rodding service?

making an agreement.

How to choose the appropriate sewer rodding service

How long have they been in business?

You only want to talk to companies that have been active in your locality for a long time. It is hard to remain in business in a locality where everyone knows you unless your services are good. Do your best to avoid new companies.

Licensing and certifications

Is the company licensed by the city? Is their license up-to-date? Are they recognized members of the local chapter of their professional body? What is their relationship with local suppliers and contractors?

References and reviews

One reason to limit yourself to a local service is it is easier to get information about the company. Ask the plumber for a list of recent customers; these should be people who live within the area. Also, check online reviews and ratings. Look out for negative reviews and how the company responds.

Their team and equipment

Who are the owners of the company, and what are their qualifications? How many employees do they have? Do they have more full-time staff than part-time workers, or vice-versa? Do they do background checks for their staff?

Ask about their methods

Will they physically inspect your drains before giving you an estimate for the job, or will they give you an estimate over the phone? When they visit your home, will they do a sewer camera inspection as part of their processes for assessing the problem?

Ask for a transparent estimate

Getting estimates from several companies will give you a basis for comparing different sewer-rodding services. If they are a reputable company, they should have no problems with providing an estimate. Study the estimate to see if it is comprehensive and transparent.

Are they insured and bonded?

A reputable sewer-rodding company will have enough insurance to shield you from personal liability if one of their workers is injured while working in your home. They should also have adequate property insurance to cover possible damage to your home.

Do they offer a Guarantee?

How long can you expect your drains to stay clean after sewer rodding? If there is a problem soon after the drain is cleaned, what will the company do? Will you be required to pay a second time to have the drain cleaned again? How long does the guarantee last?

a signed contract.

Request a sample of the contract

Ask if they are willing to give you a written contract. A reputable sewer-rodding service will not have problems with this. They should also be willing to provide a sample of the contract. When you get the sample contract, look for the exit clause and what happens if something goes wrong during the job.

How responsive are they?

Pay close attention to how a sewer-rodding service responds to your questions. Are they abrupt with their answers or unwilling to provide details? Do they reply to emails and chats promptly? Do you feel comfortable talking with them?

Finally, to make it easier to hire the best sewer-rodding service, do the above steps simultaneously with at least three companies.

What is Sewer Line Rodding?

If you have ever heard of sewer rodding and are wondering what it is and if it is what you need for the persistent blockages in your home’s drains, then you are in the right place. This post will tell you everything you need to know about sewer rodding and when to use this drain cleaning method.

What is sewer rodding?

Sewer rodding is one of the most effective methods used by professional plumbers to clear obstructions from blocked or restricted sewer lines. As Five Star Management explains, the superiority of sewer rodding over drain-cleaning methods, like snaking, is that sewer rodding will remove the most stubborn clogs from your drainpipes.

That is because sewer rodding can access blockages deep inside the sewer, unlike some methods that only work for blockages close to the drain opening. Additionally, sewer rodding will clear away all kinds of blockage inside the pipes, whether caused by sludge or tree roots.

How does sewer rodding work?

Sewer rodding is done with a rodding machine which consists of a drum machine with flexible polypropene rods or metal cables attached to it and cutter heads of various sizes connected to the head of those rods. This line is inserted into the sewer line and used to clear blockages from the sewer line.

The drum machine is switched on after the sewer rod is passed into the drain opening. The machine then pushes the rod with the spinning blade at its end into the drainpipe until it reaches the location of the blockage. This rod is flexible enough to go through the pipes yet strong enough to remove debris.

The cutter head’s speed varies according to the kind of debris inside the sewer line. The sharp blades of the cutter head give it enough power to shear away even tree roots. The size of the cutter head used for the operation depends on the size of the pipe and the kind of blockage inside the line. Sometimes different sizes of cutter heads are used during a single operation.

The goal of rodding a sewer line is to break up the debris inside the sewer line. Once rodding is completed and the debris is broken up, water can flow freely inside the pipe and wash the loose debris out into the main sewer line. A video camera inspection is often done before rodding the sewer line.

The sewer video camera inspection allows the professional plumber to see the condition of the sewer line, pinpoint the blockage’s location, and determine what is causing the blockage. Doing a sewer camera inspection before rodding a sewer line makes rodding quicker and produces lasting results.

Advantages of sewer rodding

 

  • Sewer rodding is a flexible solution

Sewer rodding is highly versatile. It can be used in virtually any drainpipe size and for all blockages. This method works perfectly for small as well as large pipes. You can clear clogs close to the drain opening or deep inside the sewer. It works for sinks, showers, and mainline sewer pipes.

  • Sewer rodding is safe

Sewer rodding will not harm your sewer lines. Rodding your drainpipes will not cause any damage to the pipes. If you have fragile old pipes, you may want to use sewer rodding to clear any clogs inside them. Methods like hydro-jetting will only end up damaging already weak pipes from old age.

  • Sewer rodding is affordable

Sewer rodding is a cost-effective yet highly effective method for keeping drainpipes functional and healthy. Sewer rodding equipment is small enough to be used inside a small room. The procedure is often faster and more affordable than elaborate sewer cleaning methods.

Do you need sewer rodding?

Here is how to know if your home or business needs sewer rodding:

  • Are you dealing with stubborn drain issues that keep coming back despite your best efforts? For instance, does your home or office experience frequent sink backups or backups in the toilet? A video camera inspection can help to diagnose the problem, and sewer rodding can help you solve it.

  • If you have a problem with tree roots inside your sewer lines, you can solve the problem by rodding the sewer line. Short of removing the offending trees or plants, the only way to solve this problem is to regularly clean the drainpipes by rodding your sewers.

  • Sewer rodding is not just a method for correcting problems within the sewer line, it can be used as a preventive measure. Periodic sewer rodding offers an affordable way to keep sewer blockages at bay. Done often enough, sewer rodding can prolong the life of your sewer system.

  • Do you have older sewer systems, and are you experiencing persistent issues with the sewer line? Old sewer lines are fragile and easily damaged. They do not respond well to vigorous drain-cleaning methods like hydro-jetting. On the other hand, sewer rodding will gently and safely clean your old sewer lines.

How to Auger your Sewer Line

a sewer line being augered in chicago

Your home’s main sewer lines transport all the wastewater from the plumbing fixtures in your home to the main sewer lines in the street, explains Keyrenter Management Austin. Sewer lines sometimes get clogged with tree roots, FOGs (fats, oils, and grease), soil, food waste, and other debris.

When this happens, one way to solve the problem is to auger the sewer line. This method is safe, low-cost, and effective for most blockages. It doesn’t take a lot of time to auger your sewer line. Although you can do it yourself, it is best to hire a plumber to do it.

How to auger a sewer line

Step one 

Rent a power or motorized auger from a local tool rental shop. They typically have a 100-foot+ cable attached to a heavy-duty electric motor that feeds the cable onto the sewer line. Power augers are used for cleaning 3-inch – 4-inch sewer pipes.

Step two 

Locate the main cleanout access. You can find this in the basement, bathroom, utility area, or outside, depending on the age of your house. You can identify it by the cleanout cap on top of it. Loosen the cap with a wrench. You will need plastic gloves for this job. Make sure there are no clothes around or long hair that can get into the cable guide and cause problems.

Step three 

Open the cleanout access and gently insert the cable guide and cutter head into the hole. A power auger comes with various sizes of cutter heads. If your sewer line has not been cleaned in a long time or is completely blocked, you may want to start with a smaller cutter head. That will let you poke holes in whatever clogs are inside the line. You may then use the larger cutter heads to remove the clog. If you use the larger cutter heads at first, you will struggle to get the job done.

Step four 

Before you power on the auger, check the switch that controls the drum rotation and direction of the cutter head. It will show three options; off, reverse, and forward. You want to make sure the switch is set forward. Check the auto-feed control for the machine. It controls the direction of the cable (whether it is going into or out of the pipe). Make sure the cable is set to go into the sewer line and not out of it.

Step five 

To power on the machine, you either kneel or step on the foot switch (an air-activated switch with a large bulb used in place of an electric control to prevent electric shocks on wet floors). Before you start the machine, it is a good idea to lay rags around the cleanout and remove any objects in the area that you don’t want to get splashed with sewage.

Step six 

As the cable starts to feed into the sewer line, keep an eye on the rate at which it enters the pipe. If there is a massive obstruction in the pipe, the cable may start to slow down. If this happens, slow or stop the cable completely. Let the cutter head rotate in that spot until it clears the blockage.

Step seven 

Keep feeding the cable into the line until you reach the end of the service line. The length of the sewer line in most homes is around 85 – 90 feet. If you rented a power auger with a 100 feet cable, that is more than enough to go through your entire sewer line to the main sewer line in the street. When the cable reaches the end of the line, it might skip a bit or make a louder noise. Let it rotate for a while before you stop it.

Step eight 

Allow the cable to run all the way out until there is no cable left on the drum. Once this happens, you may switch off the machine. Put the auto-feed control into reverse and start the motor again. This time the cable will retract from the sewer line; move in the reverse direction.

Step nine 

Watch the cable as it returns. Listen for when you can hear the cutter-head spinning inside the line; this means you are almost at the end of the line. You want to turn off the machine as soon as you see tree roots or debris stuck to the cable. Gently pull the rest of the cable out of the pipe to see if you have anything caught on the cutter head.

That is how to auger your sewer line to rid clogs and blockages within the pipes. Note that you do not have to wait until you have a clog to do this. You can do this periodically as preventative maintenance for the main sewer line; as a matter of fact, it is recommended.

Sewer Back-Ups Causes and Quick Fixes

Sewer Back-Ups

Sewer Back-Ups Causes and Quick Fixes – The sewer system is necessary for urban infrastructure because it helps maintain a healthy and safe environment. Carrying away wastewater helps keep the environment secure from flooding and helps stop the spread of water-borne diseases. Therefore, it could be troublesome if a sewer backup is in your home.   

The sewage system is a vital component of your commercial building since it is responsible for adequately disposing of wastewater away from the property. By strategically discarding waste, it is crucial to keep it well-maintained to avoid issues affecting its functionality. 

Although the primary function of a sewer is to circulate wastewater, a commercial system is complex and requires maintenance and professional services. Installing plastic access doors and panels will allow convenient access to these critical fixtures whenever there is a need for repairs and maintenance. 

But what are the common causes of backed-up sewers, and what can we do to fix and prevent it from happening again? Keep on reading to find out more!  

Cause #1 Clogs or Blockages  

Does your sink drain water slowly? Are there unfamiliar gurgling noises when you flush the toilet? These common signs could indicate clogged drains. Clogs mainly develop over time and are a product of a blockage that restricts the water flow from your drainpipes, impacting the plumbing throughout your entire home or establishment.   

Clogged drains can affect multiple fixtures such as sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, and sprinkler systems. Raw sewage could travel back into your drainpipes and your plumbing fixtures from the septic tank or the main sewer lines if the clogs become severe. The situation can get messy, and you would want to contact your local plumber right away for a possible hydro-jetting service.

Drain clogs are usually a long process of material buildup in your drains. Here are some of the common materials that can clog your pipes: 

  • Hair  
  • Solidified grease  
  • Baby wipes and feminine hygiene products  
  • Extra-thick toilet paper, facial tissues, towels, and other wiping products.   
  • Dental floss and cotton swabs  
  • Products labeled non-flushable 

You can place a drain strainer in your bathroom drains or sinks to prevent materials from falling into your drainpipes to prevent clogs from occurring. Also, make sure to dispose of hygienic products properly and, as much as possible, minimize the amount of toilet paper that you flush down your toilet.  

Cause #2 Tree Roots  

Tree root invasion happens when trees and plant roots penetrate your sewage system, growing through your plumbing pipes or crawling around and crushing the lines, searching for the water that flows inside.  

The tree root invasion process is usually slow, but it could speed up if your lines are in bad condition, with holes or cracks that conveniently allow the roots to enter the drain. 

To prevent yourself from dealing with this situation, you should estimate the suitable area if you’re planning to plant a tree within your property. It will vary depending on the type of plant and its growth rate. Ensure that the site you choose will not interfere with your plumbing pipes.  

Cause #3 Main Sewer Line Blockage 

A blockage in your sewer system usually occurs in the main sewer line owned and maintained by your city. The sudden backup caused by a clog is similar to what you experience during a household blockage. It can also be due to insufficient design capacity if your area encounters serious growth.  

The problem becomes prominent if a community has difficulties with the sewers after heavy rainfall. The main sewer blockage will continuously affect your plumbing in the entire house or establishment, rather than affecting just one drain.   

To decrease the damage, once there is a block in your main sewer line, shut off all water supplies in your home or establishment and shield drain openings with material that can absorb the liquid.  

Final Thoughts 

Although these valuable tips are practical and helpful, you should immediately contact a professional sewer cleaning plumber if nothing changes. There could potentially be a more severe cause for the blockage, which would require a possible sewer repair service. 

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.

Importance of Drain Cleaning

 

Importance of Drain Cleaning

Drains are among the most neglected parts of the home’s plumbing systems. The drains in your home are often out of sight – buried deep inside the ground. As a result, they don’t typically feature in most homeowners’ maintenance plans. Moreover, drains are not the most pleasant home features. They harbor smelly bacteria-laden water, so it is typical to avoid them.

But those smelly drains in your home serve a vital purpose. Issues with the drains can disrupt your lifestyle or even damage your property, warns SCUDOre.com. Everyday household activities, such as taking a refreshing shower in the morning or washing the dishes, can come to a screeching halt when the drains in the home malfunction. Furthermore, issues with the drains can result in damage to your home’s interior and landscaping.

Every single day, the following materials go down the drains in your home:

  • Different kinds of food particles and grease when you wash the dishes.
  • Soap, hair, and all kinds of dirt; when you take a shower or wash your hands at the sink.
  • Human waste from every time you use the toilet.

These go into the drains and cause build-ups. It eventually gets to the point when the collection prevents the proper functioning of the drain, such as when you have a blockage. But build-ups are not the only problems your drains can have. Several other artificial and natural issues can interfere with the drain’s performance.

But all these issues can be solved or prevented by cleaning your drains on a schedule. How often should you clean your drains, and what are the benefits of doing so?

Five good reasons to clean your drains

Reduce the risk of blockages

Blockages in the drains can be very costly in terms of how much damage they do to your home and the inconvenience they cause. Some of the possible outcomes of blocked drains are flooding from the bathroom drain or overflowing toilet, disgusting sewer backups, the possibility of damage to your lawn, and costly pipe replacements. The only way to take control and prevent these issues is to clean your drains regularly.

Reduce the risk of terrible odors in your home

The horrible smell emanating from the drains is typical because the drain carries wastewater. But these odors do not have to get into your home. Horrible odors from the drain find their way into your home when components of the drain stop working or are damaged. Regular cleaning of your drains not only gives you the chance to address the build-up that causes terrible odors but also lets you discover problems early and deal with them before they become plumbing emergencies.

Reduced risk of costly repairs

The tiniest issues can become big problems if you allow them to go on long enough. One thing you do not want in your home is an emergency due to problems with the drain. There is no telling how much such problems will eventually cost. It is easier to remove sludge from your pipes than to pay the financial consequences of a blockage, especially when it results in property damage. It is cheaper to remove harmful tree roots than replace the sewer line after roots destroy them.

Improve indoor air quality and health

By cleaning your drains regularly, you eliminate the risk of your family exposure to toxic bacteria-laden gases from the drains. These gases have a negative impact on your indoor air quality. Drain cleaning also eliminates the possibility of releasing disease-causing wastewater into your home. Cleaning the drains will keep your home sanitary and safe for everyone who lives in it. The cost of keeping the drains open does not compare to the financial and emotional toll ill health can take on you.

Prolong the lifespan of your drain

You can prevent most of the issues that shorten your drain’s lifespan by cleaning it on a schedule. Leaks and other problems become common when build-up inside the pipes is unchecked. The result is that the pipes will fail before the end of their estimated lifespan. Conversely, you can stretch the usefulness of your drain pipes beyond their lifespan by keeping them free of build-up.

How often should you clean your drains?

As a rule, clean the drains once every year. Do this whether there are issues with the drain or not. Cleaning your drain every year is a preventive step to help you avoid problems. You may need to clean the drains more than once a year or less than once a year. It all depends on the size of your household. Bigger households often need to have their drains cleaned more than once a year. Small families can afford to clean their drains less regularly.

hydro-jetting-drain-cleaning

The Absolute Best Drain Cleaning Method is Known as Hydro-Jetting

Snaking vs Water Jetting: Which Drain Cleaning Should You Choose?

You have probably encountered this situation at least once in your life:

You know that mixture of irritation and dismay when you are standing inside the shower in your home with your feet half-buried in dirty bathwater. You are almost halfway through your usual routine of taking a shower, but this time something about the experience is different. The water washing down your body is collecting around your feet, instead of washing down the drain.

Snaking vs Water Jetting

This problem doesn’t only happen in the shower, you can also have the same issue with your kitchen sink. But the worst kind of drain clog to experience in the home is with the toilet. You remember that disgusting feeling of looking into the dirty water swirling inside the toilet bowl, as it slowly increases in volume with revolting human waste floating on its surface. 

Clearly, when you have these kinds of problems, you know your toilet or shower drain is clogged but what is the best way to solve the problem? If you are the typical homeowner, you will have a drain snake somewhere in the home. Your initial reaction will be to try to clear the blockage with the snake. Landlords usually do this too when they receive complains from tenants. But before you do that, you may want to read the rest of this post.

When to Use a Drain Snake and Why

A drain snake is one of the simplest tools for unclogging a drain. The beauty of drain snakes is they are easy to use and mostly don’t require a source of power. All that is needed is to pass the snake into the opening of the drain and prod or twist until the water starts flowing again. But in spite of their simplicity, drain snakes have certain flaws.

The problem with using a drain snake

  • The chief limitation of a drain snake is you can only use this method for clogs that are very close to the drain opening.
  • Secondly, drain snakes are completely ineffective for removing certain types of drain clogs. For instance, if the material clogging the drain is sludge or some kind of slurry a drain snake will not solve the issue. The most it can do is poke a hole in the blockage.
  • A drain snake can worsen the clog by pushing the obstruction further into the drain or jamming it tighter, thus making it harder to remove.
  • Using a drain snake can damage your pipes. If you push too hard with a drain snake you can weaken the joints in your drainpipes or even punch a hole in the pipe.

When should you use a drain snake?

Use a drain snake if:

  • The clog is not recurring. It is not a problem you encounter often. If the issue happens frequently, it has gone beyond what drain snaking can fix.
  • The cause of the clog is near the opening of the drain. If you can see the object blocking the drain, using a drain snake is a good way to unclog your drain.
  • Your pipes are not old. The risk of pipe damage via drain snaking increases with the age of your pipes. Older pipes have thinner walls that are likely to spring leaks after snaking.

You are probably wondering; if you cannot use a drain snake in these situations, what is the recommended method for unclogging a blocked drain?

Water Jetting and Why You Should Use It for Drain Cleaning

water-jetting-service

Water jetting is a drain cleaning technique that uses pressurized water. A high-pressure hose with a special nozzle at one end is inserted into the drain. The other end is connected to a machine that sends a powerful stream of water into the drain to clear clogs inside the pipes. Water jetting does not have all the shortcomings associated with drain snaking.

Pros of water jetting

  • Water jetting uses only water. There is no risk of a pointed tip poking a hole in your pipes as is the case with a drain snake.
  • Water jetting is effective for removing obstructions, no matter how deep inside the drain they are located. Water jetting will make small work of sludge and similar obstructions.
  • Water jetting will completely shear away tree roots that have invaded the pipes and balled up inside it.
  • You can use this water jetting for cleaning any size of drain or sewer pipe.
  • Unlike drain snaking which only clears a section of the pipe (if it helps at all), water jetting will clean the entire drain line.

When should you use water jetting instead of drain snaking?

Water jetting is the preferred method in the following circumstances:

  • You have a clog that has persisted for a long time.
  • The clog is located deep inside the drain and snaking the drain has not helped.
  • You suspect that you may have tree roots obstructing the pipes.
  • You want to clear your drain and sewer pipes as part of the maintenance schedule for your home’s plumbing systems.