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How a Plumber Fixes Sewer Line Problems

Plumber Aurora CO installs and repairs the pipes that carry water, gas, waste, and other materials to and from homes and businesses. Their work requires knowledge of blueprints and building codes to properly place and connect pipes, fixtures, and appliances.

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Many plumbers are self-employed, which gives them flexibility in scheduling. However, they often must be available for emergency repairs.

Tree roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients found in sewer lines, which makes them a common cause of clogs, damage, and structural failure. Understanding how and why root intrusion occurs is the first step in preventing costly repairs and maintaining a healthy sewage system.

Roots invade sewer lines by entering through small cracks, holes, or misaligned joints in the pipes. Over time, these roots can grow rapidly, blocking the line and causing serious plumbing issues for homeowners. It’s essential to inspect your sewer line for signs of root intrusion, including slow draining sinks and tubs, toilets that don’t flush properly, and a foul smell coming from your drains or around your property.

A recurrent clog that won’t go away with a plunger or chemical drain cleaner is another sign of a problem with invading roots. The continuous growth of these roots can eventually lead to a complete blockage, resulting in sewage back-ups, water usage increases, and inflated utility bills.

Over time, the constant pressure of growing roots can also cause structural damage to the pipes. This can lead to cracks, breaks, and collapse, which can affect the entire sewage line for an entire neighborhood or city.

Regular sewer maintenance can help prevent this from happening, and you should avoid planting trees or shrubs near your sewer line. If you do have a tree near your sewer line, consider hiring a professional to install a protective barrier to deter the spread of roots. Also, upgrading your current sewer line to plastic that is less susceptible to damage from roots can be an effective long-term solution. If you’re unsure whether or not your sewer line is at risk from invasive tree roots, contact Harts Services to schedule a camera inspection today.

Sewer Line Damage

The sewer line runs underground, out of sight and mind for most homeowners until a problem arises. Damaged sewer lines can create a mess inside your home, putting you and your family at risk of disease and other health issues. Understanding the most common signs of sewer line damage can help you prevent costly repairs and keep your plumbing running smoothly.

If you notice that sewage is backing up into drain openings in your home, it’s time to call for professional help. A sewer leak can also cause significant structural problems in your home, including weakened walls and foundation cracks. A broken pipe can even lead to flooding and contaminated groundwater, which is very dangerous for your home and health.

Frequent clogs and blockages in your home are another clear sign of a failing sewer line. If your drains seem to clog quickly after you clean them, it’s likely because the sewer line is obstructed. If the problem keeps reoccurring, it’s best to call a plumber for a professional inspection.

A gurgling sound when you run your washing machine or toilet can also indicate a problem with the sewer line. These sounds are caused by air trapped in blocked pipes, which can’t flow properly through the system. Professionals use techniques like camera inspections to identify the root of the issue, then repair or replace the damaged section.

Traditional sewer line replacement can be expensive, and it requires extensive excavation work on your property. However, newer technologies like pipe lining and pipe bursting can minimize landscape disruption while reducing costs and installation time. The experts at Ben Franklin Plumbing can help you decide which solution is best for your situation and budget.

Leaking Pipes

Pipes are a vital part of your plumbing system, but they can get damaged for a number of reasons. One of the most common is corrosion, especially when they’re made of metal. Corrosion can eat through the pipe, causing it to leak.

A burst pipe can cause extensive water damage that requires a costly repair bill. The best way to prevent this is by having a plumber perform regular maintenance inspections. These will help to identify any potential problems before they become major issues.

When a pipe leaks, it can waste thousands of gallons of water and cause damage to your walls, floors and personal belongings. It’s important to find and address the leak as quickly as possible.

You can often spot a minor pipe leak by noticing damp patches on walls, floors or ceilings. You may also notice an increase in your water bill. A professional plumber can inspect your home’s pipes and fixtures to find the source of the leak and provide a permanent fix.

Some small leaks can be fixed with fiberglass tape or epoxy putting. You can also use adjustable pipe clamps to temporarily seal the leak until you can call a plumber. A professional can provide a permanent solution and ensure that the problem doesn’t return. A professional can also dry the affected area and check for further issues. Prevention is always the best approach when it comes to your plumbing system. Regular maintenance, including checking for signs of clogs, slow draining or high water pressure, can keep your pipes in good condition and avoid a costly plumbing emergency. You can also reduce the chances of leaks by having a professional install a pressure regulator on your main line and avoiding commercial-grade drain cleaners that can eat through pipes.

Leaks

The plumbing profession is all about separating clean water from harmful contaminants. That’s why plumbers are called on to build and repair long, traversing lines of pipes that transport freshwater, waste, and sewage throughout homes and businesses. Leaks in these systems are a major hazard that can lead to water damage, mold growth, and structural instability. The good news is that plumbers have a variety of tools at their disposal to detect and repair leaks as quickly and painlessly as possible.

When sewage backs up into toilets and drains, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with the sewer line. Plumbers can help restore proper flow by chopping through the blockage, or they can install new parts to fix the break.

Homeowners can help prevent sewer problems by keeping an eye on what goes down the drains (wet wipes are notorious for causing clogs) and using non-caustic cleaning solutions in their bathrooms. They should also schedule regular professional plumbing maintenance services to keep their home’s drains flowing freely.

For serious issues, a plumber can use infrared cameras to scan for water temperature variations that indicate the presence of a leak. They can also employ line-tracing gear to map out subterranean piping routes and pinpoint the exact location of a leak. Once they have the location, they can plan the most effective course of action for repairing it without damaging other pipes or your property.

Drain Cleaning

Taking a proactive approach to drain maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid inconvenient and costly clogs. Clogged drains and sewer lines can lead to water waste, property damage and nasty, pervasive odors that diminish home comfort. Scheduled drain cleaning with your plumber helps prevent these issues and provides peace of mind that your plumbing system is working properly.

Using DIY solutions like a plunger or chemical drain cleaner can actually make clogs worse by causing pipe corrosion and harming the health of your plumbing system. Instead, a licensed plumber has the tools and expertise to dislodge even the most stubborn of blockages with minimal fuss.

For minor clogs, a plumber may use a drain snake or drain auger to break up and pull out the obstruction, allowing for normal drain flow. For more persistent clogs, hydrojetting may be needed. This process uses high-pressure water to blast through clogs and clear entire sections of your pipes, helping your plumbing system run smoothly for years to come.

A good plumber will be able to assess whether your clog is caused by hair, gunk or other debris, and offer you a solution that will work best for your home and budget. They will also be able to identify the root cause of your clog, which could indicate a larger problem with your plumbing system.

If you are looking for a long-term solution to your drain issues, consider switching from chemical cleaners to an eco-friendly enzyme-based drain cleaner. These products use natural ingredients to break down organic materials without corroding your pipes, and they are safe for the environment as well. By regularly using an enzyme drain cleaner, you can keep your plumbing in top shape and avoid the need for costly repairs down the road.