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Sewer Line Replacement

Not all sewage problems manifest themselves in the same ways. It's important to know all the signs and symptoms of a faulty sewage line so that you can have it replaced in a timely manner.

• Constant backups and slow drainage

One of the first things you'll notice with a damaged sewer line is that your toilets will back up and that water will drain very slowly. This likely means that there's a clog somewhere in your sewer line which can lead to a repair or replacement, depending on the damage.

• Unpleasant odors around your drain lines

You'll also notice the smell of sewage in places that shouldn't smell like sewage. Rank odors in your bathroom is one thing, but stink can occur in the kitchen and laundry areas as well. All the drain and sewer pipes in your home are connected, which means that smells can travel anywhere.

• Rodent or pest problems in your home

One of the more disturbing indicators that you have sewage problems is unexpected guests in your home. I'm not talking about friends and family, I'm referring to mice, rats, bugs, and insects. When there's enough damage in your sewer line in the form of a crack or a hole, these unwanted visitors can crawl through your line and into your home.

• Potholes, puddles, and yard growth

Because the sewer line runs under the ground in your yard, that's likely where you'll see the results of a line that's broken, cracked, or leaking. Water will seep up through the ground near a broken sewage line and you'll have unexpected puddles and potholes in no time. You'll also likely see grass and weeds flourish in areas where sewage has leaked out and is acting like a fertilizer for your yard.

It's important to pay attention to the inside and outside of your home for the signs and symptoms of a damaged sewage line.

Can I Replace My Own Sewer Line?

Replacing your own sewer line is extremely hard work and quite time-consuming. The line is located two to three feet underground and consists of pipes ranging anywhere from 4 to 6 inches in diameter. If you have an older home, these pipes are likely made of steel or cast iron, both of which are heavy, hard, and tough to work with.

It's also important to remember that there might be other plumbing and electrical conduit pipes under your yard. Digging into one of these pipes is illegal and will cause serious water or electrical damage to your property. If you don't have the tools or experience necessary to replace a sewer line, you should leave the job to the pros. Contact us at 1-800-Plumber to find out more about our sewer line repair and replacement crews.

Common Reasons That Sewer Lines Need to be Replaced

Obviously, the reason that a sewer line needs to be replaced is that it's damaged. However, there are a variety of reasons that can lead to this problem.

Blocks and Backups

Sometimes, blockages and backups in your line can be repaired. However, if the problem is too severe and widespread, an all-out replacement may be necessary.

Corrosion

Many older sewage lines were composed of steel, cast iron, and clay molding. While these materials were great at the time, installers didn't realize that they rust and corrode from the inside out. Depending on how old your sewage line is and what material it's made of, the pipes might be cracked and corroded.

Tree Roots

Another big problem with sewage lines is that they're susceptible to tree roots. As trees grow, their roots spread and can penetrate a nearby sewage line.

Old Age

Finally, old age can be the cause of your problem or a good reason to opt for replacement rather than repair. Sewage lines are meant to last 50+ years, but problems can occur before then. If you have an older home that frequently encounters sewage problems, it's a good investment to replace your sewage pipes.

What to Expect When Your Sewer Line is Being Replaced

Replacing your sewage lines is extremely important and necessary when there's a major problem. However, the process may disrupt your lifestyle for a few hours or days. Here's what to expect while your sewage lines are being replaced.

You Won't Have a Bathroom

Obviously, you won't be able to use your toilets or anything that results in water drainage. During the course of your sewer line replacement, your existing lines will be disconnected, which means no toilets, tubs, or sinks during the process.

Lots of Noise

Replacing a sewer line isn't a peaceful process by any means. The workers will likely be using trenchers, jackhammers, saws, and a variety of other noisy tools throughout the process.

A Substantial Mess

Along with lots of noise, you can expect a substantial mess, especially in your yard. To access the sewage line, workers will have to dig two to three feet into the ground. They're also working with sewage and wastewater, which means a smelly mess.

Who to Call for Sewer Line Replacement

If you're feeling down about your sewage line problems, you don't have to. Call the professional plumbers at 1-800-Plumber + Air, and we'll get your problem squared away as quickly as possible. We have the tools, expertise, and experience to know if your sewage line can be repaired or if a replacement is needed. Contact us to make an appointment and schedule our services today!

Visible Liquid and Solid Wastes

When wastewater backs up into drains and toilets, it can bring along with it solid wastes. These may appear as "sludge" or "muck," and they can smell terrible.

If you see this coming out of your drains, step away from it. Contact 1800 Plumber for emergency sewer service as soon as possible.

For starters, wastewater is full of pathogens, which are disease-causing organisms. Scientists say that many of these are parasites, as well as bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. They also note that one milliliter of sewage can contain 1,000 to 10 million virus particles.

Moldy Odors

Damaged and clogged sewers can make wastewater flow out of drains that you rarely use or see. These often include drains in the basement and guest rooms' baths.

Because there's less traffic in these areas of your home, you may not notice the backup right away.

Over time, however, the wastewater can give rise to mold development. Molds take as little as 24 to 48 hours to grow in damp and humid conditions. From there, they can spread and reproduce, giving the air in your home a "mold-like" odor.

So, aside from sewer smells, the air in your home may also smell like a pool or gym locker. It may also remind you of damp socks or stale bread.

If any of this sounds familiar, that's an indication that your sewer may need service. Do note, however, that leaks in your water supply line may also contribute to mold growth.

Wet Spots in the Garden

Sewer pipes can crack under the extra stress (and weight) of blockages. Tree roots can also encroach upon them, choking or even puncturing them.

Either way, such damages can cause the pipe to leak out wastewater. The more of it that comes out, the wetter the soil becomes.

In time, the water can reach the surface of the ground, causing visible wet spots. You may also notice actual pooled-up water on your garden or lawn.

If you've seen any of these symptoms, please don't hesitate to get in touch with 1-800- Plumber +Air. Our licensed plumbing technicians can come to your rescue any time of the day.