1-800-Plumber +Air
Professional Sewer Services

The first step in having a commercial sewage repair performed is knowing whether or not you have a problem in the first place. Not all sewage problems are apparent, and it's important to know what to look for. Catching sewer problems in their early stages increases the chance that your sewage system can be repaired rather than replaced. Here's what to look (and smell) for.

Foundation Cracks and Damage

If you start to notice cracks and damage around your foundation inside and outside your home, you have a big problem. Your sewer line is located under the ground, which means that it can push the soil tighter against the foundation when it leaks. This can lead to cracking and damage.

Backups and Slow Drainage

One of the first indicators you'll get with sewer damage is toilet blockages and slow drainage. Because the sewer lines and drain lines in your building are all connected, blockages and slow drainage can occur in any of your plumbing fixtures. It's important to note these problems and have them repaired before they can worsen.

Nasty Smells Throughout Your Building

Remember, because all the sewage and drain pipes are connected, you'll notice nasty odors anywhere that there's a drain. When your sewer is damaged, the lines will back up and sewage won't drain outside of your system. Backed-up sewage will stink, and there's nothing you can do to get rid of it outside of repairing the sewage problem.

Weird Noises in Your Drains

When sewer lines are blocked or clogged, they make strange bubbly noises when water tries to drain around the clogs. If you hear these types of noises around your drains, you likely have a blockage in your system.

If You Haven't Had a Sewer Treatment in Awhile

It's recommended that you have your sewage system treated once per year. If it's been a few years since your last treatment and you notice any of the above issues, you should contact us immediately for sewer treatment and repairs.

Common Problems with Commercial Sewage Systems

Commercial sewage systems, much like residential ones, aren't designed to last forever. On average, you should get 25 to 50 years out of your system before it needs to be replaced. During that time, however, you're likely to encounter one or more of the following problems.

Tree Roots Damaging Your Lines

If your commercial building is located near trees or a wooded area, a tree root may damage your sewer lines. Tree roots grow indiscriminately in all directions and they're strong enough to puncture a sewage line. A damaged sewer line will result in a problem with your entire system.

Grease or Food Blockages

Many people make the mistake of thinking that they can put anything down the sink and it will all be ok. Unfortunately, sewer lines aren't designed to handle things like grease, oil, and chunks of food. These things will often lead to blockages and clogs which will require repair by a skilled commercial plumber.

Foreign Objects

Aside from food-related items, there are a number of other things that can cause blockages in your sewer line. Hair, dirt, toiletries, and large amounts of toilet paper can all result in blockages that will need to be repaired.

Corrosion and Pipe Failure

Depending on how old your building is, it's possible that the pipes used during its construction have corroded. Older commercial buildings often used steel, cast iron, or composite clay materials in their sewage lines. These materials are great in the short term, but they corrode and break down with enough time. These damaged pipes will need to be repaired or replaced to get your system back up and running.

Can I Fix My Own Commercial Sewage System?

While it might be tempting to try to fix your sewer problem yourself, it's not a great idea. It's very possible to make the problem worse rather than better if you don't know what you're doing. Here are some reasons why going it alone isn't a good idea.

• You likely don't have the tools or experience necessary.

Commercial plumbers are skilled and experienced professionals with years of repairs under their belts. They also have the different tools and materials necessary to complete the project quickly and efficiently.

• You could make the problem worse.

Like I said before, you could potentially turn a simple repair into a sewer replacement if you don't know what you're doing. Not only will you not save money, but you'll also put your building at a huge inconvenience.

• Presents a potential safety hazard.

There are also a number of safety hazards in play. Salmonella, giardia, and methane gas are all present in sewage pipes and sewer systems. You might be unknowingly exposing the occupants of your commercial building to these dangerous substances.

• It could be against the law.

In most areas, there are codes and laws in place to prevent unlicensed individuals from performing repairs on commercial sewer systems. Attempting to fix a problem yourself could put you in violation of plumbing codes or even the law.

Who to Call for the Best Commercial Sewer Repair

When it comes to commercial sewer repairs, you should never attempt to fix the problem yourself. Instead, call the professionals at 1-800-Plumber + Air and we'll get the job done the right way. Our plumbers are skilled and licensed to perform any kind of sewer repair on commercial properties. We also offer 24-hour emergency service if your problem can't wait! Call us or visit our website to make an appointment.

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.