When costs are totaled, trenchless sewer pair can be more economical than conventional sewer replacement options. Also, because this option is less invasive, you can avoid the disruption that’s associated with tearing up a long trench through your landscaping.
Trenchless sewer repair can cost more than conventional digging options. However, this service is often cost-effective because it can prevent the need for expensive restorative work afterward. Also, when it comes to traditional trenching, the process can require that the street in front of your home be dug up. The costs of rerouting traffic or repairing any city-owned property that’s damaged during this process can be quite costly, making trenchless repairs the better choice in many cases.
Because they haven’t heard of this option before, many homeowners assume that a trenchless sewer repair is a new option. However, this plumbing technology has been around for about 15 years.
Pipe bursting and pipelining are the 2 most common options for trenchless sewer repair. During the pipe bursting process, a new pipe is sent through the old one to replace it and burst it outward simultaneously. For pipelining, a flexible, resin-coated tube is pulled through the old pipe and inflated. Then, the resin hardens to create a new pipe inside of the damaged one.
Several factors can affect your home’s plumbing and result in sewer line problems. Are you dealing with sewage backup and wondering if you need sewer repair or replacement? If so, then continue reading to learn about some of the most common causes of sewer backups.
Roots
Many homeowners are surprised to discover how much damage tree roots can inflict on their sewer line. Sensing moisture and nutrients, it’s common for tree roots to grow toward plumbing. Once the roots reach a pipe, they can sometimes work their way inside through a small opening and then continue growing. Eventually, the roots can damage the pipe or clog it up.
Debris
If your sewer line has what is called bellies, which are portions of piping that lay flat rather than slope away from your home, then they may be more prone to problems. Where the pipes lay flat, debris is more likely to collect and lead to a clog that causes a sewer backup in your home.
Erosion
If the ground around your home shifts, settles or erodes for some reason, this can cause misalignments in your home’s drainage lines. These types of problems, referred to as offsets, can lead to sewer backups and clogs.
Time
If your plumbing system is old, then normal aging of the pipes could be to blame for the sewer backup that you’re experiencing. As pipes age, corrosion can lead to cracks and leaks that affect the line’s integrity and result in blockages.
Clogs
Finally, it’s important to be mindful of what you put down your garbage disposal or flush down your toilet. Over time, items like hair, diapers, napkins, and oils can lead to buildup and clogs in your sewer line. To help keep your drains running well, avoid pouring grease down your sink and using your toilets as waste bins.
The occasional clogged drain repair can be common, especially in bathtubs where hair and soap scum accumulate. However, a clogged sewer line is not as common, and it can affect your home’s entire plumbing system. Here are some common signs that you may need a sewer line repair:
- If your toilets are continually clogging or draining slowly, then you may have a clogged sewer line. You may even notice wastewater backing up into your toilets. This water will likely appear brown or yellow, and it may smell foul.
- If you notice your lawn or areas on your property feel spongy or smell like sewage, then you may have a cracked sewer line. When this occurs, wastewater is leaking in your yard and creating hazardous conditions on your property.
- If your other plumbing fixtures—such as sinks or tubs—back up when you flush the toilet, then call a plumber to locate the clogged sewer line.
You may be tempted to use an over-the-counter liquid solution for clogs, but this can be one of the most damaging methods to your pipes. These liquid unclogging solutions contain highly acidic chemicals that will erode the inside of your drains and pipes. While the solution may temporarily remove part of the mass clogging your drains, it will not remove all of it, and it will damage your plumbing at the same time, especially if you have older pipes.
You may try to use a plunger to free up a clogged drain. However, this may not permanently solve your problem, especially if there is damage to your pipes. If your clogged drain is not fixed after plunging it, or it continues to drain slowly, then call your plumber to use a professional plumbing snake that will remove the clog.
Prevention is crucial to avoid continual clogged drain repairs. To prevent clogs—no matter where they occur in your house—ensure that unnecessary items do not go down the drain. Place mesh coverings over all of your drains to catch debris and hair before it goes into the pipes. Never put grease, oil, or large chunks of food in your garbage disposal or kitchen sink. These easy steps will ensure that your drains remain clog-free.
Plumbing leaks can be hard to detect, especially if they are hidden behind walls or underneath sink cabinets. However, water stains, mold, and warped floors are all common signs that you have a plumbing leak. Let’s get a closer look at these common signs.
Water Stains
Water stains are a common sign of a plumbing leak. Water stains can appear anywhere, such as on your walls, ceiling, or cabinets. They will often appear yellowish to brownish in color, and they can show up far away from the initial leak. Since water can travel through various housing materials, you may not notice a water stain until your plumbing leak has become significant. If you notice an old or musty smell coming from a nearby plumbing fixture or a water stain, then it is likely the leak is hidden and has been causing damages for a while.
Mold
There are several signs of mold that can signal a plumbing leak. Mold often grows in warm, damp environments, which could be under your sink cabinets, in your basement, or behind your walls. If you notice a musty smell or clusters of mold spores in these areas, then you may have a nearby leak. You may also experience health symptoms commonly associated with mold. If you or a family member notice an increase in asthma symptoms, allergies, or respiratory issues, then you may have mold growing in your house.
Flooring Damages
You may have a plumbing leak if your flooring appears warped, stained, or damaged. Carpet, wood, or engineered wood are the most susceptible flooring materials that will show signs of water damage. If you notice the flooring around your kitchen or bathrooms is showing uncommon signs of damage, then call a residential plumber to inspect your pipes.
There are many reasons to purchase a tankless water heater from your plumber, such as increased energy savings. Here is a brief look at how to determine if a tankless water heater is a correct choice for your home:
- You have updated wiring or utilities in your home that can support a tankless water heater unit. Many of these water heaters may require specialized wiring to run properly. Your plumber can determine if your house is equipped or should be rewired to run this type of water heater.
- You and your family are sick of losing hot water. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, meaning that you will not lose hot water in the middle of a shower or bath.
- You are ready for lower energy bills. Since tankless water heaters heat on demand, they are not constantly running to keep water heated up. This can equal significant savings on your energy bills.
Look for Licensure
It’s a requirement in most states that plumbers have a license. Before choosing a plumber to work on your home or business, find out if he or she is licensed. Taking this step helps ensure that the plumber you hire will have the training and experience needed to handle your plumbing issue professionally and successfully.
Ask About Insurance
To help protect both the plumber and yourself, it’s important only to hire a plumber that is insured. Insurance helps protect you both in case the plumber is injured while working on your property.
Inquire About Experience
Being trained and licensed is a good way to narrow the search for a trustworthy plumber, but it’s ideal to dig a little deeper and learn how long he or she has been working in the business. Keep in mind that larger companies are likely to have at least a few seasoned plumbers, and businesses that have been around for more than a few years often have a proven track record of quality service.
Consider the Cost
When finding the right plumber to work on your home or business, it’s a good idea to start the process by getting several estimates from promising professionals or companies. By acquiring a minimum of 3 estimates, you’ll be better positioned to avoid offers that seem too low or too high. Also, only work with a plumber that provides a warranty for his or her work.
Ask for References
Lastly, you can benefit from seeking out plumbers that have good references and customer reviews. A plumber that’s been in business should have no problem providing you with references to consider.
An unusually high water bill could be caused by a leak or change in water use. Some common causes of high water bills include:
- A leaking toilet, or a toilet that continues to run after being flushed, most common
- A dripping faucet; a faucet drip can waster 20 gallons or more of water a day
- Filling or topping off a swimming pool
- Watering the lawn, new grass, or trees; also check for an open hose bib
- Irrigation systems, check automated systems, you may need to reprogram
- Water-cooled air conditioners
- A broken water pipe or obvious leak; check the pipes and water heater in the basement or crawlspace
- Water softener problems – cycles continuously
- Running the water to avoid freezing water pipes during cold weather
- Service line leaks between your water meter and your home, check for wet spots in your yard
Generally, water consumption is higher during the summer due to watering of lawns, pools, and gardening. Typically, an average family of four uses 4000-5000 gallons of water a month.
- Check your toilet for leaks.
- Take shorter showers
- Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
- Turn off the water while shaving
- 9. Check faucets and pipes for leaks
- Use your automatic dishwasher for full loads only
- Use your automatic washing machine only for full loads only
- Don’t let the faucet run while you clean vegetables
- Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator
- If you wash dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsing
- Check faucets and pipes for leaks
- Water your lawn only when it needs it
- Deep-soak your lawn
- Water during the cool parts of the day
- Plant drought-resistant trees and plants
- Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants.
- Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and steps
- Don’t run the hose while washing your car
- Tell your children not to play with the hose and sprinklers
- Check for leaks in pipes, hoses faucets and couplings