Tag: sewer replacement

As the old saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” But what happens when something that’s been out of sight for a while suddenly becomes all too visible? Unfortunately, that’s the unfortunate reality for many homeowners when they discover a broken sewer line. Suddenly, what was once buried beneath their yards and streets is exposed and in dire need of repair. 

It’s a messy, smelly, and inconvenient problem that requires immediate attention. But with the right expertise and equipment, a broken sewer line can be fixed, and your home can be restored to its former glory. So let’s roll up our sleeves and take a closer look at what it takes to fix a broken sewer line.

Can a Broken Sewer Line Cause a Sinkhole?

Sinkholes can develop naturally when the rock beneath the earth’s surface erodes due to water, causing the earth above to collapse into the void below. But did you know those man-made plumbing problems can also cause sinkholes? For example, if you see a depression or trench in your front lawn, there’s a chance that your sewer line is running directly below it. This is because a poorly sealed sewer line can cause erosion over time, leading to the formation of a sinkhole.

And let me tell you, sinkholes are no laughing matter! They can be dangerous for both people and property. For example, cars can be damaged if they drive over a sinkhole, and people can turn an ankle or worse if they unknowingly walk into one.

Unfortunately, in many cases, the responsibility for repairs falls on the homeowner, and the repairs can cost thousands of dollars.

The Age of Your Home Is a Factor

Over time, homes age just like fine wine. However, when it comes to the age of your abode, certain factors need to be taken into account, especially when it comes to plumbing. Fortunately, modern homes built after 1980 have been constructed with updated building codes requiring sewer lines to be gasketed and sealed, eliminating the need for the infamous jute rope wrap used to cover sewer joints before being embedded in concrete. This rope material was notorious for deteriorating underground, causing sewer lines to develop problematic leaks.

Sinkholes are one of the more noticeable effects of water seepage into the surrounding soil and rock, and these are more likely to occur in homes built before 1980. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that newer homes are immune to this problem. Despite all the precautionary measures taken during construction, leaks can still occur due to root intrusion, earthquakes, serious clogs, or corrosion.

If you start noticing any new depressions in your yard, it may be an indication of a more severe problem, and you should consider calling in the experts from Custom Plumbing of Arizona for main line repair.

Signs Your Broken Sewer Line Is Causing a Sinkhole

As a homeowner, it’s important to be alert to any signs that your home might need plumbing attention. And when it comes to sewer leaks, there are often subtle indicators that something’s amiss, well before sinkholes or other major issues appear. Here are the most common signs that you may have a sewer leak to look out for:

  • The unmistakable scent of sewage emanating from your drains, no matter what you do, to try and get rid of it.
  • Multiple drains that are slow or backed up, or all of them having problems at once, which could be a sign of a blockage in your pipes.
  • Frequent clogs that need to be cleared regularly, indicating that something’s not flowing properly.
  • Certain areas of your lawn look greener than others as if they’re getting extra water and nutrients.
  • Wet or smelly patches in your yard could be caused by excess water and human waste.
  • An influx of rodents may be coming in through cracks in your pipes.
  • Cracks appearing on your exterior walls due to soil shifting under your foundation, which could signal a serious problem with your sewer line.

What Happens If I Don’t Fix My Broken Sewer Line?

Dealing with unexpected repairs is never fun, but when it comes to a broken sewer line, ignoring it can lead to some serious consequences. Unfortunately, those cracks in your sewer line won’t magically go away – in fact, they’re likely to get worse over time, causing even bigger issues down the line.

One of the biggest risks of a leaky sewer line is damage to your home’s foundation. If the ground around your house becomes destabilized, you could end up with major structural problems that are costly to fix. Plus, if a clog in your main line causes the leak, you risk raw sewage backing up into your home, which is a mess no one wants to deal with.

To avoid these issues, it’s important to stay on top of your plumbing system’s maintenance and catch any potential problems before they become major headaches. That’s where we come in – The Drain Whisperers at Custom Plumbing of Arizona are available 24/7 to help keep your plumbing in top shape. Contact us today at 602-866-2665 to get the help you need.

Posted on Author adminCategories Commercial Plumbing, Residential Plumbing ServicesTags , , Leave a comment on Can a Broken Sewer Line Cause a Sinkhole on My Property?

How often should you have your sewer lines cleaned? When your sewer lines are clogged, they cause a lot of problems. From plugged toilets to clogged sink drains and less-than-pleasant sewer smells, it’s worth catching the issue early on. Luckily, you can prevent this problem by having your sewer pipes cleaned periodically. But how often should you have this done? Let’s find out!

Home and Business

Commercial and residential pipes require different levels of cleaning. Commercial lines should be cleaned every 18 to 22 months because they are used more often than residential ones, which should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years. Businesses that are high-risk due to their heavy drain usage should make sure their commercial sewer lines are clean, like restaurants and hotels.

People with septic systems can go a long time before getting their septic systems cleaned out, but it’s still a good idea to have this done every few years. You should ensure to get this done at least every two years if you own a large house and have a big family, as you would create more sewage waste in the interim.

Causes of Sewer Line Blockages

Sewer lines that are clogged or backed up can have many different causes, including:

  • Tree and plant roots

Believe it or not, you can be at a greater risk for backed-up sewer lines if you live near a tree. This is because the cracks in your pipes created by the roots or tendrils from the tree will quickly become more significant problems that can break your lines. This is a potential problem, especially for trees on residential property.

  • Sagging pipes

A sagging pipe, also known as a bellied pipe, occurs when the moist soil around an underground pipe changes its position. Over time, the pipe can begin to sag in the unsupported area. The sagging line will start to collect sewer waste and blockages. The first sign of a sagging pipe is usually a slow drain or a backup in your home’s plumbing.

  • Grease

Grease can build up in your pipes and cause them to clog. Doing things like pouring oil down the drain might seem like a good idea, but it can solidify and clog your pipes. Residential drainage lines should be hydro-jetted around once a year, while grease traps should also have routine maintenance.

Warning Signs Your Sewer Line Needs to be Cleaned

Here are some signs that your sewer line requires a deep cleaning:

  • Sewage is leaking from your drain, bathtub, sink, or toilet.
  • Plumbing is making bubbling or splashing noises.
  • Water can back up and flood other parts of your home using equipment like a dishwasher or washing machine.
  • Recurring blockages.
  • Slow drain.
  • Unpleasant odors.

Routine Sewer Line Cleaning and Video Inspection

Video inspection and routine sewer line cleaning can help you stay informed about the state of your home’s plumbing system. If you’re buying a house, find out detailed information about its plumbing history, how recent repairs have been done, and what to expect. Then, protect yourself against saggy pipes by following a regular maintenance schedule. In general, it’s recommended that homeowners should schedule 18-month sewer line cleanings.

Give us a Call to Schedule Your Plumbing Appointment Today

How often should you have your sewer lines cleaned? Custom Plumbing of Arizona offers sewer line cleaning services to keep your home or business functioning properly. Our team of experts will assess your needs and recommend a schedule for cleaning your sewer lines. Contact us today at 602-866-2665 to learn more about our services.

Posted on Author webdevCategories Commercial Plumbing Service, Plumbing Inspection, Residential Plumbing ServicesTags , Leave a comment on How Often Should you Have Your Sewer Lines Cleaned?

Sometimes it’s possible to fix a plumbing problem with drain cleaning and proper maintenance. Other times, you may need to do something more drastic to prevent serious damage. Sewer replacement can be expensive, but when the sewer lines have deteriorated, it could be your only option.

If you’re not sure when to replace a sewer line, take a look below at a few reasons it might be time to start thinking about it.

Your Pipes Are Just Getting Old

Do you know when your home was built? Is it 50 years old? 100? If you live in an older home, chances are pretty good that your sewer system is old, too. As sewer pipes age, they are more prone to failure. Furthermore, the materials that people used for sewage systems back in the day tend to be more likely to leak from corrosion—in many cases, older homes have cast iron or galvanized steel piping. If you have never scheduled a sewer replacement and you live in a home built before the 1970s, it’s probably time to talk to a professional.

Your Pipes Are Constantly Clogging

It’s no secret that sometimes pipes clog. Toilets and sinks and shower drains often clog from the buildup of gunk and materials that pass through them. Sometimes they clog because people let the wrong things go down the drain. But if you haven’t been abusing your plumbing by flushing things you shouldn’t and you still experience frequent clogs at multiple locations of your home, the problem could be much bigger.

It’s possible that all you need to do is schedule a drain cleaning service, so you don’t need to worry just yet.

You Notice Bad Smells or Weird Sounds

Bad odors and strange sounds could also indicate that sewer replacement is in your future.

If you notice any bad smells emanating from a drain, it could mean that your p-trap is dry. The p-trap is the u-shaped pipe that prevents gases from emerging from the sewers while still allowing liquids and solids to pass through. When the p-trap runs dry, the gases can pass freely and stink up your home. Try running the water for a bit to refill it, and then monitor the drain in question to see if the odor persists. If, however, more than one drain in your home smells bad, this is a sign of sewer line problems.

You have probably also noticed that your plumbing system isn’t entirely quiet. While that is to be expected, if you ever hear any gurgling sounds or see air bubbles in the toilet, you could have a sewer problem on your hands

What Should I Do Before Scheduling Sewer Replacement Services?

If you notice any of the above signs, you should speak to a professional plumber. At Custom Plumbing of Arizona, we will take a look at your plumbing problems and tell you what the best course of action is. We will make sure that we exhaust every possibility before recommending the replacement of your sewer system.

Posted on Author Vince VinceCategories Blog, Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZ, Residential Plumbing ServicesTags