Sewer Line Inspection Englewood

Regular maintenance of the main sewer line entails clearing it every 18 to 24 months. Some houses may require more frequent cleaning and inspection based on several factors. One factor is the age of the plumbing. Another is the proximity of trees; tree roots are notorious for invading sewer lines and causing clogs. And then there's the number of people living in the house; more occupants mean more waste and more potential for clogs. If a house is prone to slow drains and frequent clogs, it may just need more attention overall.

Several warning signs can indicate that your sewer line is in bad condition. The most typical ones are associated with the performance of the plumbing in your home; for instance, you might notice that drains are backing up or are slow to drain, or that your toilets are making gurgling noises. Persistent bad smells, either coming from your drains or your yard, are another classic indicator of a problem with the sewer line. If drain issues aren't bad enough, you might find that your lawn is doing better than it should be—growing lusciously in some very suspicious patches or experiencing sinkholes and other odd topographical features that suggest it might be time for a tour of the sewer line. And if you notice an unexplained uptick in your water bill, that's another potential sign that your sewer line is leaking somewhere.

Sewer line inspection usually requires a specialized camera to estimate the state of the sewer pipes. The professional plumber or technician will insert a flexible, waterproof camera attached to a long cable into the sewer line through a cleanout or access point. The camera will be moved through the pipes while it sends video footage to a monitor. This lets a visual inspection happen in real-time with the crew that's doing the inspection. It helps even more if there are actual problems with the sewer line since we can see blockages, cracks, root intrusions, and other potential issues without needing to excavate. We get a detailed report after the fact and with it some recommendations on what needs to happen to the sewer line next.

A few well-known methods are typically used to test sewer lines. One of the most common techniques is video inspection, which involves inserting a small camera into the line to visually inspect the interior for obstructions or other issues. This method is pretty straightforward and gives the operator a good look inside the pipe. Another method is smoke testing. In this technique, smoke is forced through the sewer lines, and any visible leaks will become quite apparent as the smoke escapes from the line. Hydrostatic testing can also be done, which involves filling the line with water and measuring the pressure. Still another method that's not used as much these days is acoustic testing, which involves using sound waves to find problems in the line. Each method helps to identify potential problems and ensures the sewer lines are functioning properly.

Several methods exist for clearing sewer lines, which are used alone or in combination, depending on the nature and location of the blockage. One common method is to use an auger, or "snake," which is a flexible cable with a powerful motor on one end and a cutting/blasting tool on the other end. It's really not much different than what may have been used for thousands of years to clear drains. "Hydro-jetting" is a method that uses high-pressure water to blast away what might be in the way and to clean the inside of the pipe. Hydro-jetting is sometimes used along with inspection via video cameras. If the blockage is too big to be moved other ways, it might be necessary to use something like a wall buster.

There are several indicators that can alert you to a full sewer tank. They consist of the following: across your home, drains that are slow and may not function at all for periods of time, plumbing that makes noises of all sorts, an odor that is certainly not pleasing (it might be the smell that is often associated with leaking sewer pipes), and an area around your septic tank that is too lush. The drains, plumbing, and odor are all good reasons to call 911—which is to say, a sewer expert. While these signs can mean either a full sewer tank or other blockages, only a drain inspection will determine whether your sewer tank needs to be pumped or if the signs mean something else.

How long it takes to clear a main sewer line depends on the kind of blockage and how bad it is. In most cases, you can expect a repair to take somewhere between 1 hour and 3 hours. If you've got a line that's just simply backed up, it could come clear in no time. On the other hand, you might be dealing with tree roots or a line that's got a severe problem working against it. Or, you might just have a pretty substantial clog in your hands.

In Englewood, the sewer lines are usually laid at depths varying from 3 to 12 feet below the surface. The particular installation depth is a function of local building codes and a few other variables, including area topography and the elevation of the line in relation to the city's main sewer system. In this colder climate, however, the general practice is to bury the pipes deeper to prevent them from freezing during the harsh winter months.

Having water in your sewer cleanout is completely ordinary because the cleanout is part of the sewer system. The water in the cleanout is there to ensure that the system works properly. If cleanout water starts to back up and spill out, there could be a blockage or some other issue that needs a professional inspection to resolve.

Several factors determine the price of sewer line unclogging services in Englewood, so it's hard to pin down an exact cost. The severity of the clog is the most obvious factor, but how accessible the line is and who you hire to do the work also have a significant influence on the final number. On average, though, residents can expect to pay somewhere between $150 and $500 for a typical sewer line unclogging. Complicated, high-labor jobs that fall outside the average—such as removing tree roots from the sewer line—could drive the price up substantially, so be sure to get a few quotes before consenting to any work.