Sewer Line Inspection Northglenn

As a preventive measure, it is generally suggested that the primary sewer line be cleaned every 18 to 22 months. But the precise interval may depend on a number of factors, including the age of the plumbing system, the materials used in the pipes, and specific problems like tree roots that plague some Northglenn neighborhoods. Of course, the best way to avoid nasty surprises is to have a pro inspect the line on a regular basis. They can help identify potential issues and recommend a cleaning frequency that's right for you.

Inspections of sewer lines in Northglenn usually consist of sending a specialized camera into the sewer line to take a look at the line's interior. Accessing the sewer line for inspection typically occurs at either a cleanout or a vent pipe, and all that's required for a cleanout inspection is to remove a capped pipe. The vent pipe inspection is a bit more complicated. Once the decision is made as to which access point to use, the inspection crew sends the camera in and begins a review of the line's interior while the footages on the camera are still live. The inspection itself is not very labor intensive, but it does require a certain level of worker skill to determine what exactly is either faulty or just not up to par for a sewer line.

When you test a sewer line in Northglenn, you generally carry out a few key types of inspections. Camera inspection is one of the most common methods. In this technique, a waterproof camera is inserted into the sewer line and used to visually inspect the line for various types of problems. If you have ever watched an interrogation scene in a movie where the cop is watching a live feed of the bad guy in a cell, then you have seen a scene that is somewhat analogous to what the line camera inspector sees. And while the sewer line inspector doesn't wear a badge or carry a gun, he or she does get to drive around with a very cool sewer inspection van. And these vans are often stocked with all kinds of neat camera gear that would make any serious photographer green with envy.

You can tell if your sewer tank is full by checking for a number of indicators. The first is the slow draining of your home's plumbing fixtures. This can be almost any fixture, but if it's one of the more commonly used (like the sink), then you're definitely going to notice it. Next is gurgling sounds that can come from almost any part of your plumbing. You're mostly going to hear these sounds from your toilets or drains. There's also the unpleasantry of odors; they should really be in the realm of plumbing, because they're definitely not meant for your home or property, nor are they any kind of pleasant surprise. And then there's standing water; if there's any standing water in proximity to your sewer tank, it's a pretty safe bet that the tank itself is full.

Sewers are cleared using many methods, depending on how bad the blockage is and what's causing it. One method is using a drain snake or auger, which is a flexible tool that can go way down into pipes and break up and remove clogs. For more stubborn blockages, hydro jetting might be used, where high pressure water blasts away the obstruction and cleans the pipe. In some cases, a sewer line camera is used first to inspect the line and identify the blockage's exact location and nature. This helps the plumbing professionals choose the best method to clear the sewer line. Plumbers might also use chemical drain cleaners, but these can damage pipes and are usually a last resort.

If you suspect that your primary sewer line is obstructed, watch for these indicators: multiple drains backing up, toilets bubbling and gurgling (more so than usual), water creeping up into and around your floor drains (this should be a no-water zone), and any strange smells that might have no other apparent source.If two or more of these are happening to you, it's time to call a pro—not for an unplanned plumbing "emergency," but for a scheduled inspection of your sewer line.

Every 3 to 5 years is a typical frequency for pumping septic tanks; however, some factors affect how often yours might need to be pumped. These factors include the size of your tank, the number of people in your household, and how you use water and your waste system. Regular inspections by a trained professional can ensure that your system is working well and determine when might be the best time to pump it, if needed.

The main sewer line should not have standing water in it. When water does stand in the sewer line, it can mean there is a blockage, but it can also mean that the slope of the line is wrong. A sewer line with either of these problems is likely to have backups, slow drainage, and may be in danger of more serious damage down the line. If it were me, I would hire professionals to check the line and correct any problems they find.

In Northglenn, if sewer lines are blocked, the property owner is usually responsible—unless, of course, the blockage is not on the owner's lateral sewer line. The lateral sewer line runs from the house to the main sewer line and, like the sewer line on public property, it is the city's responsibility to maintain—unless the blockage is in the lateral sewer line, that is (the line that actually connects the house to the public sewer line). If it is in the public sewer line, the city is equally responsible to clear it. But what if it is in the public lateral line, which is the part that the city is responsible for up till the point just before it connects to your house? The property owner is liable.

Unclogging a main sewer line with a plunger is usually not effective and may even lead to a backup in the line that connects to the plumbing in your home. The National Association of Sewer Inspectors and Locators offers these tips for handling a clogged sewer line:Plungers work on the principle of pressure and volume displacement but are not really meant for main line sewer problems. Moreover, I have extensive experience using the plumber’s snake. I have used it so many times that I can honestly say I am not afraid of it. It is a tool of the trade for any professional plumber.