Plumbers are tradespeople who specialize in installing and maintaining systems used for potable water, hot-water production, sewage and drainage in plumbing systems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to assemble pipes and fittings.
They must have good problem-solving skills to diagnose issues and come up with effective solutions. They may also need to work in tight spaces and have physical stamina for manual labor. Contact Aurora CO Plumbers for professional help.
When a home’s sewer line collapses, it is not only a major plumbing emergency but can also be a hazardous health risk. When the line crumbles or caves in, wastewater backs up into the house and can cause extensive damage. Luckily, the problem can often be prevented with regular maintenance by a plumber.
Every drain in your home runs into the main sewer line that connects to the municipal sewer system. When this line becomes clogged or collapses, the entire plumbing system is put out of commission. Fortunately, there are several telltale signs of a collapsed or clogged sewer line that can be identified and repaired before it is too late.
Constant clogs and backups in toilets, sinks, floor drains and bathtubs are the most common sign of a collapsed or clogged pipe. The clogs are more serious than the everyday nuisance clogs that can be easily removed with a plunger, since the entire toilet and bathroom are affected. The clogs may also be accompanied by the odor of sewage, which can cause severe health problems.
Another clue that the sewer line has been compromised is if you notice that your lawn has an unusually green patch that appears to have grown much faster than other areas of the yard. This is often caused by sewage seepage that has leached into the soil, acting as a fertilizer.
If you’re not sure whether your sewer line is leaking, you can have it tested by your plumber. They can send a camera through your home’s drains to check on the condition of the line. If they find a collapsed or clogged sewer pipe, they can use trenchless repair methods to fix the problem without digging up your yard.
A collapsed sewer line can be extremely dangerous and costly to fix. But with regular maintenance and a watchful eye, you can prevent this catastrophe from occurring at your home. The best way to keep your home’s plumbing in good working order is to call in a plumber at the first signs of any issues. They will be able to identify the problem and repair it before it worsens, saving you both time and money.
Clogs
Almost every home has experienced a clogged drain or toilet at some point. Although a simple plunger can sometimes fix these issues, when the problem is severe or multiple drains in the house are affected, it’s time to call a plumber. The plumber can use more robust tools to break up and remove the clog. They can also diagnose the underlying cause and offer preventive maintenance suggestions.
A plumber may start by using a video pipe inspection to locate the clog. Then they can choose the right tool for the job. For example, if the clog is in a bathtub or shower drain, they can try to dissolve it with a chemical solution. If the clog is in the toilet, they can use a special auger that’s flexible and has a grab mechanism on the end to dislodge the blockage. Plumbers can also use a plumbing snake to reach deep in a pipe and break up a large clog.
For sewer line clogs, the plumber might use a hydro jetting machine. This is a powerful water pipe cleaner that uses high-pressure to flush the pipes and break up any debris. The plumber can also choose a trenchless method to repair the clogged sewer line, which involves creating a small hole in the ground to access and then inserting and inflating a pipe liner to seal the leak.
While most clogs occur in the bathroom or kitchen, they can also happen anywhere in the house’s plumbing system. A clog in the main water line that brings fresh water into your house can affect all of your faucets, leading to low or no water pressure and possibly even stopping water flow altogether. Plumbers can unclog these lines by digging a small hole and inserting a new water line.
While it’s possible for homeowners to tackle some clogs themselves, plumbers have the training and equipment to safely handle any clog and restore your home’s plumbing system to full function. If you’re experiencing a major clog, contact a plumber as soon as possible to avoid expensive and unpleasant consequences. Recognizing the early warning signs, such as slow drainage or gurgling sounds, can also save you money on costly repairs down the road.
Tree Root Invasion
Tree roots are drawn to water, oxygen, and nutrients, which is why they can quickly invade and clog sewer lines. The problem is particularly prevalent in older pipes that are not tightly sealed against leaks. The roots will seep through even the tiniest cracks in your pipe, expanding to fill any available space and block the flow of waste. The resulting clogs can lead to waste backing up into your home, creating a very unpleasant experience for everyone involved.
If you suspect that you have a root intrusion, call your plumber right away. They will run a camera through your drains to look for the cause of the problem. Then they will use methods like hydro-jetting or trenchless pipe lining to clean out the pipes and repair any damage.
Slow Draining
One of the first symptoms of a root invasion is when your sinks and bathtubs begin to drain more slowly than usual. This is a result of the clogged pipes blocking wastewater flow. Over time, this can lead to sewage backups in your toilets, showers, and tubs. In some cases, the clogged pipes may even make their way into your basement or garage.
Gurgling Noises
If your toilet is making a gurgling sound when you flush it, this is a sign that there is a large amount of tree roots blocking your sewage line. If the issue is not addressed immediately, it can lead to serious plumbing problems, including a collapsed sewer line.
Unusual Changes in Your Yard
If you notice a greener area of your yard than usual, this could indicate that the roots from your sewer line are getting a nutrient boost from it. Additionally, unexplained wet areas in your yard can also be a sign of a clogged sewer line.
You should contact a professional right away if you suspect that your sewer line is invading by tree roots. They can use cameras to inspect the line, then use various methods like hydro-jetting or trenchless sewer pipe lining to clean out and repair your pipes. They can also install a physical barrier around your pipes to prevent future invasions by tree roots.
Back Pitch
Back pitch is a problem that can occur in a sewer line when the dirt around the pipe settles creating a negative slope. This will cause the waste and water that should go downhill to sink into the sunken area and accumulate over time. This can lead to the sewer line not functioning properly and can even be a cause of sewage backups on your property. It is important for plumbers to evaluate the situation and suggest a resolution that will address not only the back pitched section of your sewer line but also any other issues with the entire line such as separated from the city sewer or under the sidewalk.