Common Problems that Can Afflict Sewer Lines as They Age

Over time, a variety of issues can compromise your plumbing lines, increasing your long-term maintenance and sewer repair costs. Below is an overview of some of the most common sewage line problems.

 























Oily Build-Up

• Everything from flushed waste to leftover foods contains some amount of oily deposits, and these materials can harden and build up in the plumbing lines over time. Normal plunging typically will not suffice for deep clogs, but a plumbing specialist can provide water jetting services to remove buildup and clean sewage pipes.

Clogs

• Flushing or washing away any insoluble materials can accelerate the process of oily buildups and create a large clog deep in your plumbing lines. Some of the most common items to avoid flushing include diapers, cat litter, cigarette butts, and hair.

Root Infiltration

• Tree roots are notorious for digging into plumbing lines through even the tiniest cracks and splitting the PVC pipes. Even if the roots don’t split the line, they create tiny pinhole leaks which can leak thousands of gallons of water into the surrounding soil. Some tree root systems can extend as two to four times the diameter of the tree crown (the section including the branches and leaves) and can cause problems up to seven years after the tree itself is removed.

Sewer Line Collapse

• If one or more of the above issues places too much strain on the sewer lines, the pipes can collapse entirely and result in costly repairs. Older homes built before the 1970s may use pipes made out of ceramic and iron, which have a much lower life expectancy than newer PVC materials.

To receive award-winning service for your plumbing or home appliance problems in the Seattle area, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363 today. We offer affordable plumbing and drain cleaning services and emergency response 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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The Anatomy of a Gas Water Heater

Gas water heaters are the most common method of water heating in the U.S., and they all contain the same basic elements to safely heat, store, and distribute water throughout the household. This video clip provides a brief overview of the typical household gas water heater.




Natural gas water heaters are generally more efficient than their electric counterparts. A thermostat provides control over the temperature of the stored water, while a temporary pressure release valve prevents dangerous amounts of pressure from building up.
Whether your water heater breaks or you’re simply looking for a cost-effective way to reduce energy bills, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363 to learn about your options.

With 24/7 emergency plumbing response and 90-day financing, we’re here to help Seattle residents save money while keeping their homes comfortable and efficient.

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Click These Links To Learn More About Sewer Line Care And Dealing With Plumbing Leaks

Knowing how to handle a burst pipe or plumbing leak can save you thousands of dollars and water damage, and taking good care of your sewer line can avoid problems with tree roots. To learn more, check out the links below or call Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363 for emergency service.

• Read this page from AskTheBuilder.com to learn how to avoid issues with trees and your sewer from occurring.

• This article at Weather.com can help you understand what to do in case your pipes burst.

• Act quickly with the information provided on this page from ThisOldHouse.com to protect your home in the event of a plumbing leak.

• You can see how professional plumbers use video inspections to identify tree roots in your sewer line by visiting this page from FamilyHandyman.com.

• This article at AngiesList.com can help you understand why tree roots are one of the predominant causes of problems with older sewer lines.

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Inside the Ongoing Struggle Between Tree Roots and Your Sewer Line

Most sewer line repair calls involve invasive tree roots. Roots can infiltrate a damaged sewer line and cause backups, catastrophic clogs, and recurring problems. However, most issues with tree roots and sewer lines can be prevented. Tree roots cannot penetrate sewer lines; there has to be a leak in order for this particular problem to occur.

The best way to prevent problems with roots and your sewer line is to have regular inspections by your plumber, and to consider replacing an aged sewer line that could leak or have the potential to do so in the near-future. Even a minor leak in your sewer line could lead to a catastrophic root invasion.

 How Root Problems Start

• Older sewer lines made of clay or metals that have corroded will react to shifting soils. Over time, they can develop hairline cracks or small leaks. Trees are always on the lookout for water and nutrients. Their root systems will quickly detect a ready source from a leaking sewer pipe. A sewer line with multiple leaks could be penetrated in different areas by the same tree. Multiple trees on your property with notorious “seeker roots” will jump on the chance to obtain a steady source of water and sustenance from a leaking sewer line.

Why Root Infiltration Happens

• Once a seeker root has found a hole in your sewer line, it’s only a matter of time until a clog develops. Seeker roots tend to be very tiny, and they only need the smallest opening in the sewer line to enter. When a seeker root matures inside the sewer, it produces extra roots rapidly, which grow very thick and eventually will clog the line.

Symptoms of Root Infiltration

• Common signs of tree root infiltration include slow draining or what appear to be clogs in your toilet on a frequent basis. These are in fact symptoms of the slowly building clog in your sewer line itself. Without quick treatment, tree roots can cause your entire sewer to back up, and may even necessitate replacement.

Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical can give your sewer line a thorough video inspection to identify root problems. We can repair the line and keep it safe from recurring tree root problems. Call us today at (206) 452-4363 to learn more.

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How to Respond to a Burst Pipe or Water Leak

A plumbing emergency can be difficult to deal with, but if you know how to react, you can take the right steps in the right order to minimize the damage and get everything back to normal as soon as possible. Your first instinct may be to call your plumber immediately, but there is one step you should take first whenever you encounter a burst pipe or a plumbing leak.

 

 Shut Off the Water

• Locate the water shutoff valves in your home. The main valve is usually located at your water meter. For some homes, you may have a shutoff valve located where the water supply enters your home in your basement. You should operate this valve regularly to ensure that it functions without leaking so that in the case of an emergency you can turn the water off quickly and effectively.

Call Your Plumber

• When the water has been shut off, make the call to your plumbing company so they can be on their way as soon as possible. Do your best to describe the problem or locate the leak if possible, which will help your plumber know exactly where to look when they arrive. Burst pipes can be very stressful, but the additional information can help your plumber minimize water damage when they get to your home.

Contain the Damage

• After you have shut off the main water supply, look for other valves near the leak. You may also wish to consider opening taps in the area to reduce the water pressure in the pipes, provided that the nearest drains are ‘below’ the leak itself. Use towels or blankets to contain water on the floor, and place buckets or other containers underneath leaks as well.

Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical can help you with all your plumbing emergencies. You can contact us 24 hours a day at (206) 452-4363. Visit us online to learn more about our emergency plumbing services.

 

 

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What Homeowners Need to Know about Their Sewer Line

Out of sight and out of mind is often the rule when it comes to the sewer main, and that can lead to problems. If your home is more than 40 years old, it’s time to have your sewer line inspected by a plumber. It could be due for replacement, especially if it is connected to an older pipe. This video from Angie’s List will provide you with some important information about your sewer line.



Leaky joints and tree roots are some of the most common issues that can arise with older lines. Tree roots will only come back if they are removed, because the main problem of the leaking line has not been addressed. Many plumbers can use trenchless repairs or even replace your sewer line with something newer and more robust that will stand the test of time.

To schedule an inspection of your sewer line, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical today at (206) 452-4363. We can extend the life of your sewer line or help you with replacement.

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These Online Resources Provide More Info About The Residential And Commercial Plumbing Services Available From Beacon Plumbing

Seattle-area homeowners and business owners can rely on Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical for comprehensive repair and maintenance services. We fix broken sewer lines and pipes, install tankless water heaters in homes and filtration systems in commercial properties, and much more. You can reach us 24 hours a day at (206) 452-4363. To learn more about the types of services we provide, visit the websites below.

This article from Food and Water Watch will tell you why many restaurant owners are no longer serving bottled water and have begun to install commercial water filtration systems instead.

Visit the U.S. Department of Energy online for a basic guide to tankless water heaters.
This page from Daily Green will tell you why you should filter your tap water.

Find out more about the growing movement away from bottled water to commercial filtration systems by reading this article from The New York Times.

You can learn about the benefits of tankless water heaters when you visit HowStuffWorks.com.

 

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