How to Help Avoid and Catch Issues With the Sewer Line

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Ways to Prevent and Catch Sewer Line Problems 

Some problems can be avoided by simply paying more attention. This is especially true when it comes to a home's plumbing, particularly the sewer pipes. Homeowners who neglect maintenance and push their sewer lines to the limit are the ones who will be more likely to deal with the headaches and costs that come with clogged and leaking sewer lines. 

People can better care for their sewer lines by changing some habits and leaning on professional service. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners prevent and catch problems with their sewer lines. 

Catch and Avoid Sewer Clogs 

clogPart of having a reliable sewer system is preventing sewer line clogs and blockages. In order to help avoid clogged sewer lines, people should only flush waste and toilet paper down the toilet and avoid putting things down the home’s drains that can clog the pipes, such as grease, fats, oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, and expandable foods like pasta and rice. Even with garbage disposals, these things should never go down the drain. 

If a sewer line clogs, it’s best to call for drain cleaning immediately to clear it, so homeowners need to know how to spot it. Signs that can indicate sewer line clogs include: 

  • Gurgling sounds 
  • Slow draining
  • Sewage backups
  • Foul odors 

Catch and Fix Sewage Leaks 

leak A sewer line leak also needs to be caught and fixed quickly to limit the issues it can cause for a property. When leaks occur in sewer line piping, it can cause problems around the property like: 

  • Puddles of sewage on the lawn
  • Foul odors
  • Insect and pest infestation 
  • Abnormal landscape growth, such as patches of greener and more lush grass
  • Cracks in the foundation

Accessing these pipes for sewer line repair may require digging and excavation or may be able to be repaired noninvasively with trenchless sewer repair. Homeowners should call a plumber at the first sign of a sewage leak to protect the property. 

Professional Plumbing Maintenance

Routine plumbing maintenance is also important for preventing sewer line issues and catching potential problems early. Routine inspections and maintenance can help avoid issues with the sewer line and identify sewer line damage and blockages so they can be fixed before they escalate into major plumbing problems causing property damage. 

By helping prevent these sewer line problems, plumbing maintenance can save homeowners the cost and headache of dealing with clogged or leaking sewer lines. It also offers peace of mind, knowing that the plumbing system is functioning well and reducing the risk of unexpected disruptions. Therefore, investing in professional plumbing maintenance is a proactive measure that can help homeowners avoid costly repairs and maintain the health of their sewer lines.

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has over three decades of experience serving the Miami area. They provide flat-rate pricing, personal attention, and personable service. Call them for plumbing and sewer line services in Miami, FL.

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Hydrojetting Solves Several Common Sewer Line Issues

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What Exactly is Hydrojetting?

Hydrojetting or high-pressure drain cleaning is the latest innovation for breaking up sewer line clogs and cleaning sewer lines. Sewer lines are the most abused pipe in any household because they are expected to carry away a variety of types of waste without failing. However, sometimes they get overwhelmed and need attention. 

Until hydrojetting was developed, a drain auger was the best tool for the job regarding sewer line problems. Drain augers were great innovations, but they have some drawbacks. Modern hydro jets are much more powerful and versatile than drain augers or early high-pressure drain cleaning machines. These machines are so successful because they use pressurized water to cut through clogged debris while also spraying water against the inside of the pipe to remove scum and greasy buildup. Here are common scenarios that cause sewer line problems where hydrojetting can help. 

Breaks Up Invading Tree Roots 

rootsA common problem in sewer lines is tree roots that have invaded through a crack in the pipe wall. Before anyone can detect the sewer line has a crack, tree roots will send out feeders to tap into the rich water source and nutrients within. Once inside, tree roots rapidly grow, but they also catch debris in the sewer line. This makes some of the most serious clogs that plumbers see. 

Drain augers, often called rooters, were named because they were once the tool of choice against this problem. However, they often left roots within the pipe, only delaying the problem, not solving it. Hydrojetting completely removes roots, allowing for faster drainage, and once the crack is repaired, the problem is solved. 

Blasts Away Grease 

greaseAnother common cause of nasty sewer line clogs is a buildup of grease inside sewer lines that will trap any debris going down the drain. While cooking oil or grease should never be introduced into a drainage system, accidents happen. The best solution to solve these tough clogs is hydrojetting. 

Hydrojetting is also a great preventative measure because it removes any grease or debris in the pipe by blasting it with water at high pressure. After a sewer line has been cleaned and all debris flushed away, nothing is left to cause a clog. So, whether there is an active clog or just a vague feeling that a homeowner might be overdue for one, hydrojetting is the best answer. 

Pushes Non-Flushable Materials Down the Sewer Line

Non-flushable materials are things that should never be flushed down a toilet and include anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Most items deemed flushable are certainly not and can still cause damage to the plumbing, including nasty sewer line clogs. Things that shouldn’t be flushed include:

  • Wipes
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Paper towels
  • Tissues
  • Debris that falls into the toilet

When these items are flushed, they may not cause the toilet to clog, but that doesn't mean homeowners are in the clear. They can slowly build up inside the sewer line and cause a nasty clog. Hydrojetting is the best way to break up these clogs. Then homeowners can start practicing better flushing habits, so they never have to deal with these types of clogs again!

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a woman-owned and operated business serving Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. They provide upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and personal attention. Call them today for sewer line repair and replacement in Miami, FL. 

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Watch Out for These Common Plumbing Issues This Spring!

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Plumbing Challenges Brought About by April Showers

The saying always goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, it seems whoever said this left out the part about how April showers also bring some very pesky plumbing issues! With spring on the horizon, homeowners must prepare their homes for some major rain.

Spring showers can put people’s homes at risk for significant plumbing issues. It is crucial for homeowners to know what issues to look out for, as these can cause severe damage if not addressed early. Here are three common plumbing issues homeowners should watch out for this spring. 

Soaked Soil

It might seem quite obvious to say that excess rain can lead to soaked soil. But what is less apparent is how this impacts home plumbing. The biggest concern homeowners should be worried about is septic system backups.

Septic systems are a critical part of home plumbing since they facilitate the processing of household wastewater. When soil becomes saturated, wastewater cannot properly drain from the septic tank. This can lead to major backups that may find their way into the home’s indoor plumbing fixtures. Not great!

Given that septic systems are mostly underground, these backups can be hard to spot before some nasty symptoms arise. Here are some common signs:

  • Foul odors
  • Slow draining (toilets, sinks, etc.)
  • Water backups (basement)

Septic system backups can also contaminate groundwater and therefore affect the quality of drinking water. Even without a septic system backup, groundwater can be contaminated by flooded soil on its own, as flooding limits the soil’s ability to filter out harmful pathogens in the water.

Leaks in the Foundation

foundationFoundation leaks are another primary concern related to excess rain. Homes are typically built overtop concrete “foundations,” which provide stability to the overall structure. The foundations sit on top of the soil, so naturally, excessive rain can affect the stability of the foundation itself. Clearly a cause for concern!

With each new rain, the soil gradually moves and reforms as it constantly fluctuates between saturated and dry states. When the soil reforms, the foundation shifts by microscopic amounts, which places increasing amounts of stress on the structure and can result in foundational leaks over time.

There are several potential signs of foundational leaks, including:

  • Dampness or puddles
  • Mold
  • Obvious foundational cracks or fractures
  • Overactive water meter
  • Sudden difficulty with opening windows/doors
  • Uneven floors

Repairing leaks in the foundation can be a complicated endeavor, so homeowners should seek professional help for identification and repairs.

Damaged Underground Pipes

pipes In addition to causing leaks, shifts in the home foundation due to excess rain can lead to broken underground pipes. This typically happens when the stress buildup is so high that it overwhelms pipes built within the foundation. This can also occur if the pressure of heavy soil overwhelms the pipes running underground.

Homeowners will be able to tell fairly quickly if there is a burst pipe, as the pipes might make strange sounds, water might flow improperly, or water might become discolored. In this case, homeowners should seek immediate professional help.

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing of Miami, FL, is a women-owned and operated company that has been in business since 1986. They provide honest upfront pricing, and their experienced team provides quality solutions with top-notch customer service. Call them for immediate help today!

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