Sewer repair can be amongst the most expensive and disruptive maintenance procedures that you will experience as a real estate owner. If your residential, commercial, or investment property was built over forty years ago the chances of a sewer system breakdown greatly increase as each year passes. Prior to the mid 1970’s sewer pipes were manufactured out of materials that simply cannot stand the test of time when exposed to extreme conditions. For example, water tends to rust and then rot cast iron sewer pipes. This is certainly not a good combination since wastewater travels through them on a daily basis.
In addition the sewer pipeline is buried underground, which means that the pipes are also coming into contact with groundwater at regular intervals. Clay tile was also a popular choice for sewer pipes back in the day. Although clay is resilient when it comes to transporting or being submerged in water the materials is also extremely fragile. This certainly does not bode well for pipes that are buried in the ground and must be able to withstand shifts and movement in the earth. Which leads us back to the reason that such a great deal of older properties are now facing major sewer repairs.
The sewer pipes are simply reaching the end of their expected lifecycle. Since your sewer pipes are buried underground and you cannot physically see them, how do you know that there are problems? First and foremost, a sewer video camera inspection will discover any issues. In the meantime, there are warning signs that your sewer system needs to be repaired or even replaced.
Warning Sign #1: Sewage Backups And Blockages. If you are experiencing clogs or water backflow it is a certainly a sign that you have some sort of drain or sewer problem. If you see water backing up when you flush your toilet or use the sink or the bathtub, you should know that it is also a sign of trouble. If you are experiencing regular backups and your attempts to clear the line fail, make sure you contact a professional to schedule a sewer inspection.
Warning Sign #2: Sewer Odor. A sanitary sewer system should be airtight everywhere with the exception of the vent stacks. Sewer odors around your property are a telltale sign that there is a crack or a clog somewhere in your sewer line.
Warning Sign #3: Slow Drain. A slow drain may be a sign that a blockage is forming, which will eventually lead to a clog and a sewage backup. In essence, if your bathtub, sink or a toilet is draining slowly, try solving the issue in the early stage. If you experience slow drainage with all your drains, it’s likely you’re not dealing with a simple clog but a bigger problem.
Warning Sign #4: Soggy Spots On Your Lawn. If you have undetected leaks in your sewer line, you may notice damp, soggy or raised patches of ground in the yard. This means that there is a significant amount of water underneath the surface of the lawn.
Warning Sign #5: Lush Patches Of Grass. Have you spotted an extra green and lush patch of grass? Have your plants begun to flourish and grow surprisingly fast? Maybe it is due to the fact that the soil around the leakage has been receiving extra nutrients from the unexpected fertilizer, otherwise known as the sewage.
Warning Sign #6: Septic Waste Pooling In The Yard. One of the most obvious signs that you have a broken sewer pipe is septic wastewater pooling in your yard. You may be facing a broken main line or septic tank, or a clogged drain field under the pool of sewer water.
If you have any questions about sewer repair, or would like to schedule service we are happy to help. Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc. is your New England connection for a vast variety of environmentally related services. Our company has been serving Boston Massachusetts, Southern NH, VT & ME as well as Northern CT & RI since 1952. Please Contact us to learn more today.
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