The winds of change – can you feel them blowing in the wind?
The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and you can feel that longing to get out and explore.
Yes, spring is finally here in Oklahoma! It’s time for some fun in the sun.
Across our great state, homeowners are emerging from their hibernation and starting to get back out in their backyards to enjoy the nicer weather. But those backyard barbeques and pool parties could be in jeopardy...
If you haven't had your sewer lines checked recently, now is the time. It's always better to be safe than sorry, and there's nothing worse than a plumbing emergency spoiling your spring fun.
When it comes to spring plumbing, don't leave anything up to chance. Now is the time to get your outdoor plumbing projects handled by a professional. Let's take a look at some of the most common sewer line issues that can pop up in the spring and how they can ruin even the best laid plans.
Meet Your Sewer Line
It lives just below the ground in your home. It rarely makes an appearance. It helps take care of your dirty business.
It's your sewer line, and it's one of the most critical parts of your plumbing system.
A properly functioning sewer line is key to a happy home. It helps keep things flowing smoothly – no pun intended. Sewer lines are made up of several parts, each with its own unique purpose:
The main sewer line runs from your home to the city sewer system.
Household drains connect to the main line and carry water and waste away from your home.
Septic tanks (if you have one) store wastewater until a septic system can process it.
Sewer lines are part of the critical infrastructure of your home, and when problems begin to arise, it can be difficult to know until it's too late.
How Do I Know I Have a Problem?
There are several telltale signs that your sewer line might be in trouble. If you notice any of the following, it's time to call a professional:
1. Bad smells coming from drains or toilets.
What is that smell? If you start to notice a rank, musty smell coming from your drains or toilets, it could be a sign that your sewer line is backed up. Sewer lines can become backed up for a variety of reasons, from tree roots growing into the line to a build-up of grease and waste.
When unwanted smells start to intrude into your home, it's time to call a plumber. They can help diagnose the problem and fix it before it gets worse.
2. Slow draining sinks or tubs.
If your sink or tub takes forever to drain, it could be a sign that something blocking the line. A clog in your sewer line can cause water to back up into your home, leading to all sorts of problems. While the problem could be related to indoor plumbing, the problem may be deeper than that.
A professional plumber will be able to determine if the problem is with your sewer line and fix it before it gets any worse.
3. Flooding in your yard.
Have you noticed flooding in your yard – even when it hasn't rained? If so, it could be a sign that your sewer line is backed up. When the sewer line becomes backed up, the wastewater can't flow away from your home and starts to overflow. This can lead to some major water damage – not to mention a big mess.
If you're seeing signs of flooding in your yard, it's time to call a plumber. They can help diagnose and fix the problem and stop further damage from occurring.
4. Soggy spots in your yard.
Maybe you don't have a flooding issue yet, but there are unexpected soggy spots in your yard. These spots are often the first sign of a sewer line problem.
When wastewater starts to leak from the sewer line, it can saturate the ground and create soggy spots. If you notice any of these, you’ll need to call a plumber to help fix the problem.
What About Outdoor Plumbing Projects?
Springtime means getting outside, and many homeowners want to take on outdoor plumbing projects. But before you start, it's important to make sure that your sewer line is in good shape.
Some of the most common outdoor plumbing projects include:
Installing a new water hose spigot: It’s a relatively easy project, but it's important to make sure that the spigot is properly connected to the sewer line. Otherwise, you could end up with a leak.
Investing in a new sprinkler system: This is a more complex project that you’ll want to hire a professional for. They can help ensure that the sprinkler system is properly connected to the sewer line and that there are no leaks.
Putting in an outdoor sink: If you're thinking of putting in an outdoor sink, be sure to have the sewer line checked out first. You don't want to create a new plumbing problem while trying to fix an old one.
Adding a new patio or deck: This is another popular project in the springtime, but it's important to remember that decks and patios need to be properly drained. That means they need to be connected to the sewer line. Otherwise, you could end up with a soggy mess.
Putting in a pool: A pool is a big investment, and you want to be sure that it's properly installed. That includes making sure that the sewer line is in good shape and can handle the additional water.
As you can see, there are a variety of outdoor projects that need to be properly planned and executed. And in many cases, that means working with a professional plumber.
Why You Should Repair or Replace Your Sewer Line Before Spring
Now that you know some of the common signs of a sewer line problem and some of the most popular outdoor projects, it's time to talk about why you should repair or replace your sewer line before spring.
There are a few reasons for this:
1. To avoid flooding.
As we mentioned earlier, one of the most common problems with a sewer line is flooding. And while you may not think that a little water could do much damage, it can actually cause a lot of problems. Flooding can damage your home, ruin your landscaping, and even lead to mold and mildew growth. So it's important to take care of the problem before it gets any worse.
2. To avoid expensive repairs.
Another reason to repair or replace your sewer line before spring is to avoid expensive repairs. If you wait too long, the damage could worsen, and you may need to replace your entire sewer line.
3. To avoid health problems.
Did you know that sewer line problems can also cause health problems? If the sewer line is clogged or leaking, it can release harmful gases into your home. These gases can be dangerous to your health and should be avoided at all costs.
4. To avoid having to shut down your yard.
Finally, another reason to repair or replace your sewer line before spring is to avoid having to shut down your yard. Many homeowners don't realize this, but a broken sewer line can actually shut down your entire yard for repairs. If you don't want your spring to be known as "construction season," then it's best to take care of the problem now.
How a BL3 Plumber Can Help
There are no DIY fixes when it comes to sewer line repair or replacement. To ensure that the problem is handled the right way, hiring a professional plumber is important.
At BL3 Plumbing, we have the experience and expertise to handle all of your sewer line needs. Our team has the skills and tools to come to your property and diagnose the problem. We'll then provide you with a solution that is tailored to your specific needs. From small repairs to large-scale replacements, we can handle it all.
What to expect:
A BL3 plumber will come to your property and diagnose the problem: We strive for convenience. Our plumbing team will arrive on time, in a marked truck, and will diagnose the issue with your sewer line.
We provide tailored solutions: After diagnosing the problem, our plumbers will provide you with a tailored solution. This may include a repair, replacement, or just an inspection.
You’re in control: You’re always in control of our work. We’ll never do any work without your approval.
We clean up after ourselves: After the job is done, we'll clean up any mess that we make. You shouldn't even know that we were there.
We're here to help: BL3 Plumbing is here to help you with all of your sewer line needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Contact BL3 Plumbing Today
Don't let sewer problems ruin your spring. Contact BL3 Plumbing today and let our team take care of the problem. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, and we're always here to help.
Contact our team to schedule a consultation, and we would be happy to work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Happy spring!
