Sewer line repairs are never a fun topic to think about. But unfortunately, they happen to many Oklahoma homeowners each year. If you're lucky, you may only have to deal with a minor issue like a clog throughout the life of your home.
Unfortunately, sewers are prone to a few common issues, particularly tree root invasion and pipe corrosion. When your sewer line goes bad, you can risk your home flooding with sewage water – which is a nightmare scenario for any homeowner.
So, how can you avoid these common sewer line issues? The best way to do so is by being proactive and conducting regular maintenance on your sewer line.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to detect common sewer line issues and how to prepare your home for sewer repairs. We’ll also cover many of the most common questions that we receive at BL3 Plumbing, including:
What are the most common sewer line issues in Oklahoma?
How can I tell if I have a sewer line issue?
What are some tips for preparing my home for sewer repairs?
Let's read on to learn more about sewer lines in Oklahoma and how to keep them running smoothly!
A Sewer Line Primer
Sewer lines live just below the surface of our homes and yards and, therefore, are quite mysterious to most homeowners. Knowing how they are installed and how they operate is crucial to keeping them running smoothly.
Here are a few basics about sewer lines:
They are made of different materials, including clay, concrete, PVC, and cast iron.
The most common type of sewer line in Oklahoma is PVC.
They typically last between 20-50 years with proper maintenance.
Under ideal conditions, they can last much longer!
They are buried anywhere from four to six feet underground.
Trained and certified professionals are needed to properly install and repair them.
Now that we have a basic understanding of sewer lines, let's discuss the most common issues that Oklahoma homeowners face and how you can avoid them.
The Most Common Sewer Line Issues in Oklahoma
There are two primary sewer line issues that homeowners face in Oklahoma: tree root invasion and pipe corrosion.
Tree Root Invasion
One of the most common sewer line issues that we see here at BL3 Plumbing is tree root invasion. This happens when the roots of a tree or shrub grow into the sewer line, causing a blockage. This is particularly common in the springtime as the roots are searching for water.
As trees age, their roots will continue to grow and expand and often will come into contact with sewer lines. (This can happen even if the tree isn’t located near the sewer line – the roots can travel a long way in search of water!)
Once the roots begin to engage with a sewer line, they’ll continue to grow and will eventually cause a blockage. This can happen gradually or all at once, depending on the severity of the issue. If left untreated, tree root invasion can cause extensive damage to your sewer line and home.
Sewer Pipe Corrosion
Another common sewer line issue that we see in Oklahoma is pipe corrosion. This is caused by the winter elements – specifically, the freezing and thawing of the ground. This can cause cracks and breaks in your sewer line, which will lead to leaks.
In older homes with cast iron or clay sewer lines, pipe corrosion is more common. These materials are more susceptible to damage from freezing temperatures.
If you have an older home, it’s important to be aware of this issue and to have your sewer line inspected regularly. There are a variety of reasons that pipe corrosion can occur, but the most common is freezing and thawing. This is why it’s so important to have your sewer line regularly inspected by a certified professional.
Other (Rare) Sewer Pipe Problems That Can Occur
A few other sewer pipe problems can occur, but they are not as common as tree root invasion and pipe corrosion.
These include:
Pipe Joint Leaks: This happens when the joints that connect your sewer line begin to leak. This is usually caused by poor installation or damage from ground movement.
Offset or Collapsed Pipes: This can happen when the soil around your sewer line shifts or settles. This can cause the pipe to become offset or collapse.
Bellied Pipes: A "bellied" pipe is one that has a section that is lower than the rest of the pipe. This can happen when the ground around the pipe settles or erodes.
How to Prepare Your Home for Sewer Line Repairs
If you’re facing a sewer line issue, the first step is to call a certified professional. Only a trained and certified professional can identify and deal with potential sewer line problems. From the moment they visit your home to the final inspection, you can be sure that the job will be done right.
The next step is to prepare your home for repairs. This includes:
1. Find an alternative source of water for your home.
You’ll need to have an alternative water source for your home while the repairs are being made. This could be a water line from a neighbor or a water line from a different part of your home.
If you have a well, you’ll need to make sure that it’s properly sealed and that there is no way for contaminated water to enter.
You should also have a plan for disposing of any wastewater that is generated during the repair process. This could include hiring a septic tank company to pump and haul away the wastewater or using a holding tank.
2. Make sure that the repair area is easily accessible.
The repair area will need to be easily accessible for the workers. This means that there should be no obstacles in the way and that the site should be well-lit.
You should also make sure that any pets or children are kept away from the area while the repairs are being made. This will ensure that they are not in danger and that the workers can do their job without interruption.
3. Ensure that you communicate with the repair specialists.
It’s essential to communicate with the workers so that you know what to expect and so that you can ask any questions that you may have.
You should also let them know about any special instructions that you may have, such as where to park or how to enter your home.
4. Prepare for the repairs to take longer than expected.
You should always prepare for the repairs to take longer than expected. This means that you should have a plan in place for where you’ll stay and how you’ll get around while the repairs are being made.
It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case the repairs take longer than expected. If you have a vacation home or a friend or family member that you can stay with, this is a good option.
You should also make sure that you have enough food and supplies on hand in case the repairs take longer than expected.
5. Be prepared for the noise and dust.
Repairs can be noisy and dusty, so you should be prepared for this. You may want to purchase some earplugs or put up some temporary walls to help reduce the noise.
You should also expect to see some dust in your home, so it’s good to cover any furniture or items you don’t want to get dusty.
6. Save any landscaping that you can.
If the repairs are going to be extensive, you may need to remove some of your landscaping. This includes trees, shrubs, and any other plants that are in the way.
You should save any plants that you can and replant them after the repairs have been completed.
These are just a few things that you need to do to prepare your home for sewer line repairs. If you take the time to do these things, the repairs will go much smoother, and you’ll be back to normal in no time.
Contact BL3 Inc. for All Your Sewer Line Needs
Dealing with a sewer line issue can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be. If you think you may have a problem, the first step is to contact a certified professional. BL3 Plumbing has been dealing with sewer line issues in the Oklahoma City region for years. Our team of certified, licensed, and insured plumbers will ensure that the job is done right the first time.
We offer a wide variety of services, including:
• Sewer line repair
• Sewer line replacement
• Trenchless sewer line repair
• And more!
Don’t wait until it’s too late to deal with your sewer line issue. Contact BL3 Inc. today to learn how to prepare your home for sewer line repairs and avoid common issues in the future.
