As an Oklahoma homeowner or property manager, you've probably experienced those moments when things just don't seem right with your plumbing system. Low toilet bowl levels, water that won't seem to drain, and irritating puddles can leave homeowners scratching their heads.
When it comes to plumbing problems, there is one phrase that no homeowner wants to hear: "You need to replace your sewer line." Suddenly, nightmare images of a backhoe digging up your prized landscaping to drag out old, rotten sewer lines come to mind. From the time and damage that a sewer line repair can take to the cost of a full replacement, hearing that your lines need to be replaced can make you want to pack up and skip town.
Here's the good news: With the right know-how and a trusted plumbing service at your disposal, you can turn a sewer line repair or replacement job from a nightmare into a minor inconvenience. On the other side of a repair is the promise of a plumbing system that works like a dream!
Read on to learn more about sewer line issues and the telltale signs of failure.
How Sewer Lines Work
You may be wondering: Wait, are sewer lines my problem? How do they even work?
Many homeowners and property owners are shocked to discover that they may be on the hook to take care of sewer lines. This can leave them with a sour taste in their mouths when they find out that they need to foot the cost of repairs or replacements. When out-of-sight doesn't mean out-of-mind, it can be helpful to learn how sewer lines work.
In short, sewer lines are made up of three main components: the water supply system, the plumbing appliances and fixtures, and the drain system. When you flush, wastewater is carried by gravity down through a series of pipes connected to a vent pipe system that keeps water flowing with the addition of fresh air. Wastewater moves to the main waste stack, which becomes the sewer line as it exits a property near the foundation. In most Oklahoma homes, this pipe runs to a Property Service Connection (PSC) and on down to the sewer line. No municipal connection? The waste then runs to a septic tank buried off-property.
Common Symptoms That Your Sewer Lines Need To Be Repaired Or Replaced
With such a simple system in place, it may be surprising to learn that there are several reasons that a sewer line may need to be repaired or replaced over the years. Unfortunately, you can't just walk outside and take a quick look over your sewer lines to see if there is an issue. Many times, it takes the appearance of symptoms of damage to determine if there is an issue.
Here are three of the most common symptoms that your sewer lines are in need of repair:
Slow-Draining Water
The bane of many homeowners' existence, slow-draining water from sinks, showers, and toilets are a surefire symptom that something may be wrong with your sewer line. If sewer lines are not properly free of obstructions or have cracks, the gravity-based removal of wastewater will not be able to function correctly. This can lead to wastewater not being able to move freely through pipes or at a proper pace.
If you find yourself pouring drain cleaner into your pipes to no avail, it may be time to call in an expert to take a look at your sewer lines for problems further down the pipeline.
Soggy Patches In The Yard
Ever notice that your yard has soggy patches that don't seem to go away over time? While soggy, muddy patches of ground are to be expected following a rainstorm, areas of wet earth that don't seem to dry up can be a sign that your sewer lines have failed down below the surface.
As sewer lines crack and fail, the wastewater that should be moving through the pipes will leak through and begin to be absorbed into the ground. When this happens, you may start to notice that the ground above the lines is consistently soggy or gathering with water.
Inconsistent Toilet Water Levels
While the water level in your toilets may not be something you look at consistently, it can be a great indicator that something is amiss in your plumbing system. If there is a blockage or failure in your sewer lines, you may begin to notice that the water levels in your home's toilets will vary.
Water levels may vary from too-little water refilling in the bowl or not enough water flushing through the system due to backups further down the drain.
Why Your Sewer Lines May Be Damaged
There are many reasons why your home or property's sewer lines may be showing signs of damage or failure. Unfortunately, it often requires the expert hand of a qualified plumber to get down to the bottom of the problem so never try to diagnose sewer line problems on your own!
To help give you an idea why your sewer lines may be in need of repair, here are some of the common reasons that sewer lines break down over time:
There is a full or partial obstruction of the sewer line in the fresh-air vent system, often caused by debris or animals building nests in the vents.
The home's internal plumbing pipes are cracked, have slipped a joint, or have become unsealed.
There are obstructions in the main line such as hair, bathroom products, solid objects or calcium buildup from hard water has formed.
Roots have grown into the main line, breaking the pipes or causing a blockage.
Discover The Source Of Your Sewer Line Problems With BL3 Plumbing
When you begin to notice the symptoms of sewer line failure, you need to act quickly to protect your home and property from further damage. At BL3 Plumbing, our team of expert Oklahoma plumbing experts has the skills and experience necessary to diagnose and treat sewer line issues at the source.
Our team will work with you to help you understand the problem with your sewer lines and guide you through the proper course of action to repair or replace lines. Want to learn more? Give our team a call at (405) 237-1414 for more information about Oklahoma sewer line treatment, repair, and replacement services in your area.
