sewer Archives - Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Avoid Costly Repairs: Spot the Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line Early

How To Recognize When Drain Cleaning is Needed

Knowing and understanding the warning signs of a clogged sewer line is a great way to be proactive. Rather than waiting until a major backup or clog requires expensive repairs, homeowners can act when they see the smaller warning signs and prevent big drain issues from occurring.

Gurgling Sounds are Audible Warning Signs

When the pipes and plumbing start gurgling, problems are coming, and no signs will be visible. However, that gurgling sound should never be ignored. It happens when water is pushed through the pipeline but struggles to pass through, forcing air through the opening.

The only reason air would get trapped is some sort of obstruction. While the obstruction is not yet a full blockage, it could quickly become one. That’s why taking action now can avoid huge drain repair-related issues.

Water and Sewage Backups are a Clear Red Flag

What starts out as a sewer line clog can easily lead to a sewer line backup. When the sewage backs up and won’t go down at all, there is a problem that needs to be handled very quickly. Be cautious if you have sewage backing up, as this health hazard requires proper safety precautions.

Sinks, tubs, and toilets are all meant to flow freely. However, a blockage will prevent the free flow of materials. When that happens, materials start to reverse, looking for a place to flow. There are many things that can cause backups, such as these:

Debris
Tree roots
Grease buildup
Hair buildup

Always know what is safe to flush and what isn’t. Properly care for your drains to prevent grease or other debris from building up and leading to a backup. If there are signs of a backup or things not moving freely like they should, contact a plumber right away.

Slow Draining Fixtures Should Be Addressed

If appliances, bathtubs, or other drains are draining slowly, this is a clear warning sign. There isn’t a backup yet, but there is an obstruction, and a backup is imminent if it is not resolved. What starts as slow drainage can quickly become a sewer line clog.

In most cases, these obstructions and clogged sewer lines can be handled with drain cleaning options. Plumbers will use a drain snake or a hydrojetting system to help clear out the lines, clean the drains, and ensure the sewer line can operate as it is intended to.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company provides five-star services for every customer, using affordable pricing and a friendly approach to take care of your needs. If you need sewer line repair or help with drain cleaning, contact them today for drain cleaning services in Apple Valley, MN.

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Tips on Avoiding Sewer Line Issues

Simple Preventative Sewer Line Maintenance

The sewer line is among the most important single pipes in a home’s plumbing system. In homes connected to the municipal waste system (as opposed to a septic system), the sewer line is responsible for delivering all wastewater away from the house. All the drains in the house lead directly to one shared line, which then transfers the household waste to a municipal treatment facility. As one can imagine, if something happens to the sewer line, it could spell disaster for the household.

Luckily, there are some simple preventative sewer line maintenance techniques every homeowner should be aware of. Read on to find out what they are!

Preventing and Catching Sewer Line Clogs

The easiest way to prevent a sewer line issue is to be mindful of what goes down the household’s drains. Generally, nothing but organic waste and toilet paper should go into the toilet. Things like makeup wipes, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, and even “flushable” wipes should always go into the trash, never the toilet.

However, even households that are careful about what goes down the drains can still experience a sewer line clog, so it’s important to know the signs of one of these clogs. The easiest way to tell the difference between a clogged drain and a clogged sewer line is to test multiple drains. Since all drains lead to the sewer line, if the clog is a problem, all of them will be affected.

Generally, the drains on the first floor will show signs first. This includes toilets flushing slowly (or backing up), shower drains backing up, and sinks not draining properly. Chances are, if only one drain is affected, it’s not a sewer line problem.

Identifying Sewer Line Leaks

Sewer line leaks are a different problem that can plague a household. This means that waste leaks out of the sewer line and into the surrounding area. Since most sewer lines run under the front yard, it’s good to watch out for common signs of a leak.

If the front yard grows grass, the sewer line leak can often act as a fertilizer, causing the grass to grow quickly in one spot. Similarly, it’s often possible to smell the leaking waste when out in the yard — it’s hard to mistake the smell of a broken sewer line for anything else. Unfortunately, sewer line leaks can also attract pests to the yard or even inside the house, so it’s good to be looking out for new bugs or critters. Finally, a leaking sewer pipe can also cause strange sounds to emanate from the drains in the house.

Homeowners who experience one or more of these signs should contact a professional plumber for help diagnosing and fixing the issue.

Consider Professional Plumbing Maintenance

One surefire way to prevent a sewer line emergency is regular plumbing maintenance. This checkup helps the entire plumbing system remain in good working order and prevents emergencies like sewer line clogs or leaks.

During regular plumbing maintenance, a professional plumber will check the sewer line for clogs with a special camera. If buildups or potential clogs exist, the plumber can use a hydro jet to clear out the obstructions. This maintenance can also ward off problems like leaks, helping the plumbing system operate smoothly in the short and long term!

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company has been proudly serving Apple Valley, MN, since 2013. They offer upfront pricing and same-day service. They also provide friendly and courteous service, always treating their customers’ homes like their own. Contact them today for sewer line repair in Apple Valley, MN.

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Signs That Sewer Line Repairs are Needed

How to Tell When the Sewer Needs Service

Sewer lines are common sources of headaches for any property owner. When the sewer line starts acting up, it can mean big problems and repair bills. One of the main difficulties with sewer line repairs is that it can be difficult to tell when there is a serious problem. Since the pipes are buried underground, homeowners must look for symptoms of problems instead of visible damage to determine if sewer repairs are needed. This can be more than some homeowners know how to do.

Luckily, experts are here to help. Here is a quick list of the main signs of sewer problems. By becoming familiar with this list, homeowners can quickly recognize when they are suffering from sewer problems so they can get professionals to deal with the problem quickly.

Chronic Clogs and Slow Draining

All of the drains in the home are eventually tied together in one larger single pipe called the sewer line. When the sewer line starts to suffer from damage, it can cause symptoms in some or all of the plumbing fixtures that the drains serve. Observing problems at multiple points in the system can help owners know that the problem is likely in a sewer line instead of a drain.

Two main signs that can be in more than one place when sewer repairs are needed are chronic clogs and slow draining. These two problems usually go hand in hand because they both appear simultaneously. Chronic clogs will need continued repairs either on the homeowner's or a professional's part every time they occur, so they are fairly easy to understand. Slow draining can be observed by watching toilets flush or tubs drain. If the drain is noisy and water doesn't easily flow away, sewer line repairs are needed to restore reliable service.

Sewer Gas Leaking Inside the Home

When a sewer line is in good repair, it should keep sewer gas out of the home. Most homeowners go their entire lives not knowing that sewer gas could seep into the home at any minute. This is a testament to the reliability of sewer systems. However, when this problem pops up in the home, it can be unmistakable.

When sewer lines clog, they can allow noxious odors to seep into the home. While the smell is unmistakable, finding the source can be difficult. Always quickly enlist the help of a sewer repair specialist to locate the root problem and fix it.

Evidence Out in the Yard

One of the most common problems that occurs in sewer lines is that they crack or collapse. This can allow sewage to seep out underground in the yard. The rich wastewater from the home is enough to fuel the vigorous growth of nearby plants. Often, this results in lush spots in the lawn that are as accurate as an X marking the spot.

During the summer, if wet spots or lush growth are noticed outdoors, a sewage leak is likely nearby. Sewer line replacement will likely be necessary, so homeowners should prepare themselves by finding a reliable plumber.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company offers free estimates and guarantees its work. Its qualified experts offer award-winning service for sewer line repairs. Call today for plumbing service in Apple Valley, MN.

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Backed Up Sewer Line? Here's How To Deal With It

Understanding a Backed-Up Sewer Line

A home’s sewer line is important in keeping a home running safely and smoothly since sewer lines are responsible for moving sewage and wastewater away from the home and into treatment plants or disposal facilities. When a sewer line backs up or reverses the sewage flows back up the drains at home, it becomes a health and safety hazard that needs to be resolved immediately.

What Causes a Sewer Line To Back Up?

A sewer line backup is a common problem many homeowners face, and there are plenty of reasons why this happens quite often. Some of the most typical causes of a sewer line backup include:

Tree root invasion - tree roots and pipes can sometimes get too close to each other for comfort, and in some cases, the two collide, causing sewer lines to be blocked by invasive tree roots
Pipes destroyed by shifting soil - when soil settles, shifts, or moves around, pipes also lose their footing and can end up broken or destroyed, causing the sewer line to back up
Clogged pipelines - blockages in the pipelines can be caused by a buildup of debris
Old and worn down pipes - pipes age, wear down, and eventually break, which can cause a sewer line backup

Different Methods for Repair

Just as there are many different reasons for the occurrence of a backed-up sewer line, there exists an equally numerous method for sewer line repair, which hinges on each particular cause.

A clogged pipe, for example, could be dealt with by hydrojet drain cleaning, which employs a steady stream of highly pressurized water to dislodge stubborn and persistent clogs. On the other hand, a broken or damaged sewer line caused by invasive tree roots may require a different sewer pipe repair approach. In this instance, it would be advisable to conduct trenchless sewer repair, in which an epoxy pipe lining could be inserted into the broken pipe, inflated, and then cured to seal it into the inside of the old pipe, making it practically new again.

Trenchless pipe lining can also be used to repair pipes destroyed by shifting soil or replace old and worn down pipes since this kind of pipe lining installation is minimally invasive and can be done with the guidance of a sewer camera inspection.

Despite the difference in approach, all methods benefit from sewer video inspection, which allows plumbers to get a good view internally of the pipes to diagnose and detect particular problems and develop appropriate solutions.

Tips for Preventing Future Backups

Most sewer line problems can be prevented by keeping pipes clean and free from debris that could accumulate and build up a clog internally. This means practicing good waste disposal habits that prevent certain things from entering the pipes and wreaking havoc. Oil and grease are a pipe’s number one enemy; next are food scraps, hair, and a slew of non-biodegradable items that get flushed down the toilet, such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, and copious amounts of toilet paper. Keeping these things from getting into the sewer line is already half the battle won.

Going hand-in-hand with proper waste disposal is engaging in regular preventative plumbing maintenance. Calling in your trusted, handy plumber to inspect and repair the sewer lines and pipes regularly and conduct annual drain cleaning is a surefire way to keep the sewer lines from backing up and causing a world of inconvenience.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is the trusted plumbing solutions provider in Apple Valley, MN. They offer a wide range of plumbing services, from water heaters to drain cleaning and kitchen plumbing to sewer line repairs. Their award-winning reputation is highlighted by upfront pricing and stellar same-day service provided by courteous and caring professionals. Call them today for plumbing services in Apple Valley, MN.

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Finding a Sewer Line Repair Company in Apple Valley, MN

How to Find the Right Sewer Repair Service

In the course of homeownership, there will inevitably be some catastrophe that the homeowner doesn’t know how to deal with. Whether that disaster is a broken air conditioner, major electrical problems, or complications in the plumbing system, they can be overwhelming. Hearing stories about sewer line leaks and failures is enough to make any homeowner lose sleep.

Luckily, professionals are ready to help get things back to normal. With professional sewer line leak repair, homeowners don’t need to worry about ruining their yard or taking out a second mortgage on their home for sewer line repairs. This guide is to help homeowners understand sewer line repair and take some of the intimidation out of the process.

Is a Professional Needed?

Sewer line repair almost always involves trying to work on sewer pipes that are underground and under the slab of a house. This can make things complicated. If that wasn’t enough, a home’s sewer lines connect to municipal sewer lines, which can also clog, but the problem is a lot bigger if they are damaged.

Some of the tools that professionals will use to make sewer line repairs are:

Drain augers
Pipe Snakes
Hydro-jetting machines
Excavators
Jackhammer
Drills

Since the stakes are so high, professional help is always best. Professionals have the tools and experience necessary to do these difficult repairs, but they also have the necessary insurance to protect themselves and the homeowners they work for. This is why finding an insured sewer line repair company is vital to completing a sewer line repair project.

Learn How to Research Companies

The better the company is, the smoother sewer line repair projects will go. But, how can homeowners know who to hire when it feels so risky? Every homeowner can find a sewer line repair service that fits their needs with a little research. It can be as easy as:

Perusing the Company’s Website: Any reputable company will have an online presence that is easy to find and informative. Read about the company’s services and values to see if they align.
Reading Reviews: Reviews will be available from different sources. Read several reviews, both good and bad. One bad review isn’t a deal-breaker, but too many is a bad sign.
Comparing Estimates: A company that isn’t forthcoming with its prices is probably not the best company to hire. Most companies offer free estimates to bid for their services. The cheapest bid may not be the best, so consider all these things.

Know What Questions to Ask

The final step in finding a good sewer repair company is where the homeowner gets to interview potential candidates for the job. In researching companies, they will likely get an idea of what kinds of questions to ask potential contractors. Call the company and ask all the questions that come to mind.

A company that will be easy to deal with will take pleasure in answering all of the questions and putting everyone’s mind at ease. After this, making the decision should be easy, and everyone can move forward with sewer repairs.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company treats every one of its customers’ homes like their own. Even with messy sewer line repair projects, they never leave a mess, and they always give transparent upfront pricing. Call today for same-day plumbing service in Apple Valley, MN.