The sewer line is just one item on the long list of things that homeowners have to be aware of in order to keep things running smoothly within their home. However, many people don’t think too much about it… until a problem arises.
The sewer system is responsible for taking away all of your home’s wastewater. When it’s working, everything’s simple. When it fails, it can quickly turn into a messy, stressful, and expensive ordeal. Understanding the health of your system starts with knowing what’s happening underneath your lawn. That’s where a professional sewer inspection becomes your most valuable tool!
What Are Your Pipes Made Of?
The age and material of your sewer line are two of the biggest indicators of when you might need maintenance. Different materials have very different lifespans.
Cast iron, for example, was built to last 50 to 75 years. It’s popular in homes built in the mid-20th century, but is prone to internal rust, scale buildup, and corrosion. All of these can narrow the pipe, leading to clogs or even eventual collapse as the line loses structural integrity over time.
Clay pipes are also common in older homes. They’re resistant to chemical corrosion, but notoriously brittle and prone to cracking when the ground shifts. They’re also susceptible to tree roots, which can easily penetrate the joints. Clay pipes are frequently an issue in Oklahoma due to our unpredictable weather. Droughts cause the soil to shrink, while heavy rains cause it to expand, putting immense pressure on these rigid lines that leads to failure.
Orangeburg pipes are made from ground wood pulp and coal tar pitch, sealed with a waterproof adhesive. These became popular during and after WWII. They lack structural integrity and are very prone to deforming and collapsing when the ground shifts. Because they aren’t considered acceptable building materials according to most modern building codes, if you have Orangeburg pipes, a sewer line inspection is essential to gauge how much life (if any) they have left.
PVC pipes are the current standard in modern plumbing. PVC is resistant to corrosion and has smooth interior walls to prevent clogs. Its tightly sealed joints also make it very resistant to root intrusion. If you get your pipes replaced or repaired, the new line will almost certainly be made from PVC.
A Professional Sewer Line Inspection
You don’t have to wait for a flood or sewer line failure to know what’s going on underground… and in fact, you shouldn’t wait! A professional sewer line inspection uses high-definition, waterproof cameras fed directly into your pipes and reviewed in real time. This allows us to see exactly what’s happening under your house, and where.
Instead of guessing why a drain seems to be running slowly or why you smell something “off” in the yard, we can identify issues like- for example- tree root infiltration. Roots seek out moisture, and if your pipes have even a microscopic crack, roots will find their way in and create a blockage.
Ground settling and other issues can lead to “bellies” or sags in your line- low spots where waste pools up instead of moving to the city main sewer line.
Misaligned joints caused by shifting soil can also cause cracks and sections of pipe that are offset from each other, which can catch any passing debris and cause major backups.
When Should I Schedule an Inspection?
Homeowners often wait until a drain backs up, but a proactive sewer line inspection is much cheaper than an emergency call. We recommend an inspection if:
- You’re purchasing a home. Get as much of the place inspected as you can, and that definitely includes plumbing. Don’t inherit someone else’s plumbing issues and make sure you know exactly what you’re buying before you sign the papers.
- You’re noticing recurring clogs. If the same drain is an issue week after week, it might be a symptom of a deeper problem.
- Your home is over 30 years old. If you have cast iron, clay, or Orangeburg piping, an annual or biennial checkup is a smart investment to catch issues before they turn into serious structural failures.
Protect Your Investment!
Your home is a big investment, and the sewer line is seriously important to keep it functioning. Scheduling a sewer line inspection allows you to take control of your home’s health instead of being caught unaware by an unexpected plumbing failure.
If you’re concerned about the age or performance of your sewer line, contact us today. We’ll get our camera down there and provide you with an honest assessment. Then we’ll help you create a plan to keep your plumbing flowing perfectly for years to come.