main sewer line repair Archives

How hydro-jetting works

Hydro-jetting is a non-invasive method for unblocking and cleaning pipes. The plumber does not have to dig a trench to access the pipe that is being cleaned. Instead of digging a hole in the ground, a powerful jet of water is shot into the pipe to remove all blockages inside it.

The hydro-jetting machine, also known as a ‘jetter,’ is made up of the following components:

A tank which holds the water to be used during the operation

A flexible steel hose that is mounted on a drum or comes in sections which can be joined to make them as long as desired

A range of stainless steel nozzles; the type of pipe and severity of the clog determines the proper nozzle to use

The mechanism for pressuring the water

To hydro-jet a line, the flexible steel hose is passed into the pipe with the nozzle attached to its end. The drainpipe is accessed through a cleanout or one of the drains in the home, explains the Peak Residential Management team. The drum is used to unroll and push the hose into the drainpipe while it is guided by the plumber’s hand.

a hydro jetting taking place in chicago.

While this is going on, a stream of water is shot into the drain via the hose and nozzle. The nozzle can direct the water forward, backwards, and against the pipe surface. It not only clears the clogs inside the pipes, the pipes are washed clean, as the debris inside them is carried away.

To do this, a hydro-jetting machine uses pressures of 1,500 to 5,000 psi (pounds per sq. inch). That is enough pressure to shear away any tree roots inside the pipes. For reference, when pressure-washing a brick wall, you are advised never to exceed 1,500 psi.

That is why before hydro-jetting a drain line, it is essential to conduct a visual assessment of the line first. That is typically done via a sewer camera inspection. Through this inspection, the plumber can check the condition of the pipes and determine if they can withstand hydro-jetting.

Should you hydro-jet old pipes?

Older pipes are more likely to have cracks and weak spots in them. The pressure of the water used in hydro-jetting can compound the existing issues with such pipes. For this reason, hydro-jetting is not always safe for old pipes. If pipes are fragile, do not hydro-jet them.

Old sewer pipes can be made from a range of materials, and as these pipe materials age, they may start to change in the following ways:

Cast iron: Despite its durability, the big issue with cast iron is its vulnerability to rust. A rusty cast iron pipe will not only slow your drain, it will become fragile.

Copper: Due to oxidation, copper pipes form pinholes over time and become vulnerable to corrosion.

ABS: Although similar to PVC, ABS is a polymer. It will become brittle if it is constantly exposed to low temperatures.

PVC: With frequent exposure to low temperatures, PVC will become brittle. This process does not depend on age; it can happen to PVC pipes of any age.

Clay: Clay pipes are particularly susceptible to root invasion. Tree roots can undermine the stability of the pipe.

Hydro-jetting old pipes will damage them if they are showing any of these signs. Before hydro-jetting a sewer line with old pipes, you should get a professional plumber to do a sewer camera inspection to determine if hydro-jetting is the best drain-cleaning option for you.

Alternatives to hydro-jetting

The best alternative to hydro-jetting is sewer rodding. That is a way to manually push or pull clogs out of the drain. Although no drain-cleaning method is 100%-safe, sewer rodding offers more control than hydro-jetting. A rodding machine can be maneuvered such that it doesn’t touch the pipe walls.

Sewer rodding is similar to hydro-jetting in some ways. When rodding a pipe, a long flexible tube (known as a ‘plumber’s snake’ or ‘drain snake’) is inserted into the drain. This tube contains a cable, the end of which is attached to a corkscrew auger that resembles a coiled spring or drill bit.

The tube is then hand-cranked to spin the corkscrew. A combination of twisting, pulling and pushing movements are used to snag any clog inside the drain and pull it out. Although it takes more time than hydro-jetting, a sewer rodding service is decidedly the better option when working with fragile pipes.

The sewer system is essential to your house and a fundamental part of daily living. It is critical to the operation of your pipework. As a result, a damaged or blocked sewage line is a significant plumbing problem that demands immediate attention. Sewer line repairs are a considerable effort. Therefore, it is critical to seek expert assistance as soon as possible rather than attempting to address the problem alone. Get your drainage system tested and regularly serviced to avoid extensive repairs and sewage line removal. It also helps if you know how to spot a problem head. That’s why we have prepared a helpful guide on determining whether you have a main sewer line in need of repair.

Is your main sewer line in need of repair – Let’s find out

Having a blocked pipe or sluggish emptying water line is common. Many homeowners struggle to distinguish between when you can quickly fix a minor problem without the assistance of a professional and when there is an obvious indication that a significant problem is developing. While no article can comprehensively address all plumbing issues, the following guide presents indicators that your main sewer line might need repair. You don’t want to wait and create a bigger problem for yourself later on. Having to call an emergency plumber is not a fun experience.

If you’re wondering if your main sewer line is in need of repair, then you should start looking for the warning signs.

The smell is the indicator

Homeowners needn’t be licensed plumbers to recognize when things are fishy with their main sewer line. If you smell sewage gas anyplace in your house or nearby, it might indicate a severe problem with your sewer system. Healthy sewer lines ventilate gas through roof outlets while the liquids follow a path downwards. However, if a smell appears in your home, there must be a hole or a leak somewhere.

What is sewage gas composed of, and why is it hazardous?

Sewage gas is a complex combination of airborne chemicals from rotting household trash and biological waste. The noticeable odor of most sewage gas is caused by sulfur dioxide and methane. Everyone who smells the fumes of sewage gas in their house should look for plumbing help, partly due to the potentially toxic gasses and the bad smell.

Sewage gas is something to look into

Suppose sewage gas is left unmanaged in significant amounts within the residence. In that case, there is a risk of fire or explosion because decomposing biological matter creates various forms of highly combustible gas. Of course, it’s a severe issue. However, it’s not as serious as to require contacting a moving company to remove you from the house. Although according to Best Long Distance Movers, it’s not uncommon for families to move out when they have plumbing issues. Still, you needn’t relocate just yet. You can fix the problem; it doesn’t need to be that serious.

Your toilet bowl water level varies

Your toilet bowl may be filled one day and empty the next. It’s not only an oddity; it’s a warning sign of a problem. It might indicate a blockage in your sewer system, which could lead to a backup. Living with bad indoor plumbing can be irritating, and it’s even worse to wonder whether you can rely on your plumbing. If you have issues with your sewer line that give you daily troubles, it may even be time for you to take more drastic measures. One of them would be to ask around for a camera inspection of your sewer line. The problem may be more serious than you think.

There are steps you can take to prevent plumbing issues. However, if they already exist, you should get to work and try to fix them as soon as possible.

Causing trouble at the most inconvenient time is the worst part

Sudden leakages when you don’t expect them, and those loud gurgling sounds keeping you awake long at night can be a real annoyance. It’s not necessarily something that can cause a big issue. However, you can’t know that for sure. Not unless you contact plumbers and hire sewer services. Then you’ll know. Having a problematic sewer line can leave you restless.

A slow drain might also indicate a blockage, which could eventually lead to a clog and sewage overflow. If your bathtub, sink, or toilet is draining slowly, attempt to resolve the problem as soon as possible. If you have poor drainage in all your drains, you are undoubtedly dealing with a more significant issue than a simple blockage.

No need to worry, every problem has a solution. However, it’s always better to prevent the problem if you can.

It’s better to be safe than sorry

Generally speaking, it’s always better to prevent a problem than try to solve it. People tend to neglect the importance of having a sound plumbing system in their homes, especially when looking for a new house. They seek good location, spacious rooms and a wide variety of other important things. However, a functional sewer line can be just as important. For example, it can be hard to find a home that has it all in large cities like Chicago. If planning on buying here, there are things you should prioritize, especially if you are house-hunting long-distance. Buying a house is a significant investment. Trust us; you need to have good plumbing. Try to find a good plumber to camera inspect the sewer pipes before you decide to buy real estate!

If you can see the warning signs, try to find the solution quickly

If you are still unsure whether your main sewer line is in need of repair, perform all the checks and try to find someone to fix all those minor issues that are causing problems. Furthermore, it would be best to look for the warning signs before they become apparent. And once you do notice them, do all in your power to minimize the damage.

Category Archives: main sewer line repair

A Professional Perspective on the Safety of Hydro Jetting for Old Pipes