Tag Archives: do i need a sewer line replacement

Preventing Disaster: Sewer Line Replacement Warning Signs

 a sewer line backup

Of all the home maintenance horrors, there’s something particularly unsavory about a leaking sewer line. It’s not just the mess – it’s the unpredictability, the potential for backyard excavation, and the fact that no one wants to say, “I think my sewer line’s backed up”, breaking the silence at a dinner party. (Though, in Chicago, with its lake-effect snow and skyscraper views, maybe you’d get some sympathetic nods.) But, before you start imagining scenes from your personal worst-case disaster movie, there are, thankfully, several sewer line replacement warning signs you can keep an eye out for.

Nobody wants to be surprised by a basement flood that smells suspiciously worse than the rain, or by water that just, well… won’t… go… away. It’s avoidable if you’re vigilant, and today we’re going to explore how to spot the warning signs before the whole thing spirals into a plumbing nightmare of epic proportions.

What is a sewer line?

Ah, the sewer line: the uncelebrated hero of your home’s plumbing system. It’s the thing quietly taking care of business every single day without so much as a single, honest thank-you. Think of it as a long, winding road that carries waste from your home to the municipal sewer system. Every time you flush the toilet, take a shower, wash your dishes, etc., the waste is transported via your sewer line to some far-off, underappreciated destination where it’s treated and disposed of properly.

Warning signs you’ll want to keep an eye (or nose) on

Like all hardworking things, your sewer line can get tired, worn out, or clogged, usually at the worst possible time (and it’s always the worst possible time). Given its crucial role in maintaining your home’s sanitation and safety, this unsung plumbing highway deserves a bit of attention every now and again.

The odor-ific situation

Imagine this: you’re enjoying a rare, relaxing Sunday, and then you smell something… off. It’s not Saturday night’s leftovers but something more sinister. If you’ve got standing water hanging out in your yard or basement, and it smells like, well, sewage, that’s not a mystery you should leave unsolved. Standing water that reeks of waste is one of the most obvious warning signs of a sewer line problem.

Your sewer line may have a leak or a clog. This can cause unpleasant fluids to rise to the surface. Don’t light a candle and ignore it – call a professional. The water’s not going to dissipate overnight, and neither will that smell. In a place like Chicago, where the combination of cold winters and erratic plumbing can make problems worse, staying ahead of this one is key.

Time heals everything (except your sewer line)

We all love the idea that time heals all wounds, but, unfortunately, this is one of those adages that doesn’t apply to your sewer line. Like, at all. Sewer lines wear out over time, particularly if your home is, shall we say, “experienced.” As your pipes age, they can corrode, crack, or collapse. The passage of time, while generally wise and calming in other areas of life, is downright destructive for plumbing.

Now, let’s say you’re moving to a new city – maybe you’re trading in New Hampshire’s snowy peaks for the bustling streets of Chicago. One word of advice from the guys and gals over at Michael Brooks Moving? Ask about getting a sewer line inspection before you sign the dotted line. No one wants to deal with this mess the week after an interstate relocation.

You’ve noticed something’s off with your water bill

Has your water bill been creeping up for no apparent reason? You’re not suddenly watering a golf course, but your utility bill seems to think otherwise. A sudden spike in your water bill can be a sign of an unseen sewer line leak. Leaks, particularly ones underground, can cause water to escape from the system before it reaches your drains and faucets. The water that’s not making its way to you is, of course, being billed all the same. If your water bill is acting a bit suspicious, don’t just shake your head and assume the water company’s plotting against you. 

a man noticing a spike in his water bill

If your water bill is acting a bit suspicious, don’t just shake your head and assume the water company’s plotting against you.

Drains: the case of unexplained noises

You’ve probably seen this scene in movies or haunted-house flicks: the drain suddenly starts to make an eerie gurgling sound (as if something deep below is trying to claw its way back up and make friends with everyone). 

That noise is air bubbles, trapped by a blockage or a break in your sewer line, struggling to escape, an indicator of something larger. Left unchecked, this could spell trouble. So, if your sink, toilet, or bathtub is having vocalizations, call a plumber before things get louder.

Bugs, mice, and everything (not) nice

Sure, sewer lines are gross (as one can imagine). They’re a natural gathering spot for things we don’t really want to think about – like bugs, or rodents. But if you’re suddenly noticing more unwelcome guests in your home (bugs, mice, etc.), it could be a sign that your sewer line is cracked or broken. These critters, ever the opportunists, will use the cracks in the pipes as their personal highway into your lovely home. No, thank you, but no.

The green menace: tree roots invading your pipes

Trees are beautiful and provide shade on a sunny day, but when it comes to sewer lines, they’re more trouble than you’d think. Tree roots can be sneaky. They’re drawn to the moisture that leaks from sewer pipes and will gradually invade the space, causing blockages or full-on pipe collapses.

While you may love that giant oak tree in your yard, if it’s anywhere near your sewer line, consider getting regular checkups to ensure it’s not doing serious damage underground. A small root can grow into a big problem if left unchecked.

Conclusion

Your home’s sewer line is one of those underappreciated systems that only gets noticed when something goes terribly wrong. The good news is that by keeping an eye out for sewer line replacement warning signs – like standing water, strange noises, higher water bills, and those pesky tree roots – you can prevent disaster before it strikes.

Chicago’s known for many things – deep-dish pizza, windy streets, and, yes, occasional plumbing challenges, especially during wintertime. Whether you’re already settled or just moving in, a proactive check on your sewer system will save you money and stress and, most importantly, keep your home’s infrastructure running smoothly. After all, it’s better to know what’s beneath the surface before it makes itself known in a very messy way.

What You Need to Know About Sewer Line Replacement in Chicago

a sewer line replacement being performed in chicago.

What You Need to Know About Sewer Line Replacement in Chicago

Many things can go wrong with your home’s plumbing, but a damaged sewer line is probably the worst. 

If a sewer line is broken, cracked, or corroded, the only solution to the problem may be to replace it.

But Keyrenter Merrimack Valley Management warns that replacing a sewer line is daunting due to the amount of work and money involved.

If you’re having trouble with the sewer line in your Chicago home and planning to replace it, this post will guide you through everything you need to know before you make that decision.

When is sewer line replacement necessary?

There is no need to replace a sewer line if something such as a hydro jetting service will solve the issues. Typically, you only need to replace a sewer line if there are broken, cracked or corroded sections.

What are the signs that your Chicago home sewer line is due for replacement?

Slow drains

A single slow drain in the home is not a sign that your sewer line is in trouble. Multiple slow drains, on the other hand, means sewer line blockage or damage.

Gurgling sounds from drains

Gurgling sounds from the drains in your home mean that there are air pockets inside the sewer line due to a blocked or damaged pipe section.

Wet areas in the yard

A broken sewer line will leak its contents into the surrounding soil. This can show up as patches of exceptionally-green grass or soggy patches of lawn.

Smell of raw sewage

A damaged or blocked sewer line can cause sewer gases to escape into the air inside or around your home.

a pest invasion in a home.

Pest invasion of the home

A broken sewer line will draw pests to your home because of the raw sewage and nutrient-rich water the pipe spills into the soil.

Note that the presence of these signs is not definitive proof that you need sewer line replacement. Before you decide that you need sewer line replacement, talk to at least three plumbers and follow the steps below.

Preliminary steps for sewer line replacement

Assess the damage

The best way to do this is through a sewer camera inspection. During the inspection, the plumber will send a video camera into your sewer line to get visual confirmation of the condition of the pipes. The result of this inspection will help you determine if you need sewer line replacement.

Think about local building codes

Before doing a sewer line replacement, make sure you understand the regulations relating to your sewage system. Responsibility for fixing the problem may lie with the city. If your sewer line does not comply with the codes, this is the right time to make the necessary changes.

Consider all your options

You will be faced with different options when replacing your sewer line. In addition to deciding the type of sewer replacement method to use, you must decide if you want to replace a portion of the sewer line or the entire length of the pipe.

Types of sewer line repair methods

There are several types of sewer line repair methods, but we will talk about four of them:

Traditional sewer line replacement

This is the old way of replacing sewer lines. It involves heavy machinery with a lot of digging. The advantage of this method is each new pipe can be inspected to ensure the sewer line has been properly installed.

Trenchless sewer repair

These are a variety of sewer line replacement methods which do not involve digging a trench. Three of the most common trenchless methods are:

  • Pipe repair clamps: This method is best for fixing small cracks and slow leaks in the sewer line.
  • Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP): This is the best method for repairing older pipe systems. A polyester or fiberglass liner is pulled into the damaged pipe to reinforce it or create a new pipe.
  • Pipe bursting: With this method, a special drill is pulled through the old pipe to break it apart. At the same time, a new pipe is pulled in to replace the old pipe.

Which sewer line replacement method is best for your home? The proper technique for your home depends on the details of the problem you are trying to solve.

brand new sewer lines being installed.

Avoiding future sewer line damage

Unless the sewer line in your Chicago home is damaged because it has passed its projected lifespan, you may want to find out what caused the problem. This will help you protect the sewer line from future issues. The following steps will help you protect your sewer lines.

  • Do not flush the wrong items/materials into the sewer line (ask your plumber about this).
  • If possible, avoid chemical drain cleaners: they will damage your sewer line.
  • If there are trees near the sewer line, you may need to protect the line from tree roots.
  • Have the sewer line inspected and cleaned at least once a year.

Lastly, if you would like more help with making the right decisions on how to solve the sewer line issues in your Chicago home, talk to us at 773-599-9181 or fill out the form below. We would be most happy to chat with you.