Tag Archives: how does sewer rodding work

Oct '24

Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Rodding

Sewer rodding is a specialized technique for clearing clogs and blockages from pipes, drains, and sewer lines. Due to its ease of use and versatility, this is a favorite drain-cleaning method for professional plumbers, says Key Home Management.

Sewer rodding restores the function of blocked lines and serves for routine maintenance. In this post, we answer the frequently asked questions about sewer rodding, how it works, how much it costs, etc.

How does sewer rodding work?

A specialized tool – a flexible pipe and mechanical cutting head – is inserted into the pipe. The length of the rod may be extended by connecting a series of pipes end-to-end. The mechanical head at the end of the line is equipped with sharp teeth to help it cut through blockage, including tree roots. The tool is guided through the pipes with compressed air or a rotating motion. Once it reaches the blockage, the spinning motion of the cutting head is used to break up the blockage.

How will the plumber access the blocked line?

Typically, to access your sewer line, the plumber will use your outside sewer cleanout. That is the easiest way to clear out a sewer line. But if this is impossible or the blockage is not inside your sewer line, the plumber will rod the line via a floor drain or toilet. The quickest and most affordable method is to access the pipes through the cleanout.

What kind of blockages is sewer rodding good for?

Rodding is highly versatile; it is effective for clearing major and minor blockages in sinks, toilets, and the main sewer line. That is because sewer rodding uses different types of rods for different blockages. Depending on the nature of the problem, a tape rod (a roll of steel wire) or a kinetic water ram (a more advanced tool) may be used. The plumber will choose the best rod for your particular drainage problem.

Do I need a camera inspection before sewer rodding?

Conducting a sewer camera inspection before rodding your sewer line is not entirely mandatory but recommended. A sewer camera inspection helps the plumber assess the sewer line by providing accurate information on the type of blockage and its location inside the line. If the plumber suspects that your sewer line may be broken, they will use a sewer camera inspection to confirm it. A sewer camera inspection is also done to check the line after sewer rodding.

Is sewer rodding dirty work?

Yes, it is. Sewer rodding is a dirty work that can expose you to unsanitary contents inside your sewer line. Especially when rodding a sewer line, the risk of exposure to germs is very high. If sewer rodding is not done carefully, the material retrieved from a blocked drain can contaminate water or spread bacteria into the surrounding area. That is why experienced plumbers always clean up after their work is done.

Is sewer rodding expensive?

Compared to excavating your yard to retrieve and replace a damaged sewer line, sewer rodding is extremely affordable. Also, because sewer rodding is quick and minimally disruptive, the cost of lost time is insignificant. In absolute dollar terms, sewer rodding is affordable; rodding a clogged sewer line or slow-draining line costs between $150 and $600.

How long does sewer rodding take?

The duration depends on how easy it is to access the line. If the clogged line can be accessed through an outside cleanout, sewer rodding can be completed in one hour. The line’s condition is another factor that determines the actual duration of the operation. If several blockages are inside the line, it will take the plumber more time to get through all of them.

Can I do sewer rodding myself?

Since anyone can purchase or hire sewer rodding equipment, it is possible to do sewer rodding yourself. But is it a good idea to do it? No, and that is because sewer rodding involves poking around inside your pipes with a sharp metal tool. Sewer rodding is a complex process that requires a lot of experience. Trying to do sewer rodding yourself may leave you with damaged sewer lines and costlier plumbing problems.

Can I use sewer rodding for plumbing maintenance?

One of the best things about sewer rodding is you don’t have to wait until your sewer line is clogged to use it. Sewer rodding can be used for preventive maintenance. Rodding your sewer line yearly is one of the best ways to keep it debris-free. Doing this can drastically reduce the cost of maintaining your plumbing.

To conclude, the quality of your results when doing sewer rodding depends on your plumber’s ability. That is why choosing a plumber with a proven track record is essential. An experienced plumber will save you money by protecting your plumbing throughout the operation.

Aug '24

The Role of Sewer Rodding in Maintaining Healthy Plumbing Systems

In the realm of plumbing, the term “sewer rodding” frequently arises when discussing the maintenance and upkeep of a plumbing system. Sewer rodding is a crucial technique employed by plumbers to ensure the seamless operation of sewer lines in both residential and commercial properties. This process involves using a specialized tool, often referred to as a sewer rod or plumbing snake, to clear obstructions and prevent backups. By understanding the importance and execution of sewer rodding, property owners can maintain a healthy and efficient plumbing system.

The Necessity of Regular Sewer Maintenance

Regular sewer maintenance is imperative for preserving the longevity and functionality of a plumbing system. Over time, sewer lines are prone to blockages caused by the accumulation of debris, grease, tree roots, non-flushable items, and even the build-up of mineral deposits. These obstructions can lead to slow drainage, foul odors, and, in severe cases, complete system backups. Regular sewer maintenance activities, such as sewer rodding, are essential for identifying and removing these blockages before they escalate into more serious and costly issues.

How Sewer Rodding Works

Sewer rodding is a methodical process that involves inserting a flexible, segmented rod into the sewer line through an access point, known as a cleanout. The rod is maneuvered through the pipework, breaking up and pushing through any blockages along the way. The operation can be assisted by various attachments, such as cutting blades or auger heads, designed to handle different types of obstructions. By effectively clearing the pathway, sewer rodding restores optimal flow within the sewer system and mitigates the risk of future blockages.

Tools and Equipment Used in Sewer Rodding

Several tools and pieces of equipment are essential for the successful execution of sewer rodding. These include:

Sewer Rods: Flexible, long rods that are inserted into the sewer line to break up and dislodge blockages.

Auger Heads: Specialized attachments that help in cutting through tough obstructions such as tree roots or hardened debris.

Plumbing Snake: Also known as a drain snake, this tool aids in navigating through bends and curves in the sewer line.

Hydro-Jetter: A high-pressure water jetting device used to clean and clear the interior walls of sewer lines, often complementing sewer rodding techniques if need be.

Preventing Backups with Sewer Rodding

One of the primary benefits of sewer rodding is its role in preventing backups within the plumbing system. When sewer lines experience blockages, the resulting pressure can cause wastewater to back up into sinks, toilets, and floor drains, leading to unpleasant conditions and potential property damage. By using sewer rodding to routinely clear out blockages, the risk of backups significantly diminishes, promoting a healthier and more reliable plumbing system.

The Importance of Professional Sewer Rodding Services

While minor blockages can sometimes be addressed with basic plumbing tools, more complex or persistent issues require the expertise of a professional. Professional plumbers possess the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary to conduct thorough sewer rodding. They can accurately diagnose problems, perform in-depth cleanings, and ensure that the entire sewer system is functioning optimally. Hiring professional sewer rodding services also provides peace of mind, knowing that the job is done correctly and safely.

Signs That Your Sewer System Needs Rodding

Property owners should be vigilant and attentive to signs that their sewer system may require rodding. These indications include:

Slow Draining Sinks and Bathtubs: If water takes longer than usual to drain, it might indicate a blockage.

Frequent Toilet Backups: Regular or recurring toilet clogs can signify an obstruction in the sewer line.

Unpleasant Odors: Foul smells emanating from drains or around the property often suggest trapped debris in the sewer system.

Gurgling Sounds: Strange noises coming from drains or toilets can be a sign of air trapped by a blockage.

Sewage Backflow: The most severe indication, sewage backflow requires immediate professional attention to prevent health hazards and property damage.

Proper sewer maintenance, including regular sewer rodding, enhances the overall value of a property.

The Role of Sewer Rodding in Commercial Properties

Commercial properties, including restaurants, hotels, and office buildings, typically experience higher usage of their plumbing systems compared to residential properties. As a result, they are more susceptible to blockages and plumbing issues. Regular sewer rodding is vital in these settings to maintain a smoothly functioning plumbing system and avoid costly disruptions that can impact business operations. Preventative maintenance through sewer rodding can safeguard against unexpected downtime and ensure a sanitary environment for customers and employees alike.

Environmental Benefits of Sewer Rodding

Besides maintaining a healthy plumbing system, sewer rodding also contributes to environmental sustainability. By keeping sewer lines clear, sewer rodding helps prevent the overflow of untreated wastewater into natural water bodies, which can lead to pollution and adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. Clean and efficient sewer systems also minimize the likelihood of soil contamination and reduce the burden on wastewater treatment plants. As a result, sewer rodding supports environmental protection efforts and promotes public health.

Cost-Effectiveness of Sewer Rodding

The financial implications of neglecting sewer maintenance can be significant. Emergency repairs resulting from severe blockages or sewer system failures often incur substantial costs. Sewer rodding, as a preventative measure, is a cost-effective solution that helps avoid the expenses associated with major plumbing repairs and property damage. Regularly investing in sewer rodding maintenance not only ensures the longevity of the plumbing infrastructure but also provides long-term savings for property owners.

Enhancing Home and Business Value with Proper Sewer Maintenance

Proper sewer maintenance, including regular sewer rodding, enhances the overall value of a property. Prospective buyers and investors prioritize properties with well-maintained plumbing systems, as it assures them of fewer potential issues in the future. Additionally, a property with a healthy sewer system is more appealing to tenants and occupants, fostering positive reviews and higher rental rates. Therefore, property owners can leverage sewer rodding as a strategic investment to boost their property’s market value and desirability.

Combining Sewer Rodding with Other Maintenance Practices

Sewer rodding should be part of a comprehensive plumbing maintenance regimen. Combining it with other practices, such as regular inspections, drain cleaning, and proper waste disposal habits, ensures the holistic upkeep of the plumbing system. Regular inspections can help identify potential problems early, while drain cleaning prevents smaller clogs from developing into larger obstructions. Educating occupants on proper waste disposal—such as avoiding flushing non-degradable items or pouring grease down drains—also plays a crucial role in maintaining clear sewer lines.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Healthy Plumbing Systems

In conclusion, sewer rodding is a vital practice in maintaining the health and efficiency of plumbing systems in both residential and commercial properties. Through routine sewer rodding, property owners can prevent blockages, backups, and costly repairs, thereby ensuring the seamless operation of their sewer lines. Emphasizing the importance of regular sewer maintenance, investing in professional services, and adopting complementary plumbing practices contribute to a robust and sustainable plumbing infrastructure. By committing to these principles, property owners can enjoy the benefits of a well-managed, trouble-free plumbing system, safeguarding their properties and the environment.

Dec '22

What is Sewer Line Rodding?

If you have ever heard of sewer rodding and are wondering what it is and if it is what you need for the persistent blockages in your home’s drains, then you are in the right place. Below will tell you everything you need to know about sewer rodding and when to use this drain cleaning method.

What is sewer rodding?

Sewer rodding is one of the most effective methods used by professional plumbers to clear obstructions from blocked or restricted sewer lines. As Five Star Management explains, the superiority of sewer rodding over drain-cleaning methods, like snaking, is that sewer rodding will remove the most stubborn clogs from your drainpipes.

That is because sewer rodding can access blockages deep inside the sewer, unlike some methods that only work for blockages close to the drain opening. Additionally, sewer rodding will clear away all kinds of blockage inside the pipes, whether caused by sludge or tree roots.

How does sewer rodding work?

Sewer rodding is done with a rodding machine which consists of a drum machine with flexible polypropene rods or metal cables attached to it and cutter heads of various sizes connected to the head of those rods. This line is inserted into the sewer line and used to clear blockages from the sewer line.

The drum machine is switched on after the sewer rod is passed into the drain opening. The machine then pushes the rod with the spinning blade at its end into the drainpipe until it reaches the location of the blockage. This rod is flexible enough to go through the pipes yet strong enough to remove debris.

The cutter head’s speed varies according to the kind of debris inside the sewer line. The sharp blades of the cutter head give it enough power to shear away even tree roots. The size of the cutter head used for the operation depends on the size of the pipe and the kind of blockage inside the line. Sometimes different sizes of cutter heads are used during a single operation.

The goal of rodding a sewer line is to break up the debris inside the sewer line. Once rodding is completed and the debris is broken up, water can flow freely inside the pipe and wash the loose debris out into the main sewer line. A video camera inspection is often done before rodding the sewer line.

The sewer video camera inspection allows the professional plumber to see the condition of the inside sewer line, pinpoint the blockage’s location, and determine what is causing the blockage. Doing a sewer camera inspection before rodding a sewer line makes rodding quicker and produces lasting results.

Advantages of sewer rodding

Sewer rodding is a flexible solution

Sewer rodding is highly versatile. It can be used in virtually any drainpipe size and for all blockages. This method works perfectly for small as well as large pipes. You can clear clogs close to the drain opening or deep inside the sewer. It works for sinks, showers, and mainline sewer pipes.

Sewer rodding is safe

Sewer rodding will not harm your sewer lines. Rodding your drainpipes will not cause any damage to the pipes. If you have fragile old pipes, you may want to use sewer rodding to clear any clogs inside them. Methods like hydro-jetting will only end up damaging already weak pipes from old age.

Sewer rodding is affordable

Sewer rodding is a cost-effective yet highly effective method for keeping drainpipes functional and healthy. Sewer rodding equipment is small enough to be used inside a small room. The procedure is often faster and more affordable than elaborate sewer line cleaning methods.

Do you need sewer rodding?

Here is how to know if your home or business needs sewer rodding:

Are you dealing with stubborn drain issues that keep coming back despite your best efforts? For instance, does your home or office experience frequent sink backups or backups in the toilet? A video camera inspection can help to diagnose the problem, and sewer rodding can help you solve it.

If you have a problem with tree roots inside your sewer lines, you can solve the problem by rodding the sewer line. Short of removing the offending trees or plants, the only way to solve this problem is to regularly clean the drainpipes by rodding out your sewer line.

Sewer rodding is not just a method for correcting problems within the sewer line, it can be used as a preventive measure. Periodic sewer rodding offers an affordable way to keep sewer blockages at bay. Done often enough, sewer rodding can prolong the life of your sewer system.

Do you have older sewer systems, and are you experiencing persistent issues with the sewer line? Old sewer lines are fragile and easily damaged. They do not respond well to vigorous drain-cleaning methods like hydro-jetting. On the other hand, sewer rodding will gently and safely clean your old sewer lines.

Nov '22

How to Auger your Sewer Line

Your home’s main sewer lines transport all the wastewater from the plumbing fixtures in your home to the main sewer lines in the street, explains Keyrenter Management Austin. Sewer lines sometimes get clogged with tree roots, FOGs (fats, oils, and grease), soil, food waste, and other debris.

When this happens, one way to solve the problem is to auger the sewer line. This method is safe, low-cost, and effective for most blockages. It doesn’t take a lot of time to auger your sewer line. Although you can do it yourself, it is best to hire a plumber to perform a sewer rodding service.

How to auger a sewer line

Step one

Rent a power or motorized auger from a local tool rental shop. They typically have a 100-foot+ cable attached to a heavy-duty electric motor that feeds the cable onto the sewer line. Power augers are used for cleaning 3-inch – 4-inch sewer pipes.

Step two

Locate the main cleanout access. You can find this in the basement, bathroom, utility area, or outside, depending on the age of your house. You can identify it by the cleanout cap on top of it. Loosen the cap with a wrench. You will need plastic gloves for this job. Make sure there are no clothes around or long hair that can get into the cable guide and cause problems.

Step three

Open the cleanout access and gently insert the cable guide and cutter head into the hole. A power auger comes with various sizes of cutter heads. If your sewer line has not been cleaned in a long time or is completely blocked, you may want to start with a smaller cutter head. That will let you poke holes in whatever clogs are inside the line. You may then use the larger cutter heads to remove the clog. If you use the larger cutter heads at first, you will struggle to get the job done.

Step four

Before you power on the auger, check the switch that controls the drum rotation and direction of the cutter head. It will show three options; off, reverse, and forward. You want to make sure the switch is set forward. Check the auto-feed control for the machine. It controls the direction of the cable (whether it is going into or out of the pipe). Make sure the cable is set to go into the sewer line and not out of it.

Step five

To power on the machine, you either kneel or step on the foot switch (an air-activated switch with a large bulb used in place of an electric control to prevent electric shocks on wet floors). Before you start the machine, it is a good idea to lay rags around the cleanout and remove any objects in the area that you don’t want to get splashed with sewage.

Step six

As the cable starts to feed into the sewer line, keep an eye on the rate at which it enters the pipe. If there is a massive obstruction in the pipe, the cable may start to slow down. If this happens, slow or stop the cable completely. Let the cutter head rotate in that spot until it clears the blockage.

Step seven

Keep feeding the cable into the line until you reach the end of the service line. The length of the sewer line in most homes is around 85 – 90 feet. If you rented a power auger with a 100 feet cable, that is more than enough to go through your entire sewer line to the main sewer line in the street. When the cable reaches the end of the line, it might skip a bit or make a louder noise. Let it rotate for a while before you stop it.

Step eight

Allow the cable to run all the way out until there is no cable left on the drum. Once this happens, you may switch off the machine. Put the auto-feed control into reverse and start the motor again. This time the cable will retract from the sewer line; move in the reverse direction.

Step nine

Watch the cable as it returns. Listen for when you can hear the cutter-head spinning inside the line; this means you are almost at the end of the line. You want to turn off the machine as soon as you see tree roots or debris stuck to the cable. Gently pull the rest of the cable out of the pipe to see if you have anything caught on the cutter head.

That is how to auger your sewer line to rid clogs and blockages within the pipes. Note that you do not have to wait until you have a clog to do this. You can do this periodically as preventative maintenance for the main sewer line; as a matter of fact, it is recommended.