How Does Sewer Repair Work? What Homeowners Need to Know

While sewers and plumbing systems make our homes incredibly comfortable, they can still face issues. There will come a point where the sewage systems we’ve grown to depend on run into a little snag. Things can get smelly very quickly. This is where sewer repair comes into play. Let’s take a look at the common processes professional sewer repair experts perform to get sewers and plumbing systems up and running again. 

If you’re in need of sewer repair in El Paso, then choose El Paso Trenchless Solutions. Give us a call today — 915-269-7940

How do Sewage Systems Work? 

Back before modern sewage systems were installed, cities had open sewers, with wastewater flowing in open canals along walkways or streets. The modern world transports its waste underground, via a vast network of piping. 

So, every time you use a toilet, wash your dishes, or take a shower, you are creating wastewater that needs to be transported and treated via this underground network to a treatment plant that will then filter and treat the water. 

Sewage systems exist because it is harmful to simply release wastewater into the environment. Wastewater:

• Contains harmful bacteria
• Suspended solids and chemicals that have a negative impact on the environment
• Waste products can harm populations of fish and other animals

When Sewers Go Wrong and How Plumbers are Often on the Frontlines 

Occasionally, homeowners will run into issues with their sewer systems that manifest inside the home. When a sewer line is backed up or when it leaks, it can be frustrating to any homeowner. Many times, it creates bad smells and smells and the exact location of the leak or the problem cannot be identified.  

Common Problems With Sewer Lines 

There are a couple of things that can go wrong with your sewer. When this happens, it may be immediately apparent or take some time to manifest in your home or in your yard. Common warning signs begin with slow drains, odd smells or putrid smells coming from drains, spotted mold or mildew, and even an increase in bugs or rodents. 

Common sewer problems in El Paso are caused by:

• Tree roots: Trees that are nearby can be common culprits to sewer breaks. Since tree roots follow water sources, they often are attracted to pipes (especially if they already have a small leak) 
• Clogged pipes because of foreign objects or debris: Sewage lines can often become obstructed by foreign objects that are not meant to be down there. Constantly flushing wrappers, paper towels, or other objects that don’t disintegrate can quickly clog the pipes. 
• Corroded Pipes: Most pipes are pretty resistant and have a long life. Yet, sometimes because of harsh conditions or bad installation, these pipes can become compromised and corroded. Regular wear and tear including calcium and magnesium build-up can contribute to this corrosion. 

A Plumbers Arsenal Against Bad Pipes

Plumbers today have a lot of tools at their disposal to deal with bad or broken sewer lines. Some of the most popular methods to combat these problems include: 

• Pipe bursting: With this method, plumbers can dig two minimal access holes and use specialized equipment that can work its way through the pipeline and repair the broken bits. 
• Spot repair: This also involves a trenchless technique that begins with camera inspections. The camera inspection identifies the issues or problem areas. Once the areas have been identified, they can use water jetting or hydro jetting to take care of the problem. 
• Excavation: In extreme cases, there may be a need to do some excavation. With today’s technology, this can be kept pretty target and precise in order to keep the job as minimally invasive as possible. However, if there is a complete collapse, there might need to be a digging up of the system and a complete replacement. 

Sewer line repair and replacement are important parts of keeping the sewer systems running smoothly beneath our feet when something goes wrong. In some instances, it’s possible that the city might bear some responsibility for sewer breaks. 

The sewer system is composed of upper lateral sewer lines and lower lateral sewer lines. The lower later line will connect to the city’s line. Depending on where the pipe problem is, it might fall under city jurisdiction to repair. 

Facing Sewer Pipe Problems? Call Professional Plumbers You Can Trust!

Broken or damaged sewer lines don’t have to be a catastrophe. As soon as you suspect an issue, call out a professional plumber that can help you pinpoint the problem and solve it right away. 

Think your El Paso home might be facing pipe issues? Call El Paso Trenchless Solutions.