5 Signs You Need Sewer Repair/Replacement in Woodbridge, VA

Every home requires intact and properly functioning sewer lines. The adage “out of sight, out of mind” should not be applied to sewer line problems; the consequences can be excruciating and costly.

A sewer line backup can be aggravating to deal with, especially given the cost of repairs. Sewer line problems are especially difficult to detect because the sewer system is underground.

You can’t tell where your sewer line is clogged, leaking, or damaged without a professional inspection. However, a broken sewer line emits numerous signals, and understanding them is beneficial.

What Does Sewer Line Repair Involve? 

A typical sewer repair service addresses all of the problems that are causing your main sewage line to fail. These issues can include everything from leaking to cracking and clogging.

A sewer repair is better than replacing the sewer line because it costs less and can be done quickly.

On the other hand, ignoring signs of broken sewer pipes can make the problem worse and force you to replace your main sewer line.

If you’ve noticed signs of clogging or damage to your sewer lines, don’t dismiss them. 1 Stop Mechanical Inc. can be reached at 703-491-6542. We provide high-quality plumbing services and will gladly assist you.

Signs You May Need to Repair/Replace Your Sewer Line

Strange and Uncomfortable Odor

Unpleasant odors and smells are one of the most obvious signs of a sewer line problem, as sewage gas odor is distinct and easy to identify. If your home’s plumbing is working properly, you should never notice an odor coming from your drains.

It is normal for sewer lines to emit odors, but they should not enter your home. If they do, you may have a cracked sewer pipe. Contact a professional plumber to assess and repair the problem.

Gurgling Noise from Toilets

When your toilets are not in use, they should not make any strange noises. This is yet another indication that your sewer lines require repair.

Gurgling noises are frequently caused by a clog in your sewer pipes. When sewage has difficulty moving past the clog, it returns, creating air bubbles in the toilet.

Slow Drains and Persistent Clogging

If your drains are always getting clogged, there may be a deeper problem. This is especially true if the problem happens in more than one drain.

Slow drains are caused by clogged sewer lines. This is a common and often overlooked problem in many households; a minor drain problem can cause significant sewer line damage if not addressed promptly.

Rodent and Insect Infestation

An unusual increase in insect and rodent activity near your home may indicate that your main sewer line is clogged. If you constantly see rodents and insects in your yard, you most likely have a sewer line leak.

Insects are drawn to the smell and dampness of a broken sewer pipe, and they may enter your home through the drains. Call a professional plumber right away to schedule a sewer line inspection and repair.

Lush Patches on the Lawn 

If sewage seeps through a cracked sewer line, it will fertilize your lawn beautifully. These patches will stand out, often being greener than the rest of the lawn, and are one of the most obvious signs of a plumbing problem.

When you notice any of these warning signs, don’t ignore them. Calling sewer services to diagnose and repair your sewer line will do you a world of good.

Sewer Line Replacement: What Will It Cost Me? 

Perhaps your sewer lines have suffered extensive damage; consider a complete replacement. Though influenced by several factors, this project will cost you between $1,500 and $5,000. On average, expect to spend $3,000.

If it’s a complete “house to street” replacement, the average project cost will range from $5,000 to $25,000 and beyond. 

What Are the Primary Causes of Sewer Line Damage?

Tree Roots 

Tree roots are notorious for causing damage to sewer lines. As a tree grows, its roots spread out in search of water. Because your sewer pipe transports liquid waste, roots will naturally grow toward it, especially if it is leaking.

Corroded Pipes

Steel and cast-iron lines, with proper maintenance, can last up to 70 years. Despite galvanization, these pipes are prone to rusting due to magnesium and calcium buildup from normal wear and tear.

Untreated, corroded pipes are prone to cracks and leaks, necessitating sewer line repair.

Clogging 

Only human waste and toilet paper are allowed in your sewer line. Most people, however, flush other foreign objects that can clog the sewer line.

Avoid flushing paper towels, plastic wrap, and other non-biodegradable materials down the toilet. Similarly, poured into the sink, cooking oil and grease can clog your kitchen drains.

Sewer Line Repair

Below are three ways to fix a faulty sewer pipe. 

Pipe Lining: This sewer repair method is ideal for causing the least amount of damage. Inside the damaged pipe, your plumber inserts an inflatable, epoxy-impregnated tube. When the line is inflated, the epoxy cures and hardens over the leaking surface.

Pipe Bursting: When the damage is severe, plumbing professionals will feed a cone-shaped bit through the existing line, destroying the faulty pipe while replacing it immediately.

Traditional Trenching: This method entails excavating the ground and trenching through your property to trace the sewer line. This is a difficult process, but it is the only way to repair collapsed or back-pitched pipes.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Sewer Line Repair/Replacement 

Different plumbing companies can provide different quotes for the same sewer repair service. Here are the factors affecting the service cost: 

• Sewer line location 
• Sewer line material 
• Cause and severity of the problem 
• Sewer repair/replacement method 
• Labor
• Experience level 

How Often Should I Inspect My Sewer Line? 

At the very least once a year. It is advisable to inspect the sewer lines before purchasing or renting a property. Rather than paying top dollar and then facing an expensive problem later, you can negotiate rent or purchase costs based on required repairs.

How Long Do Sewer Lines Last?

Your main sewer line should last at least 40 to 50 years. Life expectancy can be affected by factors such as ground shift, sewer line materials, and installation.

Contact 1 Stop Mechanic Inc. for Your Sewer Line Repair/Replacement 

Are you ready to schedule a repair or replacement service? We are here to help you.

We provide high-quality sewer services at reasonable prices. Call us at 703-491-6542 right away.