PLUMBING ISSUES

Sewer & Water Lines

At Indoor Air Quality Medics, we understand the meaning of urgency. Our team of licensed plumbers is committed to providing fast, reliable expert repairs and replacements.

Live in the Northern Virginia area? Call Indoor Air Quality Medics, your first responders in home comfort.

703.214.5798

What Causes Sewer Line Problems?

The most common causes of sewer line problems include:

Tree Roots: Tree roots naturally travel in search of water sources, which means that over time, your sewer line is at risk of being ensnared by neighboring root systems.
Temperature Changes: Frozen soil and frost upheaval can lead to sewer line damage.
Old or Damaged Pipes: Cracks, corrosion, and material degradation, may require sewer line replacement.
Construction or Accidental Damage: Knowing exactly where your plumbing system lies can help avoid accidental damage.

Image of What Causes Sewer Line Problems?

Sewer Line Warning Signs

A leaking sewer line can cause extensive damage to your home and property. Keep an eye out for these five signs of sewer line distress:

Wastewater Backup: Unwanted water overflow from floor or bathtub drains
Yard Alerts: Unexpected puddles, wet areas, or persistent foul smells in your outdoor space
Lawn Discoloration: Patches of unusually lush vegetation or discolored grass
Drain Issues: Persistent slow drainage or frequent clogs
Odd Noises and Smells: Strange gurgling sounds or unpleasant odors emanating from drains

4 Tips to Keep your Sewer Line Flowing Smoothly

Proper Disposal of Cooking Grease or Oil: Do not dispose of cooking grease or oil in your kitchen sink drain or garbage disposal. Instead, pour it into a heat-safe container and place it in the trash
Use Screens or Baskets in Drains: Install screens or baskets in kitchen and bathroom drains to catch food particles and hair
Toilet Use Guidelines: Flush only waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Avoid flushing personal hygiene products, tissues, and even flushable baby/adult wipes
Scheduled Drain Maintenance: Schedule periodic drain and sewer cleaning to prevent clogs

Will insurance cover sewer line repairs?

A standard homeowner insurance policy generally doesn’t cover sewer line repairs (e.g. backups or leaks into your yard). To be sure, check with your insurer when you require sewer line service or repair.

When do I need to replace my sewer line?

When simple solutions such as drain cleaning no longer restore function to your plumbing, it may be time to replace your sewer line. A leaking sewer line in your yard due to tree roots or other breaches, or chronic corrosion due to age, often requires partial or complete replacement.

Look out for these signs: Slow drains, bad smells, backups, gurgling, and outside problems such as standing water, foul odors, and insects. These are signs you may need sewer line replacement.

How long does it take to repair a sewer line?

Time required for a sewer line repair can vary significantly depending on the underlying problem, external complications and repair methods or parts required. Your job could be completed in a few hours, or it could be a more involved and take a few days.

Will you have to tear up my yard?

There are several ways to replace a sewer line when necessary, one common option is trench less repair.

Trench less repair involves using a specialized spearhead to feed a new pipe into the ground, penetrating the existing line and breaking it into pieces underground. This process leaves the new pipe in place of the old one without the need for extensive digging. Trench less repair isn’t always an option, and in cases where it's not feasible, a traditional full sewer line replacement involving excavation will be required.