Sewer Video Inspection

Here’s a video of a recent sewer inspection that we performed in Paterson, NJ.  The was a lot of scaling and debris found in this unused sewer line.

FAQ About Sewer Pipes and Sewer Cleaning

THE DRAIN GUYS

SEWER CLEANING

Frequently Asked Questions

You can always visit The Drain Guys for more information.

Q:  Why is water filling up in the fixtures in my basement?

A:  You have a main sewer line clog.  Despite the looks of it, it is a fairly easy issue to fix.  Call The Drain Guys and have a professional perform a sewer cleaning as soon as possible.  In the meantime, do not use any water in your home.

Q:  How often should I have a sewer cleaning?

A:  This depends on many factors, but for most homeowners, a sewer cleaning every year or two should ensure proper water flow and help avert any emergencies. If you are having to perform a sewer cleaning twice a year or more, a sewer repair might be appropriate.

Q:  Are there steps I can take to prevent a sewer backup?

A:  Absolutely.  The first step is to be vigilant about only putting water and paper products down your drains.  Many sewer backups can be prevented by this one tip.  The second step is to perform a sewer cleaning once every year or two.  Sewer cleanings remove all the organic buildup in your home’s main sewer line and remove any tree roots that may be present.

Q:  How do I know if I have a clog in my home’s sewer line or in a branch drain?

A:  You can tell if you have a clog in your home’s main sewer line if multiple fixtures and drains are affected.  Also, if water is filling up on the lowest floor of your home, it usually indicates a main line sewer blockage.  Additionally, if the water filling up at your home’s lowest level is not clear; you most likely have a sewer line clog.  Perhaps only your bathroom shower won’t drain or you have an overflowing toilet?  Those are more likely to be issues localized in the branch drain line.  If you are not sure, give us a call @ (862) 253-2545 and we’ll have a technician at your home at the most convenient time for your schedule to determine if a sewer cleaning or a drain cleaning is necessary.

Q:  Is it possible to have a frozen sewer line?

A:  While it is possible to have a frozen sewer line, it is very rare here in New Jersey.  A frozen sewer line in this area would indicate a pre-existing condition is the sewer pipe.  Conditions that may cause a main sewer pipe to freeze in the winter would be a sewer pipe that was not buried under the frost line, not enough pitch to the sewer pipe, a clog in the sewer pipe, tree roots penetrating the sewer pipe, and a running toilet or faucet that feeds into the sewer pipe.  Only an experienced professional would be able to determine if your home’s sewer line is frozen.

Q:  Is it possible for a sewer line to collapse?

A:  It is possible for a sewer line to collapse.  Sometimes an old cast iron main line sewer pipe may collapse under extreme weight.  For example, an older sewer pipe may collapse when enduring the weight of 4′ of snow, a heavy machine parked on top of it, or from deeply penetrated tree roots.  The best way to prevent sewer line collapse to have your sewer line properly maintained and to perform regular sewer cleanings.

Q:  What are the dangers of a sewer clog?

A:  Clogged sewers cause a backup of sewage into your home.  This can be extremely hazardous to your health and the health of your loved ones.  Harmful bacteria and germs thrive in your home’s sewer waste water.  Check out this fact sheet.  Also, mold starts to form when your home is exposed to a sewage backup exposing residents to various respiratory illnesses.  The CDC can give you more information.  Another danger is to the structural integrity of your house.  Home’s were not built to handle holding waste water from a main sewer line.  Even short periods of exposure to main sewer line waste water can damage your home’s structure.  Call an experienced professional immediately if you are experiencing a sewer backup and schedule a sewer cleaning.

Don’t forget to visit http://thedrainguysnj.com/sewer.html for more information regarding Sewer Cleaning, Sewer Inspection, and diagnosis.

Frozen Drain Pipes…Does that happen?

 

To Our Valued Customers, As the worst snow storm this winter season approaches our area, we at The Drain Guys wanted to share some tips on keeping your drainage system safe and emergency free.   1.  Make that there are no leaky or running toilets or faucets in your home.  A slow drip or leak can lead to ice build up in your home’s drainage system causing a whole-home backup at the worst time. 2.  Make sure all drains are clog and buildup-free.  Slow moving and clogged drains will allow water to sit in the drain pipe leading to a build up of ice and stopping all water flow. 3.  If you are leaving home, set the heat to at least 55 degrees.  This will prevent indoor drain pipes from reaching the frost point.  If you decide not to leave the heat on, purchase anti-freeze specifically made for mobile homes and use according to instructions. 4.  Check the drain pipes located in crawl spaces, attached to outside walls, and in basements for above freezing temperatures during and after the storm. All Preferred Customers receive Free Inspections.  We encourage you to take advantage of this service to prevent any emergencies during this period of inclement weather.  If you would like a technician to perform an inspection, just call (862) 253-2545 and we can schedule an appointment. Thank you and keep warm, Ryan Garrison, Manager The Drain Guys (862) 253-2545 Hire.TheDrainGuysNJ.com

4 signs you might have a clog in your home’s main sewer line.

Often times, issues with a home’s drainage system are rather easy to diagnose.  If you have an overflowing toilet, but everything else in your home is functioning as normal, it’s a safe bet that the problem is isolated.  What happens when it’s not so easy, though?  Here are some signs that you may have an issue with your home’s main sewer line:

1.  More than one drain in your home is not functioning properly.  For instance, you have an overflowing toilet, your shower won’t drain, and your kitchen sink has standing water.

2.  The sinks, toilets, and/or floor drain in your home’s basement are filling with water every time you use a fixture in the house.  The basement is the lowest point in your home, so if you flush a toilet on the second floor and water is rising in the basement you may have an issue with your home’s main sewer line.

3.  Your home drains slowly.  If all the drains in your home are draining slowly, a problem might be right around the corner.

4.  A main sewer line backup has a very unpleasant smell.  If your home, especially the basement, begins to smell like sewage; it may be time for a cleaning.

The causes of a blocked main sewer line are endless.  While some causes are an easy fix, others may be quite problematic.  But don’t worry, call The Drain Guys @ (862) 253-2545.  We’re always here to help! Visit http://www.thedrainguysnj.com/ to learn even more.