Sewer Line Repair

The length of time between each professional sewer cleaning depends on several factors, with the most common factor being the amount of root infiltration in the pipeline. The more aggressive the root growth, the more often you’ll need to have the sewer pipe cleaned to prevent sewer backups. Other factors include the condition of the sewer pipeline. Are there any damaged sections, including offset pipes, holes or large cracks? Sewer pipes can also clog if you pour grease down the kitchen drains, flush wet wipes, paper towels or other items that don’t quickly disintegrate in water.  For households with any of the above issues, Roto-Rooter typically recommends cleaning your main line every year.

There are a few of warning signs that your main sewer line is clogging. Pay attention and deal with the problem before the sewer clogs completely and backs up into the house. (1) Slow draining sinks and bathtubs. If you have two or more slow drains in the house, the problem is probably in the main sewer. (2) A gurgling sound when you flush the toilet (3) water comes up in the basement floor drain or a first-floor bathtub/shower when the toilet is flushed (4) There is a constant need to plunge toilets. (5) sewer smell coming from drains.

To clear the sewer line of roots and debris, a professional cleaning is required with a heavy-duty Roto-Rooter machine. These electric drain and sewer cleaning machines have a strong, stiff steel cable with a sharp blade on its tip. The cable spins as it travels through the sewer pipe, so it cuts away obstructions. It will even shave roots right down to the pipe walls to restore full flow in your sewer pipe. If the Roto-Rooter machine can’t get through the pipe, your service technician can request a video camera inspection of the sewer pipeline to ascertain where the blockage is and its cause. A trained eye will then be able to recommend repair options to the homeowner.

Video camera line inspections can get to the root of the problem quickly and efficiently. If you experience repeated sewer or drain line backups, slow drains or frequent toilet clogs, it may be a good idea to have a video inspection performed to determine the underlining problem. The video cameras are built into a stiff cord or snake that is connected to a video monitor. The operator pushes the camera snake through the pipeline, and since the camera head is ringed with bright LED lights, the pipeline is completely illuminated to expose obstructions, cracks and structural damage in the pipe. Video inspections are also recommended to prospective homeowners before buying a new home. After all, the cost of sewer replacement can be many thousands of dollars.

Learn more about Roto-Rooter’s sewer camera inspection service.