205-655-2396 Homeowners should schedule a sewer inspection about once every three to five years, especially if they have large trees near their lines. Presuming there’s no reason to suspect a problem, the best time to schedule a regular inspection is before the winter cold hits. We take a closer look at why that’s the case and what the benefits are.
Why Sewer Inspections Matter Before Winter
Freezing temperatures cause soil and ice expansion, exerting pressure on sewer pipes. If a pipe already has a crack, this expansion process can cause the cracks to burst wide open. Worse, up and down winter temperatures can rapidly accelerate a sewer line’s deterioration.
Pipe blockages and tree root intrusions can also compound the problem or just become problems on their own. Soft blockages may harden due to extremely cold temperatures in the winter. For example, grease in the line can solidify in cold weather. Similarly, matter accumulating around tree root intrusions may also harden. All this increases the odds of a backup or leak.
You don’t want to discover cracked pipes or blockages after the fact, and that’s the main point of a sewer inspection. However, you particularly don’t want to discover a sewer line issue in the middle of winter. Working with frozen soil makes the job harder. In some cases, plumbers need specialized equipment to thaw or break open the ground for repair work. Digging in the cold can also do more damage to landscaping and hardscaping.
In the Birmingham, AL region, many houses still have clay sewer pipes. These are among the most vulnerable to cracks and tree root intrusions. They also tend to suffer the most damage due to winter weather.
A sewer inspection before winter cold sets in is the best way to stay ahead of potential problems. Our plumbers use camera equipment to fully inspect lines. We can quickly determine where a crack is and recommend repairs. From jetting blockages to full sewer line replacements, we can fix the problems while the weather is still on your side.
Signs of Sewer Line Trouble
Indoor Signs
Spotting the signs of a blockage or leak early makes a major difference. Many of the potential signs of trouble seem fairly mundane, but it’s wise to ask one of our plumbers to check them out.
Slow drains are among the most common signs of trouble. Especially if drains in different parts of your house are struggling, that could be a sign of trouble further down the sewer line. Your washing machine on one floor and the shower on another should have trouble draining at the same time, for example.
Gurgling sounds are another strong indicator of a problem. Blockages can partially trap air in the line. As the water and air slowly drain, the air gurgles.
Persistent or recurring drain clogs should be a source of concern, too. Even in a high-use environment like a kitchen, a professional drain cleaning should be effective for at least six months to a year. This is particularly true if you’re also regularly scheduling plumbing maintenance.
Outdoor Signs
Many times, the damage is outdoors. Consequently, the indications of trouble are also frequently outside.
If you’re catching a smell of sewage, there is a good chance there’s a collapsed sewer line in your yard. You may also see patches of green grass that persist even during very dry weather. Some foundation cracks also arise from sewer line problems. Sinkholes and indentations may also form in your yard. Soggy patches also frequently accompany these issues.
Benefits of Camera Inspections
We use waterproof cameras on flexible cable lines to inspect sewers. These systems offer real-time video feeds, so our plumbers can quickly identify where blockages and cracks are. We can also spot locations where the line might be misaligned or sagging. Likewise, a camera inspection gives us a good view of how extensive tree root intrusions might be. A typical residential sewer inspection takes 45-90 minutes.
This approach offers a noninvasive way to perform diagnostics. Getting a visual removes the guesswork. Video evidence is also excellent for supporting an insurance claim, if your line ends up requiring sewer repairs or replacement. Our inspections offer fast and accurate solutions to Birmingham homeowners.
Call Wilbur’s for Local Sewer Line Inspections
Many of your friends and neighbors trust Wilbur’s Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing. We have 24/7 emergency availability in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
If you suspect your home’s sewer line might require a camera inspection, contact Wilbur’s Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today.
