In most cases, I do need to take a look at this issue. It could be that your sewer line has an issue and water is not able to flow freely through the system. Your main sewer line may be clogged.

Why Do Sewer Lines Get Blocked

So what clogs your sewer pipes? Anything short of solid waste and regular toilet paper. To be on the safe side, those are the only things that should go down the toilet. Other things can get caught up fairly easily, especially if there is an imperfection in the pipe, such as when pipes get bellied or pushed down into the ground. Pipe corrosion can limit the flow of water. Tree roots that grow into the pipes themselves are one of the most common occurrences that limits the flow and increases the chance something will get stuck in the pipe and create a clog.

Items that Commonly Clogs Sewer Pipes

Some of the most common items that clog sewer lines are listed below. Think about it this way, if the item you are flushing cannot disintegrate in water, it is best not to flush it. Yes, you may be able to flush items other than toilet paper, but why take that chance and risk a clogged sewer line that requires yard digging to get to it.

Sanitary Pads and Tampons

Grease and Oil

Cloth Diaper Inserts

Disposable Diapers

Flushable Wipes

Baby Wipes

Paper Towels and Napkins

Cat Litter

Swiffer Pads

Hair

Vitamins

Plastic from Packaging

Cardboard

Dental Floss

Coffee Grinds

Cell Phones 😊

Guardians of The Galaxies figures

Coffee Filters

Yes, these items are commonly flushed and yes, sometimes they succeed in making it through the system. The risk is not worth it. Simply throw these items away in the trash rather than risking a costly repair.

Fix It All Plumbing is committed to providing you with premium plumbing services at fair rates. We are glad to help you with any plumbing questions or issues.

Call or text us at (615) 568-5051

Your Nashville Plumber,

Kevin Sipes

The post Backed Up Floor Drains & Sewer Line Problems first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

Why to Let a Plumber Repair Your Sewer Line

There are numerous reasons to contract with a professional plumber when it comes to fixing, installing, or doing anything related to sewer lines.

While a sewer repair may seem like it makes sense to do yourself to save on the large expense associated with such repairs, there are a number of risks involved.  One critical risk is the health danger that may result from an error due to inexperience or not having the proper equipment. For example, sewer gases may be emitted, which are poisonous.

Plumbing Knowledge and Experience in Sewer Repairs

Having worked with sewers for 10 plus years, a master plumber has a significant edge over a handy DIYer. Experienced plumbers in most cases have had the opportunity to see lots and lots of different sewer issues and hopefully have learned how to diagnose and resolve the issue in the best most efficient way. Seeing an issue for the first time can present a daunting dilemma involving proper sewer problem diagnosis and a repair plan. A plumber always locates the underground utility lines when excavating to avoid a major mishap.

Plumbing Equipment & Tools Required Sewer Repairs

Aside from knowledge and experience come another important requirement: Equipment and Tools. Many DIYer simply don’t have the proper tools to get the job done. If a sewer pipe line bursts, you may need specialized plumbing tools such as a pulling machine, a pipe video camera, excavating equipment, an expander head, pipe sheers, cutters, and even a retaining device. These items are part of a plumber’s arsenal, yet may not be readily available in your tool box.

Causing Additional Damage to Your Sewer Line

The last thing you want to do is cause additional damage to your sewer system. Things can go wrong like gas leaks. More damage may also result which can enlarge a leak. For instance, you may initially be dealing with a soft spot in your front yard and all of the sudden sewer water is backing up into your house. At that point, you will likely call a plumber and pay much more than you would have to treat the original problem.

Sewer Work: When to Call the Plumber

There are some plumbing repairs and installations that are best left to a licensed and experienced plumbing professional. Sewer lines can be complex and quite messy.

Fix It All Plumbing is led by one of Nashville’s best Master Plumbers and has the experience and equipment to take care of any sewer line issues you may face.

Call or text 615-568-5051

The post When to Avoid DIY Sewer Line Installations and Repair first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

How Long Does a Cast Iron Pipe Last

The average lifespan of a cast iron pipe is estimated at 50 years. In optimal conditions with proper installation, you can find a pipe lasting 75 years or even over 100 years. These pipes were known for their reliability and durability. Some known issues with the pipes include the variability in the quality of the manufacturing. Some pipes are made well and some have defects or weaknesses in their construction from the beginning. A second problem is they generally begin corroding over time from inside out which can result in sewage line blockages, leaks, and pipe ruptures. Damage from cast iron pipes can even interfere with the clean water supply, resulting in contamination.

Warning Signs of Cast Iron Pipe Issues

The only way to tell for sure that your cast iron pipes need attention is to look at them with a special camera or up close and personal.

Some signs you may notice include the following:

Sewer back-up

Standing water in tub or shower

Discoloration of water

Foul Smells resulting from sewer gases, such as hydrogen sulfide and methane

Leaks, particularly water around baseboards

Light brown colored rug, flooring, or carpet from water contact

Raised floor tiles in bathroom or other room

And even pest infestations (Yes pests are attracted to sewage)

The key to preventing loss is to catch the issue early. Otherwise the sewer pipes may completely rupture causing significant damage to your property. Have a plumber you trust inspect the pipes for issues. Sometimes a cast iron pipe may not need to be replaced right away.

If you live in the Nashville area, Fix It All Plumbing is glad to come out to your home or office, evaluate your pipes, and offer options for repair or replacement, if needed.

Call or text us at (615)568-5051

The post Replacing Cast Iron Sewer Pipes first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.

3 Warning Signs Sewer Line is Leaking or Clogged

1. Water Bill Costs Rise

   If you see an inordinate increase in your water usage and your bill rises for no reason you can identify, it’s a good idea to investigate for a leak. The price rise in your water bill will likely be significant. If you think about it, a leaking toilet can leak more than 1000 gallons of water a day. Think how much water would leak if you have a break in your sewer line. If you notice a high water or sewer bill that can’t be explained, call your landlord if you rent or a plumber if you own the home.  It also may be best to turn off the water supply to your home until the issue is diagnosed.

2. Backed up Water

   Another sign that the there is a problem with your sewer line is backed up water from a drain in your home, toilet plumbing, or water leaks in your basement or crawl space. Clogged drains can result from a number of plumbing issues but they are often an indication of a clogged or leaking sewer line. You may ask, what can clog a sewer line? Usually the culprits are tree roots. This is likely the case if you have an older home and some large trees or trees near the sewer lines. Clogs in newer homes can be from a number of sources including feminine protection products, paper towels, and yes, toys. Sometimes it is a Lincoln Log or Legos, and even plastic Easter eggs can wreak havok on pipes. This home owner in Mount Juliet found water in her basement. After investigating, the sewer line had broken as a result of the house settling. The pressure from the house settling actually caused a low area known as a belly in the line. The entire sewer line had to be replaced in this case.

3. Standing Water in Yard or Sunken Grass

   If you notice wet spots in your yard or soft sinking areas above the sewer line even when it hasn’t been raining, an underground line may be cracked.  You may also notice a foul sewer smell in your home and outside. Definitely call your local plumber when you have soft sunken grass and/or wet spots in your yard when everything else is dry.

Suspect a broken or clogged sewer line in the Nashville area? Call Fix It All plumbing or text us at (615)-568-5051

The post 3 Warning Signs Your Sewer Line is Clogged or Leaking first appeared on Fix It All Plumbing.