Table of contents
- Why Choose Bewley Plumbing for Sewer Line Repair in McKinney?
- What Is a Sewer Line Inspection?
- Common Causes of Sewer Line Damage in North Texas
- How Often Should You Have Your Sewer Line Inspected?
- Benefits of Regular Sewer Inspections
- Signs You Need a Sewer Inspection
- How Bewley Plumbing Conducts Sewer Line Inspections
- Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection in McKinney Today
Your sewer lines play a crucial role in removing wastewater from plumbing fixtures and directing it to the sewer or your home’s septic tank. If your sewer line has issues, it could lead to extensive damage, requiring costly repairs and posing health hazards. Through regular sewer line inspections, plumbers may find problems before they escalate, potentially saving homeowners money and hassle. Bewley Plumbing is here to explain the importance of regular sewer line inspections for your McKinney, Texas, home.
Why Choose Bewley Plumbing for Sewer Line Repair in McKinney?
When you need sewer line repair, you want a plumbing company you can trust to get the job done right. Bewley Plumbing has proudly served Collin County and surrounding North Texas counties since 1974. We are licensed, insured, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. With numerous awards and five-star reviews from satisfied customers, we have the knowledge and tools necessary to repair your sewer line properly.
For reliable sewer line repair, contact the professionals at Bewley Plumbing.
What Is a Sewer Line Inspection?
A sewer line inspection, or a sewer scope, is performed by a plumber to assess the condition of your sewer line. Using a flexible camera, plumbers inspect the sewer pipes and connections for issues such as root intrusions, cracks, blockages, and other problems.
Common Causes of Sewer Line Damage in North Texas
Sewer lines in North Texas can be damaged in several ways. Below are some of the most common causes.
Root Intrusion
Tree and shrub roots can grow into sewer lines, often through damaged or cracked sections, which can lead to blockages and potential damage.
Aging Pipes
Aging pipes are one of the most common causes of sewer line damage. As pipes age, they can develop cracks and corrosion, leading to leaks and further deterioration.
Soil Shifts
McKinney, Texas, has Houston Black Clay soil. As the moisture levels in this soil fluctuate, it expands and contracts, potentially damaging your sewer pipes.
Objects Improperly Disposed of in Sewage Pipes
Certain objects should never be poured down a drain or flushed down a toilet. These include oil, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, grease, and excessive toilet paper, as they can block and damage pipes.
How Often Should You Have Your Sewer Line Inspected?
You should have a professional inspect your sewer line at least once a year, even if you haven’t had any trouble with it. Regular inspections allow the plumber to identify potential problems before they escalate, helping you save money and avoid future issues.
Benefits of Regular Sewer Inspections
Regular professional sewer inspections provide several benefits. The following are a few examples.
Locate Issues Before They Escalate
Modern sewer inspections use advanced technology to identify potential issues. Plumbers can address problems such as small leaks, cracks, root intrusions, or blockages before they worsen.
Prevent Expensive Repairs
When plumbers detect sewer issues early, repairs are often more straightforward and cost-effective. If left unaddressed, the problem can become more expensive and complex to fix.
Help Protect Health
Sewer line damage can present serious health risks. A leaking sewer line may release harmful sewer gas, attract pests, and contaminate both the water supply and the surrounding soil. Additionally, if a blockage occurs, sewage can back up into your home, creating unsanitary conditions.
Signs You Need a Sewer Inspection
Certain signs can indicate that you need a sewer inspection immediately. Please note that this list is not exhaustive.
The Toilet Acts Oddly
Your toilet might be the first sign of sewer line trouble. You may notice low or fluctuating water levels or gurgling sounds when running the sink.
Landscape Changes
Sewer line leaks can alter your yard’s landscape, causing uneven ground, soggy areas, or unusually green spots due to excess nitrogen.
Multiple Places Have Slow Draining
While a single slow drain in your home may be due to a clog, multiple slow drains could indicate a blockage in your sewer line.
Sewer Smells
Sink and shower drains that emit a sewage, rotten egg, or sulfur odor may indicate a blockage. Please note that a gas leak could also have these smells. Sewer gas can be hazardous to health and even fatal. A clog could prevent proper venting, causing foul odors to escape from the drains. Sometimes, running water in a rarely used drain can refill the P-trap, which can help stop the smell. If that doesn’t work, you’ll want to contact a plumber immediately. Sewer line leaks can also lead to the buildup of sewer gas, allowing harmful fumes to enter your home.
Gurgling Noises Coming from Drains
A gurgling noise from a single drain may indicate an issue with that specific drain. However, if several drains are gurgling, it could signal a blockage in the sewer line. Drains are designed to allow excess air to vent through a pipe leading to the exterior of your home. When wastewater becomes trapped, it displaces air in the line, causing a gurgling sound.
Mold Growth
Mold in your home can have several causes, including a leaking sewer line. The moisture from a sewer leak creates an ideal environment for mold growth. It’s important to note that mold can be harmful to your health and, in some cases, even fatal.
How Bewley Plumbing Conducts Sewer Line Inspections
Bewley Plumbing offers several methods to inspect your sewer line. Our expert plumbers use advanced technology to thoroughly assess the condition of your sewer lines. Below are the strategies we employ.
Sewer Video Inspection
By inserting a specialized waterproof video camera on a flexible rod into your waste pipe, our plumbers can assess the condition of your sewer lines and identify any issues. If we detect a problem, a radio transmitter on the camera will relay the depth and location of the problem.
Hydrostatic Pressure Test
A hydrostatic pressure test uses water to detect leaks in sewer lines. Our team inserts an inflatable test ball into the sewer line cleanout, which plugs the main sewer line. Once the ball is in place, we will fill the sewer line with water up to the slab level and monitor it for 15 minutes. If the water level remains steady, there is no leak. However, if the water does not fill to the slab level or continuously drains away, there is likely a sewer line leak. If a leak is detected, we can use static leak isolation testing to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
Static Leak Isolation Test
A sewer leak isolation test, also known as sewer static testing, is used to pinpoint the specific areas where a leak occurs. This test is always conducted alongside a hydrostatic pressure test. Similar to the hydrostatic pressure test, we place inflatable test balls in the sewer system through exposed toilet drains, roof vents, and cleanouts. We then fill the section of the sewer system with water, insert a video camera to identify leaks, determine the optimal placement of the inflatable test balls, and map out your sewer lines. Once we locate the leak, we mark it on a map and begin the repair process.
Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection in McKinney Today
When you need a sewer line inspection or repair in Denton or Collin County, the experts at Bewley Plumbing, based in McKinney, Texas, can help you. Don’t neglect annual sewer line inspections or allow problems to escalate. Contact us for a professional sewer line inspection.