Plumbers install, maintain, and repair the pipes and fixtures that provide water, gas, and waste disposal services in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They read blueprints and follow building codes to ensure plumbing systems are correctly installed.
Granada Hills Plumber are also skilled at troubleshooting. They can diagnose problems based on a client’s description or their inspection and find practical solutions.
The lateral sewer line connects your home plumbing to the city-owned main sewer line. It carries waste and sewage from your sinks, toilets and showers to the sewer line.
A faulty lateral connection can allow water and waste to seep in or “infiltrate” the sewer system, creating a potential source of wastewater overflows. This is why lateral connections must be properly maintained to ensure they are working correctly.
There are two sections of the lateral sewer line: the upper lateral and the lower lateral. The upper lateral extends from your house to the building cleanout (also called a curbside cleanout). The lower lateral is located underneath the public road and runs from the end of the upper lateral to the city sewer line in the street. Generally, property owners are responsible for the upper and lower laterals. However, check your local sanitary sewer ordinances to determine who is responsible for the maintenance of your lateral.
Keeping your lateral clear of debris and jetting it at least once every two years is essential for a functioning sewer line. This will help prevent clogs and costly repairs.
Lateral lines can also become damaged by tree roots. If the root enters your sewer line, it can cause a leak and blockage. The best way to avoid damage from root intrusion is by maintaining the lateral line on your property and having it periodically inspected and cleaned.
In addition, if the lateral is damaged by construction, it can lead to a sewer service interruption. During construction, workers can accidentally damage the lateral by digging into it. This can create a hole or fracture in the pipe, which can result in wastewater overflows and property damage.
The lateral sewer line is a vital component of the public sewer system. Without it, the public sewer system would not be able to handle the volume of waste from homes and businesses. If you suspect your lateral is damaged, contact your city or county to report it. Then, a plumber can inspect and repair it to prevent future problems. They may also be able to provide trenchless alternatives, such as pipe bursting, to minimize the impact on your property.
Sewer Line
A main sewer line is the pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the city or septic tank. This line is primarily the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain. Any blockages or problems that occur can cause wastewater to back up into your home, which can lead to flooding and other issues. Having a clogged main sewer line can be very costly, but you can prevent these problems by having your lines regularly inspected and taking care of the type of waste that goes down them.
There are a few signs that you may have a problem with your main sewer line. If multiple drains in your home begin to back up at the same time, it is likely a main sewer line issue. This is also true if you notice that your toilets aren’t flushing well or seem to be struggling to do so. Gurgling sounds coming from your sinks or tubs can also indicate a problem with the main line.
A clogged main sewer line is a serious issue that requires immediate attention from a plumber. Your plumber will inspect the line using specialized cameras and determine the source of the problem. Depending on the condition of your line and its location, it may be necessary to dig up and replace the entire line, or a more minimal repair could be made with snaking or hydro-jetting. Regardless of what the job entails, a plumber with experience handling main sewer line repairs will minimize the amount of disruption to your home and yard.
The main line is located where the sewage line exits your house and cuts through your yard, typically near the lowest point in your property. Keeping up with regular maintenance, including regular snaking and removing any roots that are encroaching on the line, is important. Additionally, avoiding putting any type of corrosive materials down your drains can help keep your main line in good condition. Also, replacing old clay pipes as they wear out and regularly weeding your yard can help protect the line from damage. It’s also a good idea to have your sewer line inspected annually by a professional.
Sewer Grease Line
The fatty, oily waste known as FOG (fats, oils and grease) that restaurants, homes and other commercial facilities put down drains can be extremely damaging to sanitary sewer lines. This material can cause clogs, blockages and ultimately, costly sewer system failures.
The best way to avoid these issues is to minimize the amount of FOG that enters the sewer system in the first place. This can be done by putting food scraps in the garbage and not washing dishes with fatty liquids. It is also important to have a grease trap installed in any facility that prepares large amounts of food. Grease traps (also called grease interceptors) work by allowing wastewater to cool and then separates out the FOG, which floats to the top of the tank where it is captured. The cooler water then exits the trap into the sewer system.
Grease traps have to be kept clean to prevent them from getting clogged. However, this isn’t always easy to do, especially if you have a grease trap that’s located outside your building where it’s exposed to the elements. This can make the trap prone to freezing and melting, which can lead to a backup or even an outright collapse of the line. A professional plumber can install a heating unit in your grease trap to keep it warm and help prevent these problems from occurring.
Another way to keep your grease trap from becoming a problem is to hire a professional for regular maintenance. Having a regular inspection and cleaning can help you spot any issues before they become major problems, like a grease line clog that requires a sewer jetting service to fix.
A professional plumber can also help you maintain your sewer system by installing a variety of products that are designed to prevent clogs and improve the overall health of the pipes in your home or business. This includes having a sewer camera inspection and installation of a grease interceptor. Be sure to keep Pipe Spy’s number handy if you need any of these services or want more information on how to protect your sewer system from costly problems like a clogged grease line!
Sewer Backup
A clogged sewer line can cause backups in your home’s drains and toilets. These issues are often unavoidable, as a variety of factors affect your sewer line’s operation. However, there are some things you can do to minimize the impact of a sewer backup.
Start by determining the source of the problem. If a single drain experiences a problem, you likely have a local blockage that only affects that specific drain. On the other hand, if multiple drains are experiencing problems, you most likely have a blockage in the main sewer line. Identifying the issue will help your plumber determine the best solution.
You can help prevent a sewer backup by not flushing paper products like towels, wipes, diapers, or feminine hygiene products down your toilets. You should also avoid pouring fats or oils down your drains, as they can harden and clog the lines. Finally, it is important to clear debris from catch basins around your home during rainy weather.
If your sewer system is backed up, turn off the water supply to your home. Do not use your sinks, tubs, or toilets until a professional inspects and fixes the problem. Make sure to wear protective clothing and open windows to ventilate the affected area. Also, be aware that raw sewage can contain dangerous bacteria and viruses that can make you sick.
Sewage backup is a serious and costly issue. Luckily, your insurance policy may cover most or all of the damages and cleanup expenses, depending on the type of coverage you have.
