Plumbing technicians install and repair the pipes that carry water and waste to and from homes and businesses. They also may inspect pipes for damage or adherence to building codes.
Plumbers In Topeka must have excellent critical thinking skills to assess problems and develop effective solutions. They must be able to read blueprints and understand technical specifications. They must be strong and physically fit to lift heavy tools and work in tight spaces.
If your drains seem to clog frequently and aren’t responding to regular drain cleaning, the problem may be in your sewer line. A professional plumber will use a special camera to examine the condition of your sewer line and pinpoint the location of the blockage or damage. They’ll then recommend the best course of action to restore proper flow.
A clogged or damaged sewer line can cause serious problems for your home and health. Sewage backing up into your house can lead to flooding, water and sewage leaks, and even structural damage. A plumbing company that specializes in sewer repair can quickly diagnose and fix the issue to protect your home.
When your sewage system is working properly, all drains in your home will flow freely. But if the main sewer line becomes blocked, you’ll probably notice that other drains in your home aren’t draining as well. You may also hear gurgling sounds when using toilets or draining sinks and tubs. If you do, call a plumber right away as this is a sign of an underlying problem that could require a complete sewer line replacement.
Licensed plumbers have the tools and equipment to diagnose and repair a wide range of issues with your sewer line. They have years of technical training and experience that allow them to identify and solve problems quickly and effectively without causing additional damage or health hazards. Plumbers who specialize in sewer line repair can often use trenchless technologies that avoid costly excavations and prevent property damage.
Your sewage pipes are vulnerable to a variety of problems, including cracks, holes, collapsed sections, and tree roots. Damaged or aging pipes can also be prone to clogs and failure. To help extend the lifespan of your sewer pipes, consider lining or replacing them with new HDPE pipes.
While there are a number of things that can cause damage to your sewer lines, many can be prevented with simple maintenance and routine inspections. For example, don’t wash grease down the drains. It will solidify inside the pipe and can clog and damage your drains over time. Additionally, only flush toilet paper and waste that has been thoroughly screened for debris.
Sewer Replacement
If your sewer line is experiencing frequent clogs that don’t respond to drain cleaning, you may need a full replacement. Broken lines can cause wastewater to back up into your home or business, resulting in costly damage that requires professional clean up. Keeping up with regular maintenance and taking preventative measures can help you avoid the need for full replacement, but sometimes it’s unavoidable.
When your sewer line needs to be replaced, it can be a lengthy and expensive process. Before beginning, your plumber will perform a camera inspection to locate the damaged area and determine the best course of action. If the issue is due to a cracked pipe, hole or collapsed section, your plumber may recommend repair or pipe lining rather than a complete replacement.
A plumbing contractor will dig a small access point at each end of your sewer line, remove the old pipe and install the new one. If the problem is a clog, your plumber may use hydro-jetting to break up and remove the blockage with pressurized water. The new pipe will then be joined to the existing section and the ends will be sealed.
The length of your sewer line and the type of pipe material will impact how long it takes to complete the project. Typically, the most cost-effective options are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), both of which are lightweight and durable. Copper and cast iron pipes are more expensive but offer greater strength.
A fully functioning sewer system is essential to a safe and healthy living or working environment. Your plumber can advise you on the best materials for your location, needs and budget, as well as the most effective installation and maintenance techniques. They can also provide information on how to minimize the risk of future issues, such as by performing regular maintenance and keeping trees and plants away from your sewer line. For peace of mind, consider having your sewer line insured. This add-on provides financial protection against costly repairs or even total replacement. It’s often available through your home or business insurance provider.
Drain Cleaning
Whether you have an annoying clog in the kitchen, bathroom, or some other drain pipe in your home, your plumber has a wide variety of tools to get it all cleared out. For example, your plumber can use a snake with small sharp blades attached to a cable that is fed down the pipe until it hits the obstruction and cuts through it. This is a great solution for getting rid of stubborn grease and hair buildup. It’s important to note, though, that this is not a permanent fix and the clog may come back soon.
Another option is the “clog buster,” a long hose with a narrow nozzle at the end that can be fed into the drain. The plumber can then turn on the hose and run highly pressurized water through it until the clog is eliminated. This is much more effective than the snake and can remove a lot of debris. It is also a better option for pipes that are more fragile.
Liquid drain cleaners can cause a lot of damage when they come into contact with the inside of pipes. They often contain harsh chemicals that are difficult on pipes and can cause a chemical reaction that generates heat, warping or damaging the interior of the pipe. These chemicals can also leach into groundwater reservoirs, contaminating them and potentially affecting the health of people who drink the water.
Some liquid drain cleaners also work by reacting with organic waste, such as food scraps or hair, to break them down into smaller particles that are easier to move through the system. This is a great alternative to using caustic chemicals, but it only works on organic waste that hasn’t solidified into a hard clog. For this reason, many plumbers do not recommend the use of these types of products.
Your plumber will also likely have a tool called a “hydro jetting.” This is a powerful tool that can be used to clear out clogged drains. The hydro jetting machine uses a blast of high-pressure water, up to 4000 psi, to cut through and destroy clogs. This type of drain cleaning is more permanent than other solutions and is especially good for older pipes that are prone to developing clogs.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems. While these are usually easy for DIY homeowners to tackle with a plunger or hand-cranked drain snake, some clogs are more serious and require professional help. Keep an eye out for these warning signs that you need to call the plumber for a drain cleaning:
Unpleasant Odors
As food, debris, and other waste decomposes in your pipes, it will emit foul odors. This is particularly true for kitchen drains, where food waste often makes its way into the pipes. An unusually strong odor coming from your sink or toilet is a clear indicator of a developing clog that needs to be addressed.
Changes in Water Flow and Pressure
Another telltale sign that you need a plumber for a drain cleaning is when there are changes to the flow of your water. If your home has hard water, this can cause sediment to build up in your pipes, leading to clogs and blockages.
You may also notice that your water pressure seems to be lower or fluctuating, which is caused by water trying to find an alternative route around a blockage. If this happens, it’s best to call a plumber right away before the problem gets worse.
Gurgling Sounds
Strange noises from your drains should never be ignored, especially if they happen repeatedly. Gurgling is a sound that indicates air is trapped in your drain pipe. This could be a sign of a blockage, a broken pipe, or even a sewer line issue. Gurgling is usually louder in the shower and toilet, but can occur anywhere in your home. If the gurgling is isolated to a single drain, this is more likely an indication of a local clog.
Unwanted Wet Spots & Dampness
Wet spots and dampness are always an alarming sight, but they can be especially concerning when they appear in areas where you wouldn’t expect them. These can be signs of a wide range of issues, including clogged drains and sewer lines, so it’s important to take them seriously. If you notice any unwanted wet spots or dampness, call a plumber for an inspection right away.