Plumber Woodlands are responsible for installing and repairing the piping systems that deliver water, heat, and gas to homes and businesses. They also inspect plumbing fixtures and appliances to ensure that they meet building codes and safety standards.
Plumbers must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues and come up with effective solutions. They also need physical stamina and manual dexterity to handle tools and small parts.
Whether it’s for plumbing maintenance or for emergency sewer line repair, knowing the path of your home’s sewer line can save you time and money. All of the drains in your home – including toilets, bathtubs, showers, sinks, and washing machines – connect to your main sewer line via one or more drain cleanouts. If you can locate these access points, it’s easy to trace your home’s sewer line and avoid costly damages that could occur when working on outdoor projects or doing a home improvement project inside your Bellevue home.
Tracing your sewer line doesn’t require any special equipment or skills, but it does take some time and patience. Begin by finding the sewer cleanout – typically a visible pipe with a removable cap. It should be located near your home’s foundation or close to where your residential sewer line connects with the municipal sewer line in the street. If you can’t find it, check the nearby lawn, bushes, and flower beds, as they may conceal the line in these areas.
You can also use a professional-grade pipe locator. This is a device that consists of a transmitter and a detector. When you place the detector against a wall, floor, or ground, it will emit a sound that can be heard with headphones or a listening device. This is the signal that your sewer line is sending out, so listen carefully for the sound as you move along its route.
If you have a property with underground utilities, you can contact your local utility company to learn where the sewer lines are located. They can mark the buried lines with flags so you know to stay away. The process takes about a week, so it’s best to call before starting any digging or construction.
If tracing your sewer line is too much of a headache, just follow the pipes. Since all of your drains connect to the sewer line, you can find the line by following a single drain pipe until it ties into a larger, more noticeable pipe. This is typically where the sewer line is, although it might be deeper underground or hidden by trees or other landscaping elements.
Avoid Flushing Non-Degradable Items Down the Toilet
Many people are not aware of the types of items they should not flush down toilets. While toilets are great for taking care of human waste, they are not so good at disposing of other items that can clog drain pipes and cause environmental damage. The average pipe is only four inches wide at its widest, which means that even small or seemingly harmless objects can cause major plumbing problems.
Flushable wipes, sanitary napkins, tampons, baby wipes and paper towels are not biodegradable and cannot be flushed down toilets. They contribute to many sewer blockages, which cost cities and homeowners money in repairs and sewage backups. These items also pollute the water supply. Instead, throw these products in a trash bin or take them to a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off site in your area.
Other non-biodegradable objects that are commonly flushed include foods, grease, cigarette butts, photo chemicals, cleaning products and toys. Food that is not fully digested can clog toilets and cause a rotting mess in the bathroom, while grease and oil can lead to greasy, smelly sewage and expensive plumbing repair bills.
It may seem like common sense, but avoiding flushing non-biodegradable items will help keep your home’s plumbing in good condition and avoid costly plumbing issues. Only use toilet paper in the restroom, and never flush more than two wads at a time. Large wads of toilet paper can clog pipes, leading to major plumbing repairs and a messy cleanup.
Bleach is another common household product that should never be poured down the drain. It is corrosive to the pipes and can create toxic fumes. Always pour bleach directly into a garbage can after use, and never mix it with any other cleaning liquids.
Although it might be tempting to dispose of leftover paint by throwing it down the drain, this is a big no-no. Old paint is a chemical cocktail of pigments, solvents, extenders, binders, resins and oils, which makes it hazardous to the environment. Contact your local EPA office to find a paint drop-off site near you for safe disposal.
Avoid Planting Trees Close to Your Sewer Line
When a tree roots into your sewer line, it can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs. This is because the roots are attracted to the water and nutrients inside the pipe. The problem can be especially bad if the sewer line is cracked. When this happens, the roots can easily slip into the crack and begin to grow around and even into the pipe itself.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to avoid this issue. One is to plant trees that don’t have expansive root systems. You can also use a barrier to keep the roots from entering the pipes. Some common tree barriers include a buried steel or concrete barrier, chemical root killers, or air pockets created in the soil.
Another way to protect your sewer line is to regularly have your drain lines inspected and cleaned by a plumber. This can help prevent serious problems from developing in the first place. A professional can also catch any issues early on and repair them before they become serious, saving you money in the long run.
It’s important to plant trees and shrubs far enough away from your sewer line that their roots don’t grow into it. The general rule is that the distance should be at least equal to the height of the tree at maturity. For example, you should avoid planting Norway and silver maple trees as their invasive roots can reach foundations and underground septic systems from up to 90 feet away.
Instead, opt for slower-growing trees or shrubs with non-invasive roots such as thyme, ornamental grasses, and clover. These plants can add beauty and value to your yard while reducing the risk of damage to sewer lines. You can also consider a shrub with an underground root ball that is clumped together rather than spreading outward, like boxwood or holly.
Schedule Regular Sewer Maintenance
If you want to keep your home plumbing in good condition and extend its lifespan, you need to take care of your sewer line. Neglecting it can lead to major issues, including costly repairs and clogs. To avoid such problems, you should have your sewer line regularly inspected and cleaned. This service helps remove build-up that can cause clogs, and it also identifies and prevents leaks in the lines.
When it comes to routine sewer cleaning, the general recommendation is that you should get it done every 18 to 22 months. This will help prevent clogs and other problems from occurring, saving you time, money, and stress. However, the frequency of this service will depend on a variety of factors, including household size and usage habits.
Leaks in your sewer line can be very dangerous. They can lead to flooding, water damage, and even structural damage to your home. If you notice any signs of a leak in your sewer line, such as slow draining or gurgling sounds when flushing toilets, contact a plumber immediately to schedule an inspection.
Regularly snaking your drains can also help reduce clogs and backups. A professional plumber will use a long, flexible rod with a cutting head to break up and remove any blockages in the line. They will also check the line for any tree roots that may be growing into the pipes.
If they discover any problems, they will repair them right away. This can include relining the line, patching the line, or replacing it completely. When getting a professional to conduct these repairs, make sure they have experience with sewer lines and that they are licensed. They should also be able to provide references from past clients and be bonded and insured.
To minimize the risk of damage, you should avoid dumping anything down your drains except waste and toilet paper. You should also install strainers in your kitchen and bathroom sinks to catch any food particles or hair that could fall into the pipes. Finally, you should run water through all the drains in your home once a month to send any remaining debris down the line.