The most optimal way to inspect the inside of your sewer line (other than digging it up and cracking it open) is to contact your local plumbing company for a sewer line video camera inspection.
An obvious sign of a sewer issue is if you see sewage pooling in your yard. A lingering foul smell and puddles that don't dry up indicate you might have a cracked main sewer line. Pest Invasion. A damaged sewer line can also invite unwanted pests into your home.
Test gravity sanitary sewer pipes for leakage by either exfiltration or infiltration methods, as appropriate, or with low pressure air testing. Test new or rehabilitated sanitary sewer manholes with water or low-pressure air. Manholes tested with low-pressure air shall undergo a physical inspection prior to testing.
Sewer lines, the vital infrastructure for disposing of waste from your home to municipal or septic systems, can be aged, damaged, or clogged with tree roots. Considering a sewer line inspection is not just advisable; it's a crucial step that could save you thousands in unforeseen expenses.
Go to the city office directly or call them to see if they can tell you where the sewer line is located. Usually, they can show you where the line goes from your home to the city's main line. If you are unable to reach the city, see if there is an interactive underground utility map of your area online.
Generally speaking, you're going to find that most main sewer lines will only last somewhere between 50 and 100 years before you need to do a main sewer line replacement. You could very well have a broken sewer line on your hands right now and not even realize it.
We recommend homeowners schedule sewer line cleaning every 18 to 24 months to prevent buildup and clogs. Regular cleanings help avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your plumbing system.
If your lower lateral is clogged or broken, it happened because you put things down the toilet or drain that you shouldn't have. The lateral could also have been damaged by roots from a tree on your property growing into your sewer line. In either case, it is your responsibility to repair the issue.
Hydrostatic Tests are highly recommended when you suspect or know of problems with the sewer lines. Hydrostatic Tests determine if there is a leak under a house or building in the sewer line system. If the system leaks, an Isolation test is performed to 'isolate' where the leaks are located.
As mentioned earlier, signs of a sewer pipe leak can include foul odors, wet or soggy ground, unusual plant growth, rodent activity, slow drains, high water bills, and cracks in your foundation or walls. Look for these signs in your yard and around your home to confirm your suspicions.
1 Sewer mains shall be tested for obstructions using a ball test. The sewer main shall be deemed unobstructed if a wood or metal ball having a diameter of 50 mm less than the inside diameter of the pipe can be readily pulled through the sewer main.
Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.
Average Cost to Unclog a Sewer Line
Clearing a clogged sewer line costs $250 to $800, depending on where the clog is located, what causes it, and the necessary cleaning. A clogged sewer line is typically an indication of a much larger problem.
This pipe, which lies buried under the soil of your yard, can last anywhere from 50-100 years or more, depending on the material from which the pipe is made and the conditions under which it is used.
Hydro jetting costs $475 on average but range from $350 to $600. A plumber can give you a quote and get rid of your sewer clog. Having to keep your plumber on speed dial is no fun for any homeowner. If chronic sewer clogs are giving you issues, it might be time to call in the big guns.
Clearing a clogged sewer line can take an hour to a few hours, depending on the blockage. If your lines are severely blocked, a video inspection and more advanced techniques may be necessary to find and address the clog.
Professional plumbers can use various camera styles to inspect the sewer line, such as: Remote-controlled crawler cameras. Pole or fixed zoom cameras. Push rod cameras.
Cost Estimates
As we mentioned earlier, in the state of California, the cost of sewer line replacement can amount to anywhere between $50-$250 per linear foot, with an average of around $150.
To test for leaks, we take a rubber, inflatable test ball that is connected to an air hose and insert it into the sewer pipe at the main line cleanout. Once it is in place at the perimeter of your home, we inflate the ball to artificially plug the sewer line so that no water flows past it.
For instance, residential sewer line depth ranges from 18 to 30 inches. However, city sewer line depths are different. Your city's sewer lines must always be deeper than the deepest residential pipe to allow waste to flow downhill. As such, these lines can go as deep as needed.