Underground sewer lines typically last between 50 and 100 years, but their exact lifespan is dictated by the pipe material.
The "135-degree rule" in plumbing states that the total (aggregate) horizontal change in direction for a drainage pipe—specifically trap arms—cannot exceed 135 degrees between the P-trap and the vent. Exceeding 135 degrees (such as using three 45-degree bends or a 90 and two 45s) requires a cleanout because sharp turns hinder flow and cause clogs.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Without an endorsement, your insurer may still help cover the cost of the repairs, up to your policy's limits, if the line is located on your property and the damage occurs sudden and accidentally. A standard homeowners policy may also pay to repair the actual sewer line if a covered peril caused the damage.
Standard homeowners insurance may only cover sewer line damage caused by sudden, accidental perils such as fire, explosion, or impact. Gradual wear, root intrusion, corrosion, or poor maintenance are typically excluded from standard policies.
Avoid making guesses or unsupported statements about what caused the damage to your property. Speculating can lead to inaccuracies in the adjuster's report, potentially affecting your claim.
10 Things That Your Plumber Wishes You Knew
Plumbers face elevated risks for various occupation-specific diseases, primarily due to exposure to raw sewage, toxic airborne materials, and bacteria in stagnant water.
In November 1954, Albert Einstein famously expressed admiration for the plumbing profession, stating that if he were a young man again, he "would rather choose to be a plumber in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available."
To protect your plumbing and the environment, you should never put fats, starches, harsh chemicals, or solid waste down your drains.
Here are the most common plumbing code violations you might not even realize you have—and why they matter.
The standard slope is anywhere from ¼ inch to 3 inches per foot depending on the use. An accurate calculation is essential for properly functioning plumbing. A pipe that doesn't slope enough won't drain while a pipe that slopes too much drains water too quickly, leaving solids behind.
Pouring salt down your drain at night is a popular DIY plumbing trick used for routine maintenance. The goal is to take advantage of the salt's coarse texture and natural moisture-absorbing properties.
The most durable sewer pipe materials are PVC, HDPE, and cast iron. PVC and HDPE resist corrosion and chemical damage and last 50–100 years. Cast iron is extremely strong and often lasts 75 years or more. Clay and concrete also last 50–100 years but are more prone to cracking.
Yes, you can pour a concrete slab over a sewer line, but it is highly risky and often restricted by local building codes. If the line breaks or clogs, the concrete will have to be torn up to access the pipes.
Thomas Crapper was an English plumber who forever laid his name on the industry when his company was chosen to provide cistern toilets for soldiers in the First World War. Each cistern was labeled with the name of his company — Thomas Crapper & Co.
Popular history and circulating folklore tell a famous story that Marilyn Monroe and Albert Einstein once met and joked about having a child together.
Albert Einstein refused surgery to repair a leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm in April 1955.
Diseases caused by fecal-oral transmission include typhoid, cholera, polio, hepatitis and many other infections, especially ones that cause diarrhea.
Yes, plumbing is incredibly hard on the body. It is a highly physical, demanding trade. While the toll it takes depends on your habits, the job’s nature requires heavy lifting, awkward movements, and exposure to environmental hazards.
"Sewage poisoning" refers to health complications caused by inhaling toxic sewer gases (like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia) or ingesting water/food contaminated with raw sewage. Symptoms range from mild gastrointestinal distress to severe nervous system issues.
Plumber slang combines practical on-the-job jargon with colorful nicknames for the profession and its common mishaps. It ranges from humorous terms for the workers themselves to shorthand names for everyday pipes, tools, and hardware used on the job.
What a Good Plumber Will Always Do
From the ocean depths to towering mountains, these pros tackle the toughest jobs to keep water flowing.