How to clear a main sewer line clog?

To clear out your main sewer line, a plumber will first locate what’s causing the clog. An experienced sewer line plumber will then perform a drain cleaning or hydro jetting service. Drain cleaning involves using specialized equipment to break apart and force out clogs in your pipes. Meanwhile, hydro jetting is a more powerful method that uses high-pressure streams of water to unclog and clean your pipes.

When is the city responsible for sewer lines?

Your city is generally responsible for sewer lines that run from the street to your home. The city will usually repair and maintain any public sewers outside of your property line, as well as any lateral connections between public and private systems. If a clog or other issue arises in these lines, it’s typically the responsibility of the city to fix it.

How to find the main sewer line in your house?

The sewer line is the pipe that connects a house or property to the city's main sewage system. It runs underground and generally enters a building at the main drain line. There is usually a clean-out port visible because it sticks out of the ground just before the sewer line reaches the property boundary (this allows for access in case the sewer needs cleaning). There is also usually a clean-out located near where the street meets your property, but as buildings age sometimes these get buried and become inaccessible.

How to clean a sewer line?

Sewer lines can be cleaned either manually or with the help of technology. Manual cleaning methods include snaking and augering, which involves using a long cable to push out clogs from inside the pipe. Newer technology uses hydro jetting, which is a high-pressure stream of water that blasts away stuck debris and buildup inside your pipes.

How much does it cost to replace a sewer line?

The price may differ depending on the plumber you choose and how extensive the replacement will be. If a portion of the line needs to be replaced, the cost can range. Prices may also depend on if any additional excavation is needed as well. If a trench must be dug to access the sewer line, that can add significantly to the cost of the project. The cost may also depend on what type of material is being laid down in replacement of the old sewer line.

Expert Sewer Line Repair & Sewer Replacement Services Near You

If you’re dealing with a damaged or clogged sewer line, the highly-skilled team at Plumb Works is here to help. Choose Plumb Works for fast Atlanta sewer line repair and comprehensive sewer replacement services.

As your trusted sewer repair experts, our plumbers will work with you until the job is done and you're fully satisfied. We offer flat-rate pricing with no surprises, and the dispatch fee is waived if you decide to use our services. We're also available to assist with any main sewer line replacement or repair emergencies. Don't hesitate to reach out for quick service!

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Professional Sewer Line Repair Near You in Atlanta

In most cases, a foul odor lets you know that something is terribly wrong with your plumbing. Or, perhaps your toilet bowl sounds like a gurgling monster. With decades of experience in the plumbing industry, trust Plumb Works, the most experienced sewer plumbing professionals in Atlanta and surrounding areas.

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Sewer Pipe Relining Services: Minimizing Disruption

Plumb Works offers sewer pipe relining services to our customers in metro Atlanta as a less invasive alternative to traditional digging! Relining is a cost-effective and efficient solution for repairing damaged or deteriorating pipes without the need for extensive excavation.

What is Sewer Pipe Relining?

Sewer pipe relining utilizes advanced trenchless technology to insert a durable liner into the existing pipe. This liner adheres to the inner walls, forming a seamless, watertight seal. This process effectively reinforces the structural integrity of the sewer pipe repair, preventing leaks, root intrusion, and corrosion. Relining sewer pipes not only minimizes disruption to surrounding infrastructure and landscapes but also reduces project timelines and labor costs compared to traditional dig-and-replace methods.

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How can you tell if you have a broken sewer line?

There are several warning signs that you may have a broken sewer line. If you spot any of the following, call a professional for Atlanta sewer line repair or replacement:

Gurgling Sounds

If you hear bubbling or gurgling noises after flushing your toilet, this is a clear sign a main sewer line replacement may be necessary. Another indication of a blockage is if water starts to back up into another fixture, like a shower drain. If you experience this, it is important to act quickly and contact a professional plumber to identify the cause of the blockage.

House Smells Like Sewage

Foul odors are one of the clearest signs of a sewer line problem. If your bathroom has a sewage smell or your home has a bad smell, it could be due to an issue with the sewer line. If left untreated, sewage can start to back up into your home and create a serious health hazard. If you smell sewage in your home, it is important to act quickly and contact a plumber for urgent sewer line repair near you.

Puddles On The Lawn

If you notice puddles of water on your lawn, it could be a sign that your sewer line is leaking. Sewer lines are typically buried out of sight and can go unnoticed for long periods of time, so having a professional inspect the pipes for any signs of damage or wear and tear is important.

Slow Drains

If you notice slower drainage than usual in your bathtub or sink, it could be due to a faulty sewer line. Check for any visible blockages like hair or other debris, but if you don't find anything then it's best to contact a plumber and have them inspect the pipes.

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What Causes Sewer Lines to Break?

Sewer lines can be damaged or broken by a variety of causes, often requiring immediate sewer line repair or sewer replacement:

Tree Roots

Tree roots are the number one cause of sewer line breaks. As trees and other vegetation grow, their root systems can reach sewage pipes, apply pressure to crack them open, and clog the line with debris. When household utilities are used frequently, the temperature difference of the underground pipes and the surrounding soil causes condensation to form. Tree roots will seek out this new source of water, leading to pressure on the pipes.

Old Pipe Corrosion

Older pipes made of galvanized steel or lead can corrode and rust over time, leading to breaks or blockages. Pipes made of iron and clay are particularly susceptible to corrosion.

Severe Clogs And Blockages

Excessive amounts of debris, such as food waste or sanitary items, can cause blockages in the sewer line. Depending on the severity, these blockages can be difficult to remove and the pressure buildup may cause a break in the pipe if not addressed quickly.

Ground Shifting

Changes in the soil due to earthquakes or shifting tectonic plates can shift underground pipes out of alignment or cause soil erosion. A common perpetrator is nearby construction with ground vibrations.

Call A Professional Plumber for Sewer Line Repairs

If your sewer line is leaking, damaged, or blocked, having it repaired quickly will help prevent further damage and costly repairs in the future. Contact the Atlanta Sewer Line Repair experts at Plumb Works Inc to diagnose the issue and provide you with a reliable sewer line repair solution. Visit our plumbing coupons page for the latest online offers and specials

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Line Repairs

How to clear a main sewer line clog?

To clear out your main sewer line, a plumber will first locate what’s causing the clog. An experienced sewer line plumber will then perform a drain cleaning or hydro jetting service. Drain cleaning involves using specialized equipment to break apart and force out clogs in your pipes. Meanwhile, hydro jetting is a more powerful method that uses high-pressure streams of water to unclog and clean your pipes.
When is the city responsible for sewer lines?

Your city is generally responsible for sewer lines that run from the street to your home. The city will usually repair and maintain any public sewers outside of your property line, as well as any lateral connections between public and private systems. If a clog or other issue arises in these lines, it’s typically the responsibility of the city to fix it.
How to find the main sewer line in your house?

The sewer line is the pipe that connects a house or property to the city's main sewage system. It runs underground and generally enters a building at the main drain line. There is usually a clean-out port visible because it sticks out of the ground just before the sewer line reaches the property boundary (this allows for access in case the sewer needs cleaning). There is also usually a clean-out located near where the street meets your property, but as buildings age sometimes these get buried and become inaccessible.
How to clean a sewer line?

Sewer lines can be cleaned either manually or with the help of technology. Manual cleaning methods include snaking and augering, which involves using a long cable to push out clogs from inside the pipe. Newer technology uses hydro jetting, which is a high-pressure stream of water that blasts away stuck debris and buildup inside your pipes.
How much does it cost to replace a sewer line?

The price may differ depending on the plumber you choose and how extensive the replacement will be. If a portion of the line needs to be replaced, the cost can range. Prices may also depend on if any additional excavation is needed as well. If a trench must be dug to access the sewer line, that can add significantly to the cost of the project. The cost may also depend on what type of material is being laid down in replacement of the old sewer line.