A foul odor coming from the drains? Several fixtures backing up in unison? Unusual gurgling from the toilet on a flush? Such are the telltale signs of a sewer line problem and they are not going to resolve on their own.
We at All Clear Plumbing and Drain Service have put our family company to work for homeowners in Central Maryland since 2000. From our Laurel base we do residential as well as commercial plumbing. Should you have a sewer matter to attend to, give us a ring at (301) 973-6278.
In this part of Maryland one does not see trouble with the sewer line coming; it has a habit of sneaking up until it is a serious affair. But being aware of what to look for is the best way to nip it in the bud. Here is an overview of the problems we see most often.
Tree Root Intrusion
There are no end of mature trees in Central Maryland and their roots are in constant pursuit of water. Your sewer line makes for an excellent source. A root will put down into the smallest loose joint or crack in a pipe and over time put in place a thick mass that impedes or puts a stop to the flow of waste. In older neighborhoods this is the usual culprit for a backup. If your yard is full of large trees and the drains are losing their pace, roots are likely to blame.
Aging and Corroded Pipes
Take the homes in Baltimore, Ellicott City or Silver Spring, many were put up decades ago. The clay or cast iron sewer lines beneath them are subject to breaking down. With age you can expect corrosion, cracks and the like. Some indications the line is in poor shape:
- Clogs that return with some regularity
- Drains running slow all over the house, not just in one spot
- Patches in the yard that are damp or an odd green
- Any sewage smell, inside or out
- Water near the cleanout
- Cracks in the driveway or foundation
Then again a symptom does not always call for a new line. An inspection will tell if the issue is isolated to one section.
Clogs and Blockages
The pipe is not always at fault. Grease, food scraps and those “flushable” wipes and feminine products will accumulate. At a rough spot or a bend in the pipe they make a blockage hard to dislodge. You may think all is well when you flush but a partial clog can be there for weeks, building up until the day nothing will go down.
Bellied or Sagging Lines
The soil in Maryland is prone to shifting. Be it from the freeze and thaw, a heavy rain or simply settling, a piece of pipe can drop below the rest of the line, forming what is known as a belly. Waste and water will pool in the low spot and back up rather than make it to the main sewer. Correcting a bellied line generally means excavating since the pipe is out of position.
Backups From the Main Sewer
It may be nothing to do with your property. A storm can put too much on the municipal system and push wastewater your way, and homes in lower ground are vulnerable. A backwater valve is some protection, but when you have sewage in your floor drains you want assistance without delay.
When to Call for Help
Letting a sewer problem sit only adds to the cost. We would advise having a professional have a look at the line before a complete backup occurs. It will spare you a good deal of mess and stress.
All Clear Plumbing and Drain Service is active in all of Central Maryland, communities such as North Laurel, Scaggsville, Columbia, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Annapolis, Odenton and others. Our 24/7 service means we are available night or day.
Before a minor thing becomes a major one, contact the family team at All Clear Plumbing and Drain Service. (301) 973-6278.