Why Your Tacoma, Home Needs a Sewer Line Inspection

When was the last time you thought about your sewer line?

It is a vital component of your home plumbing system that often gets overlooked because it is underground in your yard. It remains out of sight and likely out of mind until something goes wrong, and then it makes its presence known in a big way.

At Resicon, we are proud to be your trusted experts for all home services, including HVAC, electrical, indoor air quality (IAQ), and comprehensive plumbing. We recommend a proactive approach to plumbing system maintenance.

We have seen firsthand how quickly a minor sewer line issue can escalate into a major, messy, and expensive nightmare in the Puget Sound area. A sewer line inspection can save you significant headaches, hassle, and money.

What Are Common Sewer Line Issues in Tacoma?

Your sewer line runs from your home to the municipal sewer or to your septic system. A sewer line inspection is a proactive step that can save you significant headaches, hassle, and money. It can identify these issues before they get out of hand:

Intruding Tree Roots: Are you wondering,“How often should I have someone check my sewer line?”Invasive tree roots are one of the most common problems in Pacific Northwest sewer systems and may be why your system needs an annual inspection.

The trees and shrubs on your property have extensive root systems that constantly seek moisture. Even tiny cracks or loose joints in your sewer pipes can attract roots, allowing them to penetrate, grow, and eventually create blockages or burst pipes.

A blocked sewer line can cause wastewater and sewage to back up into your home through floor drains and toilets. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sewage carries bacteria, viruses, parasites, and molds that can cause gastroenteritis, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, and other diseases.

Cracks and Corrosion: Over the years, pipes can naturally deteriorate due to age, shifting soil, ground freezing and thawing, or even heavy vehicle traffic above ground. Older homes, especially those with clay or cast-iron pipes, are particularly susceptible to these issues. Mineral and rust buildup can compromise your pipes and sewer line.

Sagging Pipes: When a section of sewer pipe sags, it creates a low spot where waste and debris can accumulate. The accumulation leads to recurring clogs and potential backups.

Grease Buildup: Even without structural damage, years of grease, food particles, hair, and other non-flushable items can block the free flow of wastewater through your sewer pipe.

Pest Infestation: Believe it or not, rats and other rodents can enter your Tacoma home through damaged sewer lines, using even small cracks as their entryway into your plumbing system and your house.

When Should I Have Someone Check My Sewer Line?

You can schedule a sewer line inspection anytime, but some instances are more crucial than others. For example, we recommend inspecting any property you plan to buy.

We can send a camera through the sewer line to reveal its condition before you close on your real estate deal. Knowing if the sewer line is damaged, has tree root issues, or is deteriorating can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. It helps you steer clear of a money pit.

Consider inspecting your sewer line if your home is 50 or older, even if you have owned it for years. Periodic inspections are crucial if your pipes are made of clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg because these materials are prone to cracking, collapsing, or deforming over time.

Knowing where your sewer line runs can prevent accidental damage if you add a new deck, patio, or landscaping. It can also avoid damage during excavation and construction, saving you from an expensive incident.

Recurring slow drains, clogs, and backups in multiple fixtures indicate an issue beyond a simple blockage and likely affects your main sewer line. A sewer-like odor in your basement or yard signals a sewer line problem. Lush green patches of grass or wet spots on your lawn may point to a leak.

Take a Visual Trip Through Your Sewer Line

Our Resicon plumbers use state-of-the-art sewer camera inspection technology. During an inspection, one of our qualified plumbers will insert a waterproof camera into your sewer line through an access point, typically a plumbing cleanout in your basement or outside your house.

The camera transmits a live video feed to a monitor our technician watches in real time. It shows the pipe’s condition as it moves through the sewer line. We can identify roots, cracks, blockages, corrosion, or sagging.

We walk you through our findings, explain any issues, and offer clear solutions for maintenance or repair.

Choose Resicon for Expert Plumbing

You deserve a team you can trust, particularly when dealing with your home’s sewer line. Our pros at Resicon stand out for several reasons:

• Expertise: We know drain and sewer systems inside and out. Our licensed and experienced plumbers recommend the best solution for your property.
• Technology: We diagnose issues using a cutting-edge inspection camera that provides clear, detailed views of your pipes.
• Comprehensive Solutions: We offer a full range of sewer line services, from targeted repairs like pipe bursting and trenchless methods to complete replacements.
• Local Knowledge:  We understand that geology and older infrastructure can present unique challenges for sewer lines.

Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection Today!

Don’t wait for a messy, costly sewer line emergency to inconvenience your Tacoma, home. Let Resicon put your mind at ease with a sewer line inspection. Call us at 253-527-7244 or request service online.