Your sewer is by far one of the most important parts of any home. Even though you do not see it each and every day, the sewer system in your home keeps it running and can cause a great deal of damage if it is not properly cared for and properly replaced when necessary. Sewer problems are never convenient and it seems like they always happen at the worst times. That being said, there are some ways that you can make yourself aware as a homeowner of the specifics of repairing your sewer system for the fastest and easiest repairs possible or when you will need sewer replacement.
Pains and Issues to Deal With
When replacing any part of your sewer system, be it the largest pipe or the smallest washer, you should always take the time to consider the unique parts of your sewer system. Though most sewer systems are basically the same, each has pipes that have been laid differently, it may have parts or components that are not common, there may be specific needs that fit your system that are not part of other systems, and more. Since each sewer system is similar but inherently different, you should take the time to get to know your particular system and the repair that it needs.
Benefits of Knowing Your Options
Knowing what options you have on the table before you ever set out to get a repair can help save you time, money, and effort overall as you are going to be equipped with knowledge so that you can start to make a decision before the repairs begin. This means that you are not going to have to be a fish out of water so to speak when the repair company starts throwing out estimates and repairs at you. Full sewer replacement of your system is going to be a big undertaking and knowing what things to keep in mind before you start a full replacement can help you prepare for the seemingly huge mess that will follow. Though every sewer replacement starts out looking incredibly messy and scary, with a professional company the knowledge that you need to make educated decisions, it will all come together.
Considerations For Each Homeowner
Though sewer replacement is fairly common, there are considerations that will need to be made for each individual case. Since not all sewers are located in the same place or in the same area, knowing some of these specifics can help speed up the process and make things a bit smoother.
- Local Plumbing Codes- each neighborhood, city, county and more are going to have codes that are specific to the area. This may include things like how deeply the pipe has to be buried, what material the pipe must be, where the pipe must be subverted to, etc.. Your repair company will likely know the necessary codes but it never hurts to look them up yourself.
- State Codes- knowing your state codes can also help speed up the process and make you feel a bit better about it all. Some states have a specific pitch or angle that the pipes must be buried at to insure that the waste is moved away from the home and much more.
- Where is Your House Trap?- with sewers you are going to know where your house trap is located. The trap is there to help catch anything that may be dropped down the pipes. If your trap is not under your basement floor you may not have added expense but if it is, you may need to budget for having the floor taken up.
- Distance of the Sewer Line- the more pipe that gets laid and the more line that has to be replaced the more expensive the repair. Knowing this ahead of time can ready you for the potential bill.
- Noting Obstructions- roots, rocks, concrete driveways, flower beds and more can all pose an issue for your replacement. They can also add time and money to the overall repair.
- Type of Pipe- A good example of this principle is exchanging a pipe that it common for most systems but that may not fit perfectly for your system. Odds are the pipes under your home and yard were placed the way they were for a reason. Most engineers take the time to consider what part of the yard is safest, most efficient, and best for the location of your sewer pipes. This means that if the pipes are not put back in the exact position and with the same type of pipe you may end up with trouble.
- Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro- Often times homeowners are flabbergasted by estimates and may be deterred from using professional companies because of the potential for high bills. There is a simple rule of thumb to follow, the simplest of fixes you will likely be able to work out on your own. If you do not possess the necessary skill or knowledge to fix the issue off hand or with little research, you are likely in need of a professional company to prevent further damage to your sewer that will cost even more to fix.
