As sewer systems age, it’s common for them to become blocked by debris accumulation or tree root infestation or degraded by disintegration. And the longer the issue sits unresolved, the pricier the inspection and repair often become. By knowing and watching out for the warning signs, it’s possible to get ahead of the sewer issue before it becomes a major problem.
At Big Brothers Home Services, we’ve performed sewer inspections and repairs for years. We’ve compiled our top signs that homeowners should look for when deciding when to call in the pros for an inspection. If you’re concerned about your home’s sewer, don’t hesitate to call a professional! Our skilled technicians are always available for advice and services throughout the Salt Lake City area.
When to Schedule a Sewer Inspection
Slow Drains Throughout the Home
A single slow drain can be caused by a clogged sink (and don’t worry, Big Brothers can help with that), but if there are multiple slow drains, it’s a sign of a main line issue. You can try clearing the clog yourself, drain by drain, but if there’s no change, it’s time to call the experts.
Gurgling Noises or Water Backups
If water is backing up into your shower, bathtub, or dishwasher, it’s a sign that your sewer line is clogged, and the water that’s trying to leave your home has nowhere to go. Gurgling can also be an early signal of a deeper problem. Think of it as the “hearing” the obstruction rather than seeing it.
Persistent Sewer Odors Indoors or Outdoors
If you smell sewer gas, it’s time for an inspection ASAP. Sewer smells indicate that sewer gas, otherwise known as hydrogen sulfide, is escaping your pipes. Besides being an unpleasant experience, inhaling these odors can mildly irritate your nose, eyes, and throat. Overall, it’s a problem for your sanitation, health, and safety, as well as an indicator that there’s a larger problem at hand.
Lush or Soggy Patches in the Yard
We all know that excrement makes great fertilizer. So if an area of your yard suddenly begins sprouting wild vegetation growth or gorgeous green grass, it’s not just a stroke of luck – it’s a sign that waste is seeping underground through a crack or break in a pipe. Similarly, abnormally wet patches, particularly if they carry an unpleasant odor, can be caused by a sewer leak saturating the soil.
Older Homes (Especially 1970s–1980s Builds)
Homeowners in communities with a high concentration of older homes, such as Murray, should prioritize having their sewer inspected every few years. Older homes are more likely to have damaged sewers, and some may even still have clay pipes that are easily cracked or crushed. Today’s materials are much better at protecting against collapse or root intrusion.
Recent Heavy Rainfall or Landscaping Work
n times of heavy precipitation, soil shifting is common. This can cause sewer lines stress, leading to cracks or even collapse. Soil shifting can also happen during landscaping and other exterior property changes. It’s smart to get a plumber’s sign-off after your project is complete.
What a Professional Sewer Inspection Includes
Don’t let visions of a messy, disruptive sewer dig keep you from scheduling a sewer inspection. At Big Brothers, we use a minimally invasive camera inspection method that allows us to visually inspect the deepest parts of your pipes and identify the problem before planting the first shovel into the ground. Our experienced technicians are skilled at inserting the flexible borescope cameras into your system and looking for issues such as grease buildup, tree root intrusion, leaks, or obstructions caused by clogs.
Once we’ve uncovered the root cause, location, and severity of the problem, we can perform a sewer line replacement using modern techniques like trenchless sewer repair. Because we’ve performed sewer line inspections and repairs for years, we make the process easy, painless, and transparent for Salt Lake City-area homeowners.
How Long Does a Sewer Inspection Take?
You can expect your sewer inspection to take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how long your system is and how deep the clog is. The camera inspection portion won’t take long, but factor in time for the plumber to set up and then explain their findings and recommendations after.
How Much Does a Sewer Line Camera Inspection Cost?
In Salt Lake City, UT, sewer line camera inspections cost anywhere from $350 – $1,600, depending on the type of camera used, the length and material of your pipes, and how difficult it is to access them. If more specialized equipment is needed, the cost will be higher.
We recommend scheduling regular preventative inspections, as opposed to an emergency inspection when a problem arises, to keep costs down. And members of Big Brothers’ Maintenance Service Plan enjoy annual main sewer camera inspections, along with other essential plumbing upkeep items, for just $20 per month. Signing up can be a great way to save money on plumbing maintenance over time.
When to Call Big Brother’s Home Services
If any of these issues are plaguing your plumbing system, don’t hesitate to call Big Brothers for a comprehensive, professional inspection. We’ve served homeowners throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding area for years, and we offer flexible financing options and emergency plumbing services to provide excellent plumbing care in our community.
Preventative inspections can help avoid costly emergencies—contact Big Brothers to schedule your inspection today!