Your side sewer connects your home’s sewer system to the main city sewer system. It is vital for carrying everyday waste from your home to the sewer. It should connect to all of your home’s sinks, toilets, and other drainage areas.

Because your side sewer is vital to connect to the main sewer, making sure it is working properly is equally important. If your side sewer suddenly becomes blocked or leaks, you can have serious problems on your hands. Use the tips below to keep your side sewer in good working order.

1. Know where your side sewer is located.

Having an idea of where your side sewer is located can help you spot problems and avoid harming it. If you are the Seattle area, you can find side sewer information by contacting the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. Most information can be found on their website.

Keep in mind that, as a homeowner, the side sewer is your responsibility. The city maintains only the central city sewer system.

2. Get an idea of the condition of your side sewer.

Many homeowners make the mistake of only thinking about their side sewer when there is a problem. If you know the condition of your side sewer before a problem crops up, then you can better prepare for it. It will often also be a cheaper fix if you spot it before it causes damage, as well.

Contact Best Plumbing to schedule a sewer inspection to have your side sewer examined. We will be able to run a camera through your side sewer to spot problem areas, such as roots growing in, broken pipes, and other leaking areas.

3. Only flush toilet paper and properly dispose of other substances.

You should avoid putting anything down your drains that will harm your pipes or cause a blockage. By flushing only toilet paper, you can cut down on very common clogs. You should also properly dispose of grease, fats, and oils by putting these in the trash or recycling them properly.

4. Use a professional to repair and replace your side sewer.

Your side sewer is important. You should leave repairing and replacing the sewer to professionals. In Seattle, many older homes have side sewers that weave a unique path over more than one person’s property as well. Having a professional determine where problems lie will help you avoid confrontation with neighbors or other property owners.

Ready to get started? Call Best Plumbing at 206-633-1700or contact us online here!

Unlike many other cities, in Seattle the homeowner is responsible for maintaining the side sewer line on their property up until the point it attaches to the main city line. This means that if you’re interested in buying a house in Seattle, part of the negotiation process should include getting the entire sewer line video inspected. A professional plumber will be able to determine the pipe material, the overall condition of the line, whether any sections have been replaced already. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to work with the seller to determine who will be responsible for any necessary repairs.  

Why Do I Need an Inspection?

A large number of homes in Seattle were built before the 1960s and often used clay or concrete pipes for their sewer line. These materials have a life expectancy of around 50 years, meaning that any lines that haven’t been replaced are at the end of their lifespan. You can find numerous stories of new Seattle homeowners who didn’t check the condition of the side sewers, only to discover they inherited a costly replacement job.

On top of that, because of Seattle’s hilly terrain, a broken line can often cause damage to surrounding properties as the sewage runs downhill. Even newer homes with PVC pipes could have potential issues. Unusual weather patterns (such as storms or droughts) and construction can cause the surrounding earth to shift, which can result in weakened joints or cracks. Once a break forms, sediment can start leaking in the line and plant roots will quickly follow— eventually causing a blockage.

Get Your Inspection Today with Best Plumbing

Locally owned and operated in the Puget Sound area since 1968, Best Plumbing is well acquainted with the usual sewer challenges Seattle homeowners face. Our expert sewer inspection will reveal if a job requires a full replacement or smaller repair. When done correctly, a side sewer repair can save a lot of time and money and at Best Plumbing, our sewer specialists know how to get the job done right. Whether it’s renewing a broken section of piping or replacing an entire line, we will work to find the best solution to restore proper flow. Call us at 206-633-1700 or contact us here to schedule an appointment today!

Photo credit: “Photo Jul 23, 3 04 19 PM” by danielmoyle is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

The greater Seattle area enjoys a boisterous growing season, thanks to our more temperate climate, fertile soil, and generous annual rainfall. Great for gardens, this exuberant growth can spell trouble for underground sewer pipes. The coming weeks are the perfect time for Seattle homeowners to call a qualified plumber to inspect and protect their sewer pipes before the weather turns.

What Are the Risks to Sewer Pipes?

Sewer pipes are like magnets for roots in search of sources of water and nutrients, especially during dry conditions such as we experienced this summer. Poor installation, small cracks, or worn junctions and seals create a lure for these questing roots and offer them access to the pipe’s interior. Once roots get into the sewer pipe, they create blockages that, if left unaddressed, can result in sewage backing up into your home.

Why is Prevention the Best Option?

The worst way to discover a sewer problem is by having wastewater back up into your home. Emergency sewer repair is often more costly and a sewer backup can cause additional damage to your property that may require specialized assistance to safely clean and repair. Plus, nobody wants to be without hot water or a functional toilet in the middle of winter. Prevent this messy scenario by performing regular sewer maintenance to keep your pipes clear of roots and other blockages.

How to Get Help

For savvy Seattle homeowners, hiring a professional plumber is the best way to ensure sewer pipes keep sewage flowing properly away. At Best Plumbing, our expert team members can conduct a complete sewer video inspection to assess the condition of your sewer pipes, identify threats, and clear out roots and clogs. When you are ready to secure your sewer pipes, contact Best Plumbing!