When you have problems with your sewer lateral, the sewer service, NJ or line repairs that you’ll need aren’t particularly cheap. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable. Between the materials needed, and the skilled labor from experienced sewer repair contractors, sewer pipe repair is one of the more expensive plumbing services.
Because of the cost and hassle of sewer repair in New Jersey, major sewer pipe problems are something you’ll want to avoid if at all possible. Fortunately for homeowners, there are preventive measures that you can take to maintain your sewer lateral, preventing problems and increasing its service life. You’ll need repairs less often, and you won’t need sewer pipe replacement as soon. All in all, it’s worth paying attention to taking care of your sewer line.
When you do need sewer repairs in NJ, we’re available 24/7 for emergency sewer services at A1 Sewer & Drain Services. You can always call us for same-day sewer repair service with fast response times. Our experienced contractors provide quality service that will hold up for years to come, helping you prevent the need for further repairs in the future. For sewer repairs today, call us any time at A1 Sewer & Drain Services, at 201-645-0888.
Risk Factors for Sewer Repair NJ
Because your sewer lateral is buried underground, homeowners tend to be unaware of minor sewer problems that could ultimately spiral out of control. Cracks, holes, water leaks, and invasive tree roots can persist for months or years with few symptoms, until one day your drains back up and it becomes obvious that there’s a problem.
These problems can often mean that you’re going to need sewer repairs or sewer cleaning soon. If you catch the problem early, you can reduce your expenses.
Constantly Clogged Sewer Pipes & Drains
Individual drains back up all the time from hair, kitchen grease, food particles, and other various debris that makes its way into the pipes. This is usually a pretty simple fix, and homeowners can sometimes fix the problem on their own.
If your household drains seem like they’re always clogging, though, it could be a sign of a deeper problem. Obstructions or damage in your sewer line can cause drains throughout your home to back up frequently. Ultimately, this can lead to backflow that can cause water damage.
Keeping your drains clear can help prevent debris from eventually building up inside the sewer pipe. Some of the most common causes of sewer and drain clogs include:
- Kitchen grease. Cooking grease is a leading cause of clogged plumbing pipes, including sewer lines. Oil, bacon grease, lard, and similar cooking substances are lipids. This type of chemical is hydrophobic, and doesn’t break down easily in water. Instead of dissolving, grease will simply build up in drain pipes and sewer lines.
- Soap scum from detergent. Dish detergent can produce soap scum that can clog drains over time.
- Food particles. Some foods are particularly likely to get stuck in drains. Rice and pasta are commonly found in clogged drains, since they expand so readily in water.
- Feminine products. Hygiene products that aren’t toilet paper shouldn’t be flushed. Paper towels, feminine products, diapers, facial tissues, and similar items are designed not to dissolve easily. Because of this, they commonly clog up sewer lines.
Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line
Tree roots growing inside a sewer pipe are a major cause of serious damage, and homeowners may not realize the problem until it’s too late. New Jersey is naturally forested, and large trees can have root systems extending for hundreds of feet. A tree that isn’t even on your property could invade your sewer line through pre-existing cracks and holes, eventually causing serious damage and sewer backflow.
Corrosion, Scale, and Aging Pipes
Sewer pipes can have a surprisingly long service life, but eventually, any property will need sewer line replacement. Old metal sewer pipes can succumb to chemical and biological processes that cause corrosion, leading to cracks, holes, and leaks.
These holes also provide an entry point for invasive tree roots, compounding the problem. Similarly, scale buildup and calcification can narrow the pipe and cause sewer clogs and backflow. Once a sewer pipe has reached the end of its lifespan, it needs to be replaced.
Preventing Sewer Repair in NJ
There are a few things that homeowners can do to minimize the risk of serious sewer problems that require professional sewer repair service, including:
- Annual sewer camera inspection. We recommend annual inspection to look for cracks, leaks, tree roots, clogs, and other potential problems. Fixing the problem early helps prevent it from becoming a serious concern.
- Sewer cleaning. Sewer cleaning with hydro jetting removes debris that blocks and damages pipes. This helps reduce the risk of sewer backflow.
- Sewer replacement for old pipes. Aging sewer pipes are a ticking time bomb that could eventually break or collapse. Sewer pipes over about 60 years old will need replacement soon.
