All of the drains in your home have to lead somewhere. And unless you have a septic tank on your property, the sewer line leads out to the sewer main that services the city. The sewer main is at the end of your property, under the street in most cases.
What many homeowners don’t realize is that they are responsible for any damage suffered by the sewer line, all the way up to the sewer main. You cannot count on someone else to take care of this for you. If you have problems with the sewer lateral, get the right plumber for the job.
Keep reading to learn more about the lateral sewer line, what to do when it’s in trouble, and how you can prevent major sewer line damage from coming up.
The Location of Your Lateral Sewer Line
Many people don’t realize how far the sewer line actually goes. The sewer line is angled diagonally in order to allow sewage to move in the proper direction (which is why we call it the sewer lateral). Where the sewer lateral meets the sewer main may actually go slightly past the end of your property line. Since plumbers would need to dig a hole on your property to service the sewer line, it is your responsibility to fix it when the sewer line leaks or clogs.
Signs You Need Sewer Line Repair
It’s important to be able to detect a damaged sewer line as early as possible, in order to prevent further damage to the sewer line and get the problem under control ASAP. Call a plumber at the first sign of sewer damage:
- Slow or stopped drains: This may indicate more than a small drain clog. The sewer line far underneath your property could be clogged or leaking.
- The smell of sewage: If this is detected anywhere on your property, it’s time to schedule an assessment.
- Grass that grows quickly or seems greener and fuller: Particularly vibrant and full patches of grass could indicate a sewage leak serving as fertilization from underneath.
Sewer Line Damage and Homeowners’ Insurance
Many of our customers want to know first and foremost: is this covered by my homeowners’ insurance? This is something you should figure out before you run into a problem (especially if you have older pipes more likely to leak). It may be covered by your insurance, but some companies exclude this coverage or make it an extra endorsement (for an additional fee).
Your insurance policy may exclude coverage for damages incurred by wear and tear. A damaged sewer line has had some help—years of waste and wastewater that take a toll on the pipes, and you might not get covered for the damage. Speak with your insurance company to learn more.
Preventing Sewer Line Damage
Here are just a few of our suggestions for preventing sewer line damage.
- Don’t put “flushable” wipes in the toilet, no matter what the packaging says.
- Avoid putting fats, oils, and grease down the drain, as these coagulate and cause major blockage.
- Schedule regular inspections for your plumbing pipes, especially if you have an older sewer line or a tree root infiltration problem.
Contact Admiral Plumbing Services, LLC for sewer line repair in Boca Raton, FL.
