Sewer Line Repair in Charlottesville, VA

Looking for a trusted plumbing professional who can help with sewer leaks or sewer damage? Issues with the sewer line can lead to significant water damage and a mess around your property. Get sewer problems resolved ASAP when you work with the experts at The Otter Guys–your local Charlottesville, VA sewer line repair experts who are committed to providing the hassle-free service you need.

What Goes Into Sewer Line Repair?

Knowing what goes into sewer line repair can help you better understand the process. This will help when a professional comes to your front door to give you a price estimate. You will have a better understanding of where that price is coming from. Here’s what typically goes into a sewer line repair:

Cable Cleaning

Cable cleaning is perhaps the most common remedy for almost any sewer line issue. It’s used both during maintenance services and during repairs. It works by taking a spinning cable with blades and cutting through the roots to clear smaller drains. This can rid the sewer line of obstructions like roots and blockages while also returning the pipes to their original diameter. This can increase flow, helping your drainage system run smoothly. 

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting uses a very powerful water jet to cut through debris and roots, removing grease buildup and washing away dirt. The power of the water will push all the junk down the drain, clearing and cleaning it. The best part about hydro jetting is that it uses a camera. This camera allows a technician to see what it is they’re cutting through, allowing them to focus on the most problematic areas. 

Pipe Replacement

If the damage is really bad, sometimes it’s best for a replacement. Unfortunately, this might be the only option that will fix the issue. If a pipe has collapsed or has been destroyed because of tree roots, a replacement might be the only viable solution. By using a camera, one of our technicians will be able to explore the pipe, looking for the problem area. The cameras are designed to signal to the technician when it finds the problem. This makes life much easier for our technicians, as they know exactly where to dig. This can save you thousands of dollars on excavations. 

Common Sewer Problems to Look Out for and When to Call Your Charlottesville, VA Sewer Repair Professional

Signs it’s time to contact a plumbing professional for sewer repair include:

Other Common Causes of Sewer Line Damage

Understanding some of the root causes of sewer line damage can help you know what to look out for. Some of these things are unavoidable, while others can be avoided completely. Here are some of the common causes of sewer line damage:

Tree Roots

Tree roots are one of the most common reasons sewer lines are damaged. Unfortunately for homeowners, this can be difficult to avoid. Since tree roots need water to grow and survive, they often seek out sewer lines. When tree roots come in contact with sewer lines, they wrap themselves around the sewer pipes. This can lead to the roots breaking the pipes, clogging them, and weakening the structure. 

If left unchecked for too long, these roots can break the pipes altogether. If you live in an older home that uses clay sewer pipes, chances are your pipes are already at the mercy of these tree roots. It’s a good idea to have a professional come out every now and then to ensure roots aren’t taking over your sewer lines. 

Corrosion of Pipes

Throughout the United States, the vast majority of sewer pipes are made from metals like steel or cast iron that can be galvanized. These galvanized metals prevent rust and corrosion from the buildup of magnesium and calcium. This is good news for your sewage pipes. However, it doesn’t provide complete protection. 

If there is corrosion on your pipes, the longer it goes untreated, the worse it becomes. Corrosion can lead to cracks and leaks, which will more than likely require complete repiping. Maintenance checks with The Otter Guys will help ensure there’s no corrosion on the pipes. 

Clogged Pipes

As you can probably guess, clogged pipes are one of the biggest reasons we get called for sewer line repairs in the Charlottesville, VA area. These sewage lines were built to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing other items like food wrappers and paper towels can have a detrimental effect on your sewer lines. 

This also goes for your kitchen. While you may think your garbage disposal can take care of anything, there are certain things you should never put in it. For example, cooking oils and foods that contain grease can lead to backups in your drains. Rather than pouring them down the drain, let them cool and dispose of them in your trash. 

Cold Temperatures

Sewer lines were made to withstand cold temperatures, but only up to a certain limit. If you live in a harsh winter climate, you should consider more frequent maintenance checks. Extreme cold weather can cause the water in your sewer lines to freeze and expand. As the ice expands, the metal that the pipe is made out of may rupture or bust completely. This can lead to leaks, preventing your sewer line from functioning properly. One of the ways you can combat this is by leaving your faucets at a slow drip during a deep freeze. This will keep water moving, lessening the chances it freezes.

Why Should You Choose The Otter Guys For Sewer Line Repairs

If you are in need of sewer line repair services, it’s time to give our team at The Otter Guys a call. We have a team of trained and experienced technicians ready to come to your home, well-equipped and well-prepared to tackle your sewage line needs. We also offer installation and maintenance services. 

When it comes to the plumbing system of your home, you need to be sure you’re working with a company you can trust. We have years of experience working with homeowners in the Charlottesville, VA area, so we can better understand the specific needs of your system. We offer top-of-the-line services, as well as unmatched customer service!

Frequently Asked Questions

Part of being there every step of the way for our customers is being there for them when they have questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get in regards to sewer line repair:

What are the Signs of Sewer Line Damage?

Recognizing the signs of sewer line damage can help you catch a problem before it becomes any worse. Here are some of the things you should be on the lookout for:

• Slow drains, backed-up toilets, and other recurring plumbing issues
• Unpleasant odors around your property (trust us, you will know immediately)
• Cracks in the foundation
• The grass above your sewer lines looks healthier compared to other areas of your yard. This is a telltale sign of a leak.

If you notice any of the issues listed above, it’s time to give our team a call. We will be at your home to help you with your sewer line needs, providing the repair services you are in need of. 

When Should I Call A Professional?

If you think your sewer lines are damaged, you should call one of our professionals as quickly as possible. Putting off repairs can lead to bigger issues down the line. The quicker you get someone out the better it will be on your wallet. 

When Do I Need to Replace My Sewer Lines?

Fortunately for you, most owners won’t have to worry about replacing sewer lines due to old age. Newer sewage systems are designed to last 70 years or longer. However, if you live in an older home and have frequent leaks and repairs, it’s time to consider repiping. While you might get some sticker shock, new lines can help save you money in the long run. 

If you are experiencing sewer line problems, don’t hesitate to contact our experts for an immediate inspection and professional sewer repair in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Schedule Safe and Efficient Sewer Repair Services in Charlottesville, VA Today

At The Otter Guys we understand how stressful it is to experience an unexpected plumbing problem–particularly if it involves your sewer line. Sewer line issues can quickly result in a messy situation and major water damage. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts for the fast help you need. We will work closely with you to get to the source of the sewer problem and discuss the best solution for your home. Our goal is to ensure your peace of mind through honest solutions, quality workmanship, and taking the time to provide you with the personal attention and personalized solutions you deserve.