After you put a flush to it, where does that wastewater end up? Or what is the reason your kitchen sink will gurgle at odd moments? And why do tree roots appear to have an issue with your sewer line?
Those are questions we hear from time to time. South West Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric has been fielding them for Puget Sound homeowners of all stripes since 1982. As “The one to call,” we are at (253) 642-8810 whenever you need us. In the meantime we will put forward some fun facts on the pipes underfoot.
A Surprising Quantity of Pipe in Your Home
It comes as a shock to most when they realise the extent of the plumbing on their property. Dozens of feet of drain pipe can be found in an average single-family home, running behind walls and under floors to the main sewer. All of it is unobtrusively minding its business until there is a problem.
On a daily basis the network of pipes has to contend with:
- The grease and food waste you put down the kitchen sink
- Soap scum and hair clogging the bathroom drains
- Our regional water leaving its mineral deposits on the pipe
- Curious children who may have flushed something they should not have
- Wear and tear from years of use
- Tree roots on the prowl for moisture and nutrients
In Fact, Tree Roots Will Go After Your Sewer Line
You would be hard pressed to find someone who has not been told this, but tree roots are attracted to the water vapor seeping out of sewer joints. A root will put itself through a hairline crack and make a home of it. With the verdant landscapes of the Puget Sound there is no shortage of root systems in want of a drink.
Root intrusion is a leading cause of backups in our part of the world. Then again, with a modern camera inspection a technician can put an end to any guesswork as to what is going on in your line, no yard excavation required.
Drains Have a Way of Telling You
If you know how to interpret the signs your plumbing puts out, you can avoid a headache of a backup. Be on the lookout for:
- Toilets or drains making gurgling noises
- Water that is not draining like it did before
- An unpleasant smell coming off the floor or sink
- More than one fixture backing up
- Pooling water in the yard or by a floor drain
Do not hesitate to make a call over any of it; it is easier to nip a problem in the bud than clean up after the fact.
The Puget Sound Has a Way of Doing Things
There is enough rain here to have the groundwater and the occasional heavy storm bear down on an old sewer line. Add in the mature trees and homes of different eras and you will see a good deal of variation below ground. Some properties still have clay or cast iron that is nothing like the newer stuff.
Our team is not fazed by the make or model of pipe. We are familiar with the terrain in Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Renton, Kirkland, Redmond, Lynnwood, Edmonds and the communities in between.
Maintenance is Its Own Reward
We would say the best piece of information is that you can stave off most serious drain and sewer trouble. We put together Bill’s Comfort Club for just that purpose, a maintenance plan that includes priority scheduling and the like. Should you have an emergency at an ungodly hour we are on hand. There is no fee for an emergency call from us so a midnight backup need not wait for daylight.
What Makes Homeowners Put Their Trust in South West
You can put your faith in us for a number of reasons:
- We have been in the Seattle area since 1982
- WA Contractor License #SOUTHWP807OJ, fully licensed and insured
- BBB-accredited
- We give you an honest quote up front
- The work is guaranteed to your satisfaction
- Financing is an option
- Four offices in the region
Armed with some knowledge of the hidden ins and outs of sewer lines, you will be in a position to spot any trouble. And when a professional is needed for your pipes, you will know where to turn.
Give South West Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric a ring at (253) 642-8810. We are here day or night to put in some good work and keep things running well in your home.
