Why Jacksonville Homes Need Regular Sewer Line Inspections

One of the worst disasters that can impact your home outside of a hurricane is a sewer line failure. But with a sewer camera inspection from licensed plumbers, you can easily evaluate your drain line, check for damage, and keep your home safe. Learn more about what damage can go undetected without a routine sewer line inspection in Jacksonville and how this inspection can help. 


Jacksonville's Unique Vulnerabilities: A Deep Dive Into Local Risks

Most homes across Florida face some degree of risk when it comes to their pipes. But Jacksonville homeowners need to have extra vigilance so they can watch for these sewer line problems:


  • Tree root intrusion. Plants and trees grow year-round in Florida because of the warm weather and access to water. But during the off-peak season when rain slows down, the thirsty roots of Jacksonville's lush vegetation go searching for water, and they can penetrate older or worn pipes. When roots dig inside pipes, they widen holes and start to clog the interior of the pipe. Left alone long enough, roots can even start to grow up into the plumbing fixtures the pipes connect to.
  • Clay or cast iron pipes. Older homes don't have specialty plastic pipes. Instead, they're made from treated clay or cast iron. These materials break down through mechanical force, age, and corrosion. They might have holes, fail entirely, and let sewage gush out, or let tree roots grow up into the pipes. 
  • Clogs in expanded homes' sewer lines. Older homes are also smaller. Over the decades, homeowners might convert garages into suites, expand their homes, and add more fixtures or water fixtures. All of this can strain your drain lines and make them more susceptible to clogs, either because of older pipes, increased usage, or narrower pipes that are out of code compliance.


Common and Costly Problems Lurking in Jacksonville's Underground

Any of those environmental factors, such as dry soil, older pipes, or home renovations that make the pipes less aligned with your home's usage or footprint, can cause sewer line problems over time. However, it might not be immediately obvious what's wrong, so pay attention to these common problems:


  • Recurring clogs or sewage backups, which could indicate buildup inside your pipes, partial pipe collapses, or tree roots clogging up the pipe
  • Gurgling noises or slower-draining pipes
  • Unpleasant smells or insects in your home (insects can crawl up through drain lines and in through your fixtures)
  • Unusually fast-growing grass that indicates a crack in the sewer line below 


If you experience any of these problems, especially more than once, that indicates a deeper problem that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. 


The Proactive Solution: Understanding Sewer Line Inspections

A sewer line inspection is the best next step. Professional plumbers can insert a scope into your sewer line to collect video footage for visual inspection. They might find partial obstructions or clogs, buildup along the internal diameter of the drain line, tree roots that have penetrated the line, or signs of cracks or collapse. 


This inspection gives them the insight they need to advise you on the best repair for the job. For example, if there are obstructions, they may be able to use waterjet tools to break down clogs or cleave off buildup. If there are signs of cracking but the pipe's structure is still sound, they may recommend trenchless repiping. Even if the scope confirms the worst news that you need a new drain line entirely, you can act quickly to replace the pipe and stop the problem for good before you risk infestations, sewage backups, and foundation damage. 


Don't Wait for a Disaster: Secure Your Jacksonville Home's Future

If you're worried about your home's drain line, or it's simply been a while since the last inspection, don't put off the task. Schedule a convenient sewer line inspection with Superior Plumbing to know the current state of your drain line and act fast to make any necessary repairs. Reach out now to schedule a sewer line inspection in Jacksonville. Our technicians can identify signs of sewer line damage and provide transparent insights into your Jacksonville plumbing maintenance options. 



Image credit: // Shutterstock // Tiko Aramyan