Carney All Seasons Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Sewer Repair’

Are Foul Odors from a Drain a Sign that I Need Sewer Repair?

Friday, January 2nd, 2015

The sewer line is the pipe that runs from your drains underneath your property to carry wastewater from your home into the municipal sewer. When there’s a problem with the sewer line that helps to evacuate sewage into the sewer, you’re responsible for handling any repairs up until your sewer line meets the sewer main. This means that, unfortunately, you’ll have to deal with finding a solution for the foul odors that sometimes go along with sewer repair.

A sewer line in need of repair will often, sadly, bring unpleasant smells along with it. But is this always the case? And are foul odors always a sign of a sewage line issue? We’ll address these questions on today’s guide to drainage problems and sewer repair in Lower Gwynedd.

Sometimes, odors are a sign that your sewer line has sprung a leak. However, if the leak is underneath your property, it’s unlikely that you’ll smell it in the drains. Rather, sewage will leak outside, possibly causing your yard to smell instead. If the leak occurs in a drain line behind the walls, an odor is likely to penetrate your home. If there is a major clog in your sewer line, sewage may backup into the drains, a probable source of unpleasant drain odors. Smells may also be contributed to sewer lines that are improperly vented, which means your plumber will have to install new vents.

Here’s something to ask yourself when you notice a smell from only one of the drains: when was the last time you used it? If it’s been a while since you’ve turned on the faucet or fixture that empties into that drain, there may be a very simple solution. Try simply running the water. The P-trap underneath a drain, the curved section of pipe that fills with water to prevent you from smelling the odors emitting deep from the sewer pipes, can dry out if left unused for a long time. Simply running the water can restore the amount of water necessary to block out the smell.

Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling to learn whether drain cleaning, leak detection, or sewer repair in Lower Gwynedd can keep away foul odors and any additional plumbing system unpleasantness.

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Sewer Repair versus Replacement

Tuesday, June 4th, 2013

Are your clogs backed up? Do you have wet spots in the yard? Every homeowner relies heavily upon the integrity of the pipes beneath your property that supply and remove water. But of all the issues that can occur with your plumbing system, few homeowners want to hear the phrase “sewer replacement” in their lifetime. It can be a big job, but it’s also a necessary one, so you can ensure that you get rid of wastewater effectively. But it can be difficult to determine whether your sewer needs repair or replacement. Call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today for comprehensive Ambler, PA sewer repair and replacement services.

The sewer line joins the drainpipes in your home to a wastewater disposal system, typically either a septic tank or a municipal sewer. Because your wastewater system is not pressurized, it depends upon gravity to do its work, and this is why your sewer is pitched at a certain angle to facilitate removal. Considering all the use and abuse it gets, it’s no wonder that it might develop problems. Let’s take a look at a few so that you can identify them should they arise.

  • Tree root penetration: As tree roots travel underground, they exert incredible amounts of force. If a particularly large root comes up against the surface of the pipe, it may crack it over time, which can lead to leaks and other issues. Depending on the severity of the issue, your sewer may need to be repaired or replaced.
  • Collapsed pipe: If your sewer line collapses, then it needs to be replaced. While there are various reasons it may have occurred, it may have just given out under the weight of the earth above it. This can occur in old piping. Alternatively, if there is any soil erosion nearby, the weight of the earth can shift, causing the pipe to move.

The most important thing you can do for any drain and sewer problems is to call a professional plumber for consultation sewer repair and replacement in  Ambler, PA. Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help, so give us a call today!

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When to Schedule Sewer Repair

Monday, April 29th, 2013

We often take the features of our modern plumbing for granted until they present a problem to our daily life. While our sewer systems are meant to last, having been constructed out of durable materials, over time they endure a lot of wear and tear, and may eventually need professional repair. Let’s look at some reasons to schedule sewer repair. Call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today if you think your sewer line may be in need of professional attention.

So, when should you schedule sewer repair for your Doylestown, PA home?

  • Leak: If you notice wet spots in your yard, or a foul odor wafting through your property, then your sewer line may be leaking into the ground. There are numerous causes for sewer leaks. If your wastewater system is old, then it may have collapsed to old age, or it may have become damaged because of shifting soil density and erosion, possibly from a nearby construction project. Alternatively, a tree root may have exerted enough force on the pipe’s exterior to penetrate it.
  • Clog: Clogs can occur suddenly, perhaps due to a non-organic object getting stuck in your drainage system, or by the slow accumulation of years of transporting wastewater. If you think you have a deep clog within your sewer, and the drains throughout your home are not flushing water, then your may need to have you sewer line inspected. Video camera inspection is the best way to see what’s going on underground.
  • Slow drain: Don’t settle for slow drainage out of your home. It might be caused by hard water, which tends to leaves mineral deposits within your pipes. Over time, these can accumulate and create a hardened lining that restricts the flow of wastewater. Routine drain cleaning is a great way to avoid slow drains and clogs.

If you have any doubts about your sewer line, then don’t hesitate to call a professional. When you need sewer repair in Doylestown, PA, call the experts at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling!

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