Drain & Sewer Resources
Got Questions? We Got Answers!
Our team is here to answer your drain and sewer questions. You can call us or review our answers to your frequently asked questions. Whether you want to learn about sewer camera inspections or want to know if you can clean a main line yourself, we have an answer for you!
If your break or issue is not under your home or business but instead in the main sewer line going to the city sewer system (or septic system), then this would typically be inspected via video sewer camera. The problem spot is identified using the camera’s head and a locator. This will give us the location and depth and allow us to provide a price to make that repair.
Sewer cameras allow us to see problems such as:
-Intrusion from tree roots
-Pipe leaks
-Complete sewer line breaks
-Large clogs and blockages
-Cracked fittings at pipe junctions
-Bad glue joints and misalignment
-Corrosion
-Sewer bellies and collapsed pipes
We can also use camera inspection services to assess your plumbing system’s overall condition. During a home buying process or for homes older than about 30 years, a preventative camera inspection can be used to help you address problems before they become major headaches.
Sewer gas smells could be caused by a break in your main sewer line. However, this is the worst-case scenario, and there are a number of other, less expensive problems that could be behind the smell.
That’s why we usually won’t start with a smoke test—we’ll only use it after we rule out other causes or normal testing methods fail to find the source of a break.
Possible reasons for sewer gas smell include:
-Bad seals on toilets (likely if you only smell sewer gas in one bathroom)
-Dried out P-traps on floor sinks or floor drains that no longer keep a trapped seal
-Clogged drains
-Blocked air vents
In commercial situations, sewer pipes can easily be punctured by nails, even by hanging pictures. We often see issues in multi-tenant situations where one suite is doing renovations and accidentally damages a shared sewer pipe. Whatever the cause, our team has the expertise and tools to get to the bottom of it.
Indications of a clogged toilet, tub, or shower include slow-draining water, water backing up, gurgling sounds coming from the drain, and unpleasant odors.
If you observe any of these symptoms, address the issue quickly to prevent further complications.
It is advisable to schedule professional drain cleaning every 1-2 years, depending on usage and the age of your plumbing system.
Regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs, extends the life of your pipes, and ensures optimal performance.
Although chemical drain cleaners may offer a temporary solution, they can ultimately cause more harm than good. These harsh chemicals can corrode your pipes, leading to leaks and more significant issues.
Instead, opt for professional drain cleaning services or use natural solutions to address clogs.
If you have attempted DIY methods like plunging and using natural solutions without success, or if you notice recurring clogs, foul odors, or slow drains, it is time to call a professional.
Professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to effectively diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring your plumbing system remains in top condition.
To prevent clogs, regularly clean the sink and drain using a combination of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar. Additionally, use a sink strainer or drain cover to catch hair and debris before they enter the drain, and avoid disposing of non-dissolvable items in the sink.
You can also protect your AC’s drain line by pouring ¼ cup of vinegar into it monthly. This simple solution will kill mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, which are common culprits of buildup and clogs.
Signs of a clogged vanity sink include slow-draining water, standing water in the sink, foul odors, and gurgling sounds coming from the drain.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to address the issue promptly.
Yes, a plunger can be used to unclog a vanity sink in some cases.
However, if the clog persists or is more severe, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to avoid damaging your sink or plumbing system.
If you’ve tried DIY methods, such as plunging and using natural solutions without success, or if the clog persists or recurs frequently, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
They have the tools, expertise, and experience to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively, ensuring the proper functioning of your vanity sink and plumbing system.
Kitchen drain clogs are typically caused by the buildup of grease, oil, food particles, and other debris. Over time, these materials accumulate in the pipes and obstruct the flow of water, leading to slow draining or complete blockage.
In some cases, vibrations from garbage disposals can cause issues over time as well, causing certain parts of your system to come out of alignment.
It is recommended to have your kitchen drains professionally cleaned every 1-2 years, depending on usage and the condition of your plumbing system.
Regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs and ensures the optimal performance of your drains.
To prevent kitchen drain clogs, avoid disposing of grease and oil down the drain, as they solidify and cause blockages. Use a sink strainer to catch food particles, and regularly clean it to ensure proper water flow.
Additionally, dispose of food scraps in the trash or compost bin instead of the sink.
Signs that your kitchen drain needs cleaning include slow-draining water, foul odors, gurgling sounds from the drain, and frequent backups.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications.
Backflow testing is essential for maintaining the health and safety of your water supply. It helps identify any issues with your backflow prevention devices, allowing for necessary repairs or replacements to protect your potable water from contamination.
It also helps protect the municipal water supply.
Most Texas cities require backflow tests on residential devices once every three years. Sometimes the cities require every year for what they consider a higher potential backflow issue.
Each city will contact homeowners or business owners to let them know the requirements.
Backflow testing is performed by trained professionals using specialized equipment to measure the pressure in your plumbing system.
This process checks the functionality of backflow prevention devices, identifying any leaks or valve malfunctions that may compromise your water supply’s safety.
If your backflow prevention device fails the test, it will need to be repaired or replaced to ensure the continued safety of your water supply. Earl’s Backflow Testers can not only test, but offer repair or replacement recommendations when needed.
Earl’s can help you determine the best course of action and perform the necessary services to restore proper function.
There are various types of backflow devices, including double check valves, reduced pressure zone assemblies, and atmospheric vacuum breakers, among others.
A professional plumber can help you determine the most suitable device for your specific plumbing system and needs.
Regular maintenance, including annual backflow testing, is key to preventing backflow device problems.
A professional plumber can inspect your device and identify any potential issues, ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of your plumbing system.
Residential houses that have irrigation systems connected directly to the City of Lubbock’s water supply have to have backflow devices, and these need to be tested every three years at a minimum.
These backflow devices are typically located in the ground in the backyard near the irrigation system
Businesses that have soda machines, water softeners, cleaning chemical dispensers, or other fixtures that could be considered a health hazard for drinking water are required to have backflow devices. Any time a business has one or more of these fixtures, they must protect the main water supply line with a backflow device in front of each fixture.
Businesses must test their devices every year.
Garden hoses are the most common example of a cross-connection, and pose a major threat to the city’s water supply.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality defines a cross-connection as “a physical connection between drinkable water and a liquid or gas that could make the water unsafe to drink (wherever there is a cross-connection, there is a potential threat to public health from the liquid or gas contaminants).”
It’s generally recommended to have your main line drain cleaned every 1-2 years, depending on your usage and the condition of your plumbing system.
Main line drain cleaning can help prevent backups and clogs, which can cause damage to your plumbing system and result in costly repairs.
It can also improve the overall health and hygiene of your home or business by preventing sewage backups and foul odors.
While a plumbing camera inspection is not necessary if you don’t have any issues with your plumbing, it can still be a valuable tool for identifying potential issues before they turn into major problems.
Sewer line breaks can be caused by various factors, including tree root intrusion, corrosion, soil shifting, and wear and tear over time.
Additionally, older pipes made of materials like clay or cast iron are more prone to damage.
We use advanced technology and techniques, such as video inspection and acoustic sensors, to detect sewer line breaks. These methods allow us to pinpoint the exact location of the problem without causing unnecessary damage to your property.
We may also employ hydrostatic pressure testing or, in commercial applications, smoke tests. Very rarely do we need to perform smoke tests in residential settings.
Our non-invasive methods minimize the need for excavation, which helps to protect your yard.
We strive to detect and fix the problem with as little disruption to your property as possible.
Some common signs of a sewer line break include foul odors, slow-draining water, gurgling noises from pipes, sewage backups, and wet spots or sinkholes in your yard.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to contact a professional promptly.
If you suspect a sewer line break, it’s crucial to contact a professional plumbing service like Earl’s immediately.
Timely detection and repair can prevent further damage to your property and minimize the risk of health hazards.
Smoke tests are one method of finding leaks in a sewer system. These tests are performed by stopping up all vents to seal off your plumbing system. We then put “smoke bombs” or smoke candles into the pipe, which burn for two minutes and fill all the sewer lines and vents with white vapor.
If there are any breaks or leaks in the system, we’ll see the white smoke coming out and know precisely where it is coming from.
We don’t have to worry about stopping up sinks or toilets because the water in the P-trap is heavier than the smoke substance. That means it won’t seep through unless there is a bad connection, a dried-out P-trap, or a break in the line.
About 90% of the smoke tests we perform are completed in commercial situations.
That said, we will perform smoke tests in family homes if other sewer line break location and testing methods fail.
No, the smoke used in plumbing smoke tests is non-toxic and safe for humans and pets.
A more accurate description of the substance is a white vapor. No combustion takes place.
Plumbing smoke tests can detect leaks, blockages, and other issues in all types of plumbing systems.
It also works in commercial settings. We often use them to test sewer and drain lines.
A plumbing smoke test can help detect problems in a plumbing system before they become more serious, leading to costly repairs or even water damage.
They can also help us determine the location of a leak that cannot be pinpointed with other methods, such as sewer cameras and hydrostatic tests.
No, a plumbing smoke test is non-invasive and does not require any major modifications to the plumbing system.
Yes, plumbing smoke tests can be performed on all types of plumbing systems, regardless of their age or condition.
Camera inspections can be used to identify a variety of issues, such as:
-Tree root intrusion
-Leaks
-Blockages
-Cracks
-Corrosion
-Pipe misalignment
-Collapsed pipes
The process can also give us valuable insight into your plumbing system’s overall condition. As a preventative measure, or as part of the home-buying process, a camera inspection can be used to address major problems before they happen.
Yes, in some cases, cameras are used to detect leaks in a plumbing system, particularly when the leak is causing visible damage to the interior of the pipe.
However, not all leaks can be found this way. Other methods, such as leak detection equipment and hydrostatic pressure testing, may be used to identify and locate smaller leaks.
Camera inspections can be powerful preventative maintenance tools, helping you ward off problems before they cause major damage to your property.
Regular inspections can save you time and money on more costly repairs and replacements in the future. If you’ve never had your system inspected or if it’s been several years, we recommend a preventative inspection.
The ultimate length of time it takes to complete a hydrostatic test will depend on the size and complexity of your plumbing system.
A standard residential test, from start to finish, may be completed within a few hours, with the test itself taking at least 20 minutes. Larger commercial or industrial systems may take more time.
Though your main drain line is larger than your individual drains, it has its limitations.
Many items can collect in large quantities in your drain line, including:
-Hygiene & sanitary products
-Excess toilet paper
-Soap & grease residue
-Foreign objects
-“Flushable” wipes (which are not flushable and should be disposed of in the trash)
Tree roots are also one of the most common causes of main drain blockages. To avoid a complete blockage or sewer line break, you’ll need professional plumbing solutions.
You’ll need to call a certified plumber to address main drain clogs. We’ll use an advanced sewer inspection camera to confirm and locate the clog.
Then, once we assess the nature of the obstruction, we’ll devise a plan to effectively clear the blockage. We may use a sewer snake to twist and dislodge the clog or take other actions as necessary.
We recommend putting a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar into any slow drain. When mixed together, these ingredients form a powerful and safe scrubbing agent that can lift residue and break up clogs.
You can also try a plunger, though be careful not to use it too vigorously, as you could put unnecessary pressure on the pipes.
We recommend avoiding any chemical drain cleaners you can buy at the store because they are caustic. That means they eat away at your pipes. They can also be risky to your health and safety, causing chemical burns or reacting with other cleaning agents to form harmful gases.
Plumbing pipes are more delicate than most of us realize, catching residue from other products that go down the drain with the water.
Over time, that residue can build up into a clog. Whether it’s a kitchen sink or a bathroom vanity, you may be facing a clog for a number of reasons:
-Hair
-Soap residue (shampoo, conditioner, dishwashing liquid, & more)
-Grease, fats, and oils
-Food scraps
Some of these clogs can be removed with DIY methods, but if a clog is further down the line, it may require professional cleaning. When in doubt, call the professionals at Earl’s Plumbing!
While some minor clogs can be cleared with a plunger or a simple drain snake, more stubborn blockages may require professional equipment and expertise. Hiring a licensed and experienced professional, like our team at Earl’s Plumbing, ensures a safe and effective solution for your drain cleaning needs.
Whatever you do, avoid store-bought liquid drain cleaners. These liquids are corrosive, both to your plumbing pipes and to you. If you have already used these products before scheduling service, we ask that you let us know so that our plumbers can take necessary safety precautions.
Professional drain cleaning, when performed by skilled technicians like our team at Earl’s Plumbing, is safe for your pipes.
We use appropriate methods and equipment tailored to your specific plumbing system, ensuring that your pipes remain undamaged during the process.
While drain cleaning can help prevent future clogs by removing buildup and debris, it’s essential to practice proper drain maintenance.
It’s essential to practice proper drain maintenance, such as disposing of grease, hair, and paper products responsibly, to minimize the risk of future blockages. Regular inspections and cleanings can also help keep your drains functioning optimally.
The process for repairing a sewer line break typically involves locating the break, assessing the damage, and determining the most appropriate repair method.
This may include traditional excavation or trenchless repair methods, such as pipe bursting or cured-in-place pipe lining.
Repairing a sewer line break is a complex and potentially hazardous task that requires specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment.
It’s essential to hire a licensed and experienced professional, like our team at Earl’s Plumbing, to ensure the safe and proper repair of your sewer line.
To prevent sewer line breaks, schedule regular inspections and maintenance with a professional plumber, promptly address any issues that arise, and consider replacing aging or deteriorating pipes.
Additionally, avoid planting trees near sewer lines to minimize the risk of root intrusion.
Performing a camera inspection requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure accurate results and avoid potential damage to your plumbing system.
It’s essential to hire a licensed and experienced professional, like our team at Earl’s Plumbing, to perform a camera inspection.
Yes, a camera inspection can detect leaks in your water lines, especially if the leak is causing visible damage to the pipe’s interior.
However, other methods such as leak detection equipment and hydrostatic pressure testing may be necessary to confirm and locate smaller leaks.
Even if you don’t have visible plumbing issues, a camera inspection can serve as a valuable preventative maintenance tool.
Regular inspections can help identify potential problems before they become severe, saving you time and money on costly repairs or replacements in the future.
If your plumbing system fails a hydrostatic pressure test, our team at Earl’s Plumbing will work with you to identify the cause of the issue and recommend the appropriate repairs or replacements.
We will ensure that your plumbing system is restored to a safe and functional state before resuming normal operation.
The duration of a hydrostatic pressure test depends on the size and complexity of your plumbing system.
Generally, a standard residential hydrostatic pressure test can be completed within a few hours, while larger commercial or industrial systems may take longer.
While main line drain cleaning can help prevent future clogs by removing buildup and debris, it’s essential to practice proper drain maintenance, such as disposing of grease and paper products responsibly.
Regular inspections and cleanings can also help keep your main line drain functioning optimally and minimize the risk of future blockages.
While some minor clogs can be cleared with a plunger or a simple drain snake, main line drain cleaning typically requires professional equipment, knowledge, and expertise.
It’s best to hire a licensed and experienced professional, like our team at Earl’s Plumbing, to ensure a safe and effective solution.
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Our mission is not only to be Texas’ best plumbers and HVAC techs but also to be a positive presence in our communities. From humble beginnings to 4 locations, we are proud to call Texas our home.