All the drains in your home lead to at least one main underground sewer line. The sewer line collects wastewater from your home and carries it to the municipal system or septic tank. Most people rarely think about their sewer system until an issue or backup occurs, but with proper maintenance, your sewer line can last up to 100 years! Many homeowners live in their homes for years without ever knowing where their sewer line is.
However, this can lead to damage or other issues. Some important reasons to know your sewer line location include:
- If you are starting a home renovation project or landscaping project
- If you installing a new sink, toilet, or other plumbing project
- Performing preventative maintenance
- If you want to plant a new tree or shrubs
- To quickly access your sewer line to address clogs or backups before they become major problems
- To comply with local codes and regulations
- To provide information if you plan on selling your home
In this post, we’re going to discuss a few ways to locate your sewer line so you can safely complete your project or address any sewer issues.
1. Check With Your City
One of the easiest ways to locate your sewer line is to contact your city’s zoning office to see if they have a map of your sewer line. You can go to the city office directly or call them to see if they can tell you where your sewer line is located.
2. Find Your Home’s Sewer Cleanout
Your home’s sewer cleanout is a crucial part of your home’s plumbing system but you may have to do some searching to find it. Some homes have an indoor sewer cleanout point, while others may be located outdoors. It can be found in the basement, crawlspace, garage, backyard, or front yard. The location of the cleanout will depend on which direction the sewer line runs.
3. Use a Pipe Locator
A sewer pipe locator uses a combination of electromagnetic signals and radio waves to identify the position of underground utility lines. You can purchase or rent a pipe locator from your local hardware store. Make sure the locator is properly calibrated and place it near the area where you think the pipes need a maintenance check.
Move the locator back and forth, and side to side in the direction of the strongest signal. When the locator indicates a maximum, you have found an underground pipe. Mark the location of the pipe with flags or paint. In some cases, you may need to make several passes to get to the correct location.
4. Ask the Previous Homeowner or a Neighbour
If you have the contact information for the previous homeowner, you may be able to ask if they know where the sewer line to your home is located. Or, you can consult with your neighbors. Sewer line placements often follow similar patterns within a neighborhood. Your neighbor’s setup can provide valuable information about your own. It doesn’t hurt to ask around!
5. Hire A Professional Plumber
In many cases, hiring a professional plumber is the safest way to locate or perform maintenance on your sewer line. A professional has the knowledge, experience, and tools to do the job correctly, providing you with peace of mind. Not only can they locate your sewer line, but they can provide sewer line repair and replacement services when necessary.
It’s important to know how to locate your sewer line so minor issues don’t turn into major emergencies. At Mr. Trenchless Sewer and Water, our experienced plumbers provide top-quality customer service. Contact us today for all your plumbing and sewer needs!
