Your home’s sewer and water lines are essential to modern living. While water lines bring clean water into our homes, sewer lines carry waste away from your home to your local treatment plant. Despite their crucial role, most people pay little attention to these intricate systems until they run into a problem. Every homeowner should have some basic knowledge of how their sewer and water lines work, how to recognize a blocked, clogged, or damaged pipe, and what to do if you need a repair. Here’s your comprehensive guide to sewer and water services: a homeowners manual.
What is a sewer line, and how does it work?
Your sewer line carries wastewater away from every drain in your home, including the toilet, kitchen sink, and bathtub. Consider your sewer system as the “outward” part of your plumbing system, as it carries waste away from your home.\
The wastewater flows through pipes (known as secondary lines) which flow into the main line (or “lateral” line) of your house. The lateral line connects to the main sewer line that is buried deep underground and runs beneath the street. The main sewer line collects wastewater from various lateral lines in your neighbourhood and brings the combined waste to a treatment facility.
What is a water line, and how does it work?
If your sewer line is the outward part of your plumbing system, then consider the water line to be the “inward” component, as it carries fresh, treated water into your home for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or bathing. Any time you use a tap, you’re benefiting from your home’s water line.
Clean, pressurized water enters your home through the underground main water supply line, connected to the city’s water plant. Once inside, the main line splits into two different pipe paths, one throughout your home and the other to your water heater. These paths are called the hot and cold water lines. Cold water service lines run directly to every tap and appliance (such as your dishwasher or washing machine) in your home.
The water that doesn’t follow the cold service line continues along the original path, emptying into the water heater to be warmed. When you use hot water, the water heater sends it out to the hot service lines toward your tap. The two service lines run parallel to each other throughout your house, just as a new sewer line installation would ensure a smooth flow of water in and out of your home. Additionally, modern techniques like sewer pipe bursting can replace old pipes without extensive digging, preserving your home’s landscape while upgrading your plumbing system.
How do I know when my sewer line needs replacement?
Many homeowners don’t immediately realize when damage occurs to their sewer line. A broken or collapsed sewer line can cause extensive property damage and can pose a health risk to you and your family. It’s your responsibility as a homeowner to recognize when your sewer line needs repair or replacement.
Here are some signs to look for:
- Slow Drainage – Your sinks, bathtub, or toilet are draining slowly.
- Foul Odor – You smell a distinct, sewer-like odor in the home.
- Gurgling Sounds – Your toilet is making unusual gurgling noises, either after you flush or even when you don’t.
- Standing Water – You see pools of water or wet patches in your yard.
- Mold and Mildew – You notice mold and mildew on your ceilings, floors, or walls.
- Sewer Backup – Sewer is backing up into your home through your drains.
- Pest Infestation – You notice a sudden influx of rodents or insects in your home.
How do I know when my water line needs replacing?
As we’ve discussed, your home consists of an intricate system of pipes running throughout your home, and plumbing issues are not uncommon. You, as a homeowner, are responsible for all these pipes and plumbing, up to the shut-off valve at your property line where your home’s water services connect to the city’s main water line.
Here’s how to know if there’s an issue with your water line:
- Puddles of Water – You’ll usually find these leaks under the sink, on your floors, or in your yard.
- Weird Noises – Strange noises coming from your pipes, such as hissing, whistling, gurgling, or banging, could be a sign of a broken or leaking water line.
- Clogged Drains – Some or all of your drains are clogged.
- Low Water Pressure – The pressure from your taps is weak.
- Discolored Water – Dirt or other contaminants may have access to your water system. Not only is this a sign of a water line break, but can pose a risk to your health.
- High Water Bills – If you haven’t changed your water usage but you notice your utility bills are higher than usual, you probably have a leak somewhere in your water line.
What do I do if I suspect a breakage?
Damage to your sewer or water lines is a serious issue and requires immediate action. If you suspect your sewer or water line needs repair or replacement, call a reputable professional right away. They will help you assess and fix the problem.
Unexpected emergencies can occur at any time. Call us 24/7 at Mr. Trenchless Sewer and Water.
