Facts About Sewer Drain!

What is the sewer drain in my home?

Sewer drain is also known as: main drain or main sewer line. As I have pointed out in prior sections of this website, your home’s plumbing system was designed in a way that all the waste goes to a bigger pipe.

The biggest pipe in your home plumbing system usually measures between 3” to 4” in diameter. This bigger pipe is your home’s main line.

Why is it called of main drain?

It is simply because the main line collects all the wastes from the other drain pipes that are spread throughout your home and then, the line carries the waste out to the city sewer drain.

The length of a residential sewer drain:

To be honest with you, residential sewer lines are never the same length, it could be 25 feet long, it could also be 150 feet long.

So, as you might have noticed, a length of a sewer line will vary greatly because it will depend on several factors, such as: the design and layout of the line, the distance between your house and the city sewer line and so on.

How important is the sewer drain line?

The main drain is the most important drain system in your home. Why?

The main drain is the line that keeps your home in operation and flowing well. If the line clogs up and nobody caches the problem early enough, the result can be devastating to you and your home. The clog can result in a huge sewage flood.

The consequence of a sewage flood:

The cost to repair and clean a flooded basement:

It could cost you several hundreds of dollars but, it could also cost you several thousands of dollars. It depends on how bad was the flood and what had contact with the sewage debris.

Now, considering all the above information, what is something that someone who is considering buying a new home should do? What about those who already have a home should do? They all should inspect their homes sewer drain .

When should I consider inspecting the sewer system?

You should consider inspecting the sewer system if

1 – You plan to buy a home

2 – You leave in your home for awhile but don’t know the home’s history.

3 – You have a home that’s over 20 years old and have grown trees in your yard.

p.s.: if you plan to buy a home, you should ask the current owner to have the line inspected and videotaped between your home and the city connection. You should analyze the condition of the piping system prior to finalize your purchase.

Why should you inspect it?

1 – To avoid possible backups.

2 – To avoid damages in your home.

3 – To avoid unnecessary investment or expense (if buying a home).

4 – To protect your health from sewage odors.

5 – To prevent a problem before it starts.

What causes a main drain to clog?

Sewer lines are designed to handle high quantity of waste and, it should not backup easily. If a main line backs up is because something is wrong with the pipe, damage or something of the nature.

Here is the most common type of problems caused in main lines:

1 – Growth of tree roots through the pipe joints.

2 – Separations caused by roots.

3 – Drop of pipe due to earth movement.

4- Pipe breaks up and collapse.

p.s.: When the pipe drops too much, the main drain loose slope which, on the other hand, it causes the pipe to retain water permanently, also known as: belly. If your line has a belly, your line will start having sludge build up and, overtime, the sludge will turn like a thick jelly blockage and your line will backup.

A belly is a physical problem and the only way to correct it is to dig up the sewer line and repair the problem.

How much does it cost to fix a main drain?

It will depend on several factors, such as:

1 – How deep is the sewer line located?

2 – How accessible is the sewage system?

3 – What is in the way? Only grass, trees, concrete, asphalt?

4 – What about the costs for: license, permits, bonds etc.?

p.s.: a main sewer repair can cost anywhere from a few thousands of dollars up to 15,000; 20,000 or even 25,000 dollars.

However, if you inspect or have inspected your future home, you will be investing between $300 to $400 but, at least, you will be preventing yourself from spending thousands of dollars in the future.

Well, I hope that I have covered most of the topics concerning sewer line but, if you have comments or feedback drop me a line.

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