Rooter service could be an important part of protecting your Sarasota, FL home. Once used solely for removing invasive tree roots from residential sewer lines, this service is now a common alternative to high-pressure drain and sewer line cleaning. Read on to learn what rooter service is, how to know when you need it, and why it’s necessary.
What Rooter Service Is
Our plumbers perform rooter service with a simple yet highly effective rooter machine. This machine feeds a long, flexible drain snake or auger into the sewer line via a plumbing cleanout or other access point. This sturdy, coiled hose has a sharp, penetrating tip. It can pierce trapped drain waste and pull it out or break it into small pieces. While the rooter machine runs, we flush sewer lines with a low-pressure water hose. This way, as the rooter scrapes off buildup from pipe walls and clears obstructions, the loosened waste is pushed toward the municipal sewer main.
Rooter Service Is Also Investigative
Advanced rooter machines are equipped with clog detectors, pipe monitors, and sewer line cameras. As their augers or snakes are extended, these machines collect a lot of helpful information. Plumbers can use the resulting footage to determine whether your sewer line has been encroached upon and to identify other common problems such as:
- Large accumulations of trapped waste
- Cracks
- Offset sections
- Rodent infestations
These technologies also provide information about the movements of rooters so that plumbers don’t accidentally scratch protective pipe coatings or pierce through sewer lines.
Why Rooter Service May Be Your Best Choice for Sewer Line Cleaning
If you have an older sewer pipe or if your sewer pipe has heavy deposits of sediment or severe corrosion, it might not be strong enough to withstand high-pressure treatments like hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting uses water pressure levels as high as 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi) and could cause pipe damage.
All homeowners should have their sewer lines inspected and cleaned every 18 to 22 months. If your plumber decides that hydro-jetting isn’t a good fit for you, rooter service is the next choice. With a rooter machine, your plumber can complete both your sewer line inspection and cleaning at once.
Sewer Line Encroachment
If you have large trees or lots of invasive weeds near your sewer line, these growths could find a way in and cause blockages. Tiny, secondary root systems can enter sewer pipes through openings that are only millimeters wide. Rooters can bore through large, tough roots and clear the resulting waste out. However, to prevent further encroachment, you may need to replace damaged pipe sections, remove the offending trees, or beef up your weed control plan.
Buildups of Slow-Degrading Materials
The only things that are truly safe to flush down your toilets are human waste and toilet paper. Feminine hygiene products and “flushable” wipes degrade slowly. Some of these items can remain trapped in sewer lines and stay fully intact for months. If you have multiple slow-moving drains, a rooter machine can pull these items out or push them through your plumbing system.
Heavy Accumulations of Silt, Sand, and Sediment
If you have untreated hard water in your home, you may need to schedule rooter service every 12 to 18 months. Rooters can break up heavy accumulations of silt, sand, and hard water sediment. They can also extend the lifespan of sewer pipes by preventing sediment-related corrosion.
Trapped Waste
Over time, your sewer pipe develops slimy build-ups of biofilm, soap scum, grease, and other soft and semi-solid waste. The coarse coils and sharp tips of rooters can slough this waste off. Not only does this open the interiors of sewer pipes, but it also prevents unpleasant drain odors.
Signs You Need Rooter Service Right Now
Even if you’re diligent about scheduling regular sewer line cleaning, you may need emergency rooter service right now. Having your sewer line cleaned with a rooter machine will keep effluence from reentering your home via all plumbing-connected appliances, fixtures, and drains. Here are some signs this service is needed.
Low-Performing Appliances
If plumbing-connected appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine will no longer initiate or complete wash and rinse cycles, a blocked sewer pipe could be why.
Rank Sewer Gas Odors
Rank sewer gas odors are a sure sign of sewer problems. These gases smell like rotten eggs or old cabbage. Have a plumber perform a sewer line inspection and schedule rooter service if needed.
Slow-Moving Drains
It’s not uncommon to have a single dirty drain. However, if all your drains are blocked or moving slowly at the same time, the problem likely lies within your sewer line.
Reach Out to the Experts
We help homeowners in Sarasota keep their plumbing systems in optimum condition. We offer top-notch plumbing, drain, and sewer service. We also provide water softeners, water heaters, and plumbing remodels. To find out more about rooter service or schedule an appointment, contact Next Level Plumbing today!
