Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about the sewer line issues underneath our home. Every day we turn on our taps, do our laundry, run our dishwasher, flush our toilets, and take our baths or showers without a second thought. Unless there’s a problem, our sewer lines typically fall under the out-of-sight-out-of-mind category.

But, if something did go wrong with your sewer line, who would be responsible for the repairs? As you know, your sewer line runs from your home to your nearest water treatment facility. If there’s a problem with the line, is it a municipality problem or a homeowner problem?

The answer is simple, but may be surprising to some homeowners. It depends where the issue lies. If the problem with the line lands on your property—so under your house or inside your property lines—fixing the line is up to you. If, on the other hand, the sewer line issue is outside your property lines, it’s the municipality’s responsibility to fix it.

Common sewer line problems

A lot of things can affect your sewer line and potentially cause problems.

Clogs, for example, can be a big issue. Over time, the stuff you put down the drain from baby wipes to sanitary products to hair to grease to food waste (and so on)—can build up until it eventually clogs the line. Clogs can build to the point where they can cause a leak in your drain and need to be replaced.

Another common problem is tree roots growing around sewer lines. The roots can eventually put so much pressure on the line that it cracks. The root may then start growing right into the line, causing a major blockage.

Pipes freezing and bursting in cold winter weather is another scenario that happens all-too-often with sewer lines.

Also, pipes becoming corroded over time can cause problems (especially if you regularly pour chemicals like drain cleaner down your drains).

Repairs can be costly

If you discover damage to your sewer system that’s so severe you have to replace the lines, it could potentially cost you tens of thousands of dollars. Because sewer lines are underground, replacing a line would mean digging up your yard so a professional contractor can access and replace your damaged lines—definitely not a quick or inexpensive undertaking!

Preventing issues

Regular sewer line inspections can help you catch potential issues—before they turn into big, expensive problems. A typical sewer inspection usually costs around a few hundred dollars, but a major problem popping up in your sewer line could cost you a lot more than that.

Sewer line inspections in Edmonton

Having your sewer lines professionally inspected will give you peace of mind that your sewer system is running properly. Look to IVIS Construction Inc. as your first choice for sewer companies in Edmonton.