Your underground plumbing isn’t something you concern yourself about unless something goes wrong. Unfortunately, many plumbing problems could exist for weeks or months before you discover them. What could’ve been a quick fix could turn into a costly repair.
The primary focus of diagnosing plumbing problems begins with knowing which lines are affected. The water lines bring water into your home; the sewer lines remove waste. The first indicators of a problem are when either line does the opposite of what it should.
At Benjamin Franklin—The Punctual Plumbers, we can help you identify the different types of water lines. We can also explain what problems affect these plumbing lines. Continue reading to discover the difference in water and sewer lines and how we can help you.
The Basics of Plumbing Lines
Water lines draw clean, pressurized water into the home. They connect to the municipal water supply or your well and run under your home to connect to your plumbing system. These plumbing lines are copper, PEX, or PVC. However, if your home is older, you may still have galvanized steel.
Water lines operate under constant water pressure to draw water to your home’s plumbing connections, such as faucets and showers. If you use public water utilities, the water lines run from the street meter to your home’s main shut-off valve.
If there’s a water line problem, you’ll notice a reduction in your water pressure. You may also notice a sudden increase in your water utility bills.
Sewer lines drain waste from your toilet and wastewater from your entire plumbing system. The waste and water are pushed into your septic tank and then into the local water and sewage company’s utility lines. The sewer lines rely on gravity flow and not pressure.
They are usually made of PVC, cast iron, or clay tile. When there’s a sewer line problem, you’ll notice foul odors in or around your home. You may also see waste backing up into your toilets or bathtub.
The water and sewer lines are buried underground when they’re installed. However, they aren’t always protected fully against leaks, blockages, and even corrosion.
You will need a plumber to perform an inspection or trenchless repairs to restore these water or sewage lines. When trenchless repairs are possible, it means minimal digging.
Common Problems Affecting Tampa Homes
Leaks, corrosion, high pressure, clogs, root intrusion, and pipe collapses are common problems for plumbing lines. Low water pressure, high bills, pooling of water, slow drains, and foul odors are signs of damage.
Pressure checks, leak detection, camera inspections, and root removal are maintenance tasks that can detect and correct water or sewer line issues.
1. Corrosion in Older Pipes
Older pipes are typically copper or galvanized steel. They are prone to internal corrosion, and they can cause low pressure, discoloration, and metallic-tasting water.
2. Leaks and Cracks Because of Ground Shifts
Tampa is known for sandy soil and frequent rainfall. These conditions lead to cracks in underground pipes, yard puddles, and uneven water pressure.
3. Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots can grow toward water supplies, including water or sewer pipes. They can cause small leaks if they grow into these lines. The roots can also penetrate the joints and cause blockages, cracks, and larger water leaks.
4. Mineral Buildup
Hard water and lime scale can coat the inside of water or sewer lines and restrict flow through the pipes. This mineral buildup can also damage your plumbing fixtures and decrease efficiency.
Sewer Line Problems You’ll Experience in Tampa
1. Grease and Debris Blocking the Lines
Food and grease are common causes of plumbing clogs. Rinsing off dishes and even putting greasy items into a dishwasher can cause these clogs. The signs are often slow drains, bubbling toilets, and unexplainable yet foul odors.
2. Tree Roots Growing Through Lines
If you live in Tampa, you probably have lush landscaping and trees. Your plumbing lines can become split or cracked if the roots grow through the lines.
3. When Pipes Sag
When the ground settles, it can create low spots where debris or waste can collect in plumbing lines. These conditions lead to sewage backups and recurring clogs.
4. Corroded Cast Iron Pipes
Cast iron is an outdated plumbing line material and requires replacement. It can corrode and cause leaks in your yard or even under your slab.
Diagnosing the Problem
Lower water pressure and high water bills mean your water line is leaking. You may also see the water meter spinning out of control.
Slow drains and unpleasant sewage odors mean your sewer line is leaking. However, if you notice wet patches in your yard, it could be either plumbing line. You can get a plumber to do a camera inspection to determine the difference.
Plumbing Line Repair or Replacements
Plumber repair options for water lines can include trenchless repair, spot repair, or directional boring. We can use PEX or HFPE when replacing the lines. These materials are anti-corrosive and reduce root damage.
Camera inspections can help us find blockages, bellies, and breaks in water or sewer lines. You can perform pipe relining, trenchless replacements, or hydrojetting to correct these problems. We can restore full flow of your water lines without destroying your yard.
FAQs
What are the main differences between water and sewer lines?
Water lines draw clean water into your home, and sewer lines remove wastewater through separate lines.
Can a leak in one line affect the other?
Yes, if a sewer line is leaking, the waste can leak into the clean water and contaminate it.
How do I know which one is leaking?
You can hire a plumber to perform a camera inspection and pressure tests to find the leak.
How long do water and sewer lines last?
Updated PVC plumbing lines can last up to 50 years. Older materials like copper and cast iron may last about 30 years.
Do homeowner’s insurance policies cover line repairs?
No, homeowner’s insurance covers sudden water leaks and damage. How quickly you find the leak can influence if you have any coverage for the damage.