Roots in Your Sewer Line

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Roots In Your Sewer Line, A Common Problem

Do you have these early signs that your main drain/sewer line could be partially blocked?  These include . . .

  • Gurgling sounds coming from the toilet when you flush.
  • Slow drains – including your toilet – that tend to backup.
  • Clogs that keep returning after you’ve cleared them. This is because you haven’t taken care of the real problem: holes or cracks in your pipe. The roots just keep coming back.
  • Obnoxious odors.
Roots in drain line

Tree roots will find their way through cracks and holes into your drainpipe.

If you suspect your sewer line has some level of blockage, now is the time to address this problem before your line is completely blocked or your sewer line breaks due to the pressure of the roots. This can lead to an expensive repair.

It’s Best to Catch the Problem Early

Over time cracks and small holes form in your drain line. Roots are naturally attracted to these openings because they are searching for water and nutrients.  As the root mass expands in your sewer line it will cause a blockage.

Two Options to Eliminate Tree Roots

Option 1:
One approach to cleaning out your sewer line is to use a variety of products including rock salt, sodium chloride, copper sulphate or commercial products like Root X to kill the roots and prevent them from continuing to grow.  This fix is fairly simple in that you just flush these compounds down your toilet and wait 6- 8 hours. This process does not remove the root mass.

Products like RootX can kill roots in your pipes but can’t remove them.

One word of caution. It is possible for salt to kill not only the roots but the tree as well, and any other vegetation growing in the area. Salt also has the potential to corrode and weaken your pipes.   Because copper sulfate can harm animals, it has been banned in certain areas. So, before you use it, check with the local authorities.

Option 2:
Secondly you can run a power auger or water jet down your sewer line to cut out the roots and open up your drainpipe.  This is very effective in eliminating the blockage but does not prevent the roots from growing back.

What’s the Most Effective Approach?

Both of these options work on their own and can eliminate the problem temporarily for smaller blockages due to roots.  Depending on the size of the root blockage, which can be determined by a plumber using a sewer line camera, using chemical products may work and be less expensive.  If the blockage is large, then using the power auger or water jet will be necessary.

The most effective approach for larger root problems is to first cut out the roots with the auger or water jet and then apply a product like Root X to kill the ends of the roots and prevent them from growing back.

Think You May Have a Problem?

Give Brenneco a call if you suspect you have drain line problems.  We can be reached 24/7 by calling 765-448-6190.  Let us know if we can help.

spring cleaning pix

Drain Cleaning Tips

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Don’t Forget Your Drains When Spring Cleaning  

Spring cleaning is a ritual many of us take part in every year when the temperatures warm and the days get longer.  This often entails cleaning windows, dusting everything, and making sure our homes smell fresh. But what about your drains?

Don’t Wait for a Problem to Clean Your Drains

Cleaning your drains may not be an item on your traditional spring-cleaning list, but taking a little time to clean your drains thoroughly can avoid some major problems down the road. Read more →

PVC pipe plumbing repair

Drain Blockages and Leaks

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What Lies Beneath Your Home Might Surprise You

Plumbing repair

A home’s plumbing, while often unseen, keeps everything flowing smoothly.

Under every home is a network of drainage pipes that keep everything in our home flowing smoothly.  But like anything else, out of sight also means out of mind for most of us.  Plumbing is something we don’t often give much thought to until we have a sink, shower or toilet back up on us.

Like anything else that has been around awhile all plumbing pipes have a life span.  Over time clay tiles, galvanized pipe, copper pipe and even plastic pipe will deteriorate.  When it does breakdown, because of corrosion or roots growing into it, that’s when we have to deal with back upped drains or leaks. Read more →

Does my sump pump need replaced?

Does My Sump Pump Need Replaced?

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Whether your basement contains a carpeted home theatre or is nothing more than cinder blocks and a dirt floor, nobody wants water in their basement or crawlspace. Having water in your basement is  inconvenient if it is part of your living space, but you should be even more worried about the bigger issues — mold and serious structure damage. To avoid an indoor body of water and the problems that come with it, you need a sump pump. However, a sump pump is only helpful if it’s in tip-top shape and working properly. So, how do you know when it’s time to replace your sump pump?

What is a sump pump?

Put simply, a sump pump prevents water from entering your basement. To install one, a plumber will dig a hole in the lowest part of your basement or crawl space. When it rains or the ground gets wet, the hole will fill with water. Then, the sump pump will turn on and move the water out of the hole through pipes that run away from the foundation of your home or building and into a municipal storm drain or well. This may sound bizarre, but without a sump pump, water can seep through the walls and floors of your crawl space or basement. Read more →

Brenneco Plumbing helps unclog drains!

Simple drain cleaning tips!

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A clogged drain is a nuisance, no doubt. A toilet that won’t flush or a sink or tub that won’t drain can certainly put a damper on your day. Before we look at home remedies to clear a clog, let’s discuss ways to prevent a clog in the first place:

1. Place a strainer over each drain. This will catch food, hair, and other items before they enter the drain.

2. Keep drains and pipes clear of buildup by running hot water after every use. This will help wash away any residue and keep water flowing freely!

3. Baking soda and vinegar are great natural cleaners. Add these to your drain, followed by hot water, to keep it free of clogs.

Sometimes, though, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves standing ankle-deep in water when we step into the shower, or scrambling to shut off the water when the toilet is about to overflow. Here are some simple ways you can try to clear a clog without using potentially harmful chemicals or hiring a professional: Read more →

Ask the Lafayette Indiana plumber questions!

Why is my basement flooding?

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Basements can flood at any time. There are those who know the moment the forecast shows torrential rains heading towards Lafayette, Indiana that they must roll up their sleeves and get ready for battle against the incoming water that never drains properly. We also have the overconfident homeowner who stands firm that their home has never flooded and never will. If you have a basement, you’re at risk. Don’t be fooled.

We know basements can flood during large rainfalls or when snow melts rapidly. Basements can also be at risk in the driest of weather. Storm sewer backups, clogged drain lines, foundation leaks and groundwater can all cause unwanted water to make its way into your basement. Since they occupy the lowest level of the home, basements are below ground level and, by nature, susceptible to flooding.  Sometimes, the slope of the land your home is built upon can allow water to accumulate and have nowhere to go but let gravity take over. Read more →

Lafayette Indiana Plumbers that do Drain cleaning and Drain Service.

What is a video drain inspection and how does it work?

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Plumbing in Lafayette, Indiana has gone high tech. Say goodbye to the days of guessing where a drain line or sewer blockage might be. No more random hole digging in your yard leaving the neighbors to take bets on if you’re going to make their day and install a swimming pool. Plumbers can now utilize high resolution video cameras for video drain inspections. These offer a real-time look at the drain lines throughout your home and offer a view inside pipes buried under your house or embedded in a cement foundation.

The genius behind the camera is your best asset. Our trained Lafayette, Indiana area plumbers can diagnose the issues as they appear onscreen. The flexible video tube allows the camera to easily turn corners, snake through tight spots, and see existing or potential problems. If there is a blockage present, and the camera can break through it, you may be able to see as far as the city sewer lines. Read more →

What is a sump pump? More importantly, what does it do? Brenneco Plumbing answers your plumbing questions!

What is a sump pump and what does it do?

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Many homes in the Greater Lafayette, Indiana area utilize sump pumps in their basement or crawlspace. Sump pumps take water that collects around the home’s foundation and transfers it away, keeping your basement dry. Sump pump failures are not pretty. When a sump pump fails, you could be facing property damage, precious and expensive contents in your home could be ruined, and mold can begin to grow in your home, causing illness, long term health issues and even more damage.

Sump pumps are usually installed into homes during construction. If your home does not have one, and a pump would be of great benefit, they can still be placed by a professional plumber. A drain pipe is installed around the perimeter of the foundation. A long pipe is connected that leads into the basement. The pump itself is lowered into a specially constructed pit. Water collects in the sump pit via the drain pipe or due to natural collection. When the water reaches a certain level in the pit, the pump kicks on and pushes the water from the pit, away from your home, keeping your basement or crawlspace dry. A one-way valve, called a check valve, prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit. Read more →