A rooter service is a catch all plumbing repair term that refers to pipe repairs and drain cleaning processes to keep the drains working correctly. One of the primary causes of drain and pipe problems occurs under the yard where tree roots intrude on the pipes. This is why these types of plumbing repairs are generally called a rooter service. A modern rooter service can include other types of plumbing repairs, such as clearing clogs, repairing drain lines, and dealing with slow draining problems. In this article, we will explain what happens during a rooter service and when you may need one to fix a plumbing problem in your home.
Diagnosing the Source of the Problem
When you ask a local certified plumber for a rooter service, the first they will do is diagnose the cause of your specific plumbing problem. Plumbing issues, such as wastewater backup and drainage problems, will need different approaches to fix the problems. This diagnostic process may involve one or more of the following three techniques:
- A visual inspection of the affected plumbing fixtures.
- Testing the various plumbing fixtures to observe the problem first hand.
- Carrying out a video sewer line inspection to located clogs and/or pipe damage.
Explaining the Repair Options
Once the plumber has diagnosed the cause of the plumbing problems you’re experiencing, they can explain the repair options.
If the plumber has discovered any deep clogs or pipe damage there are four possible repair options available, they are:
- Using a plumbing auger or snake to manually remove any clogs blocking a drain line and then flush them out into the drain.
- Removing one or more sections of the plumbing pipe to clear out any larger clogs that cannot be removed with the plumbing augur.
- Repairing any sections of pipe that are cracked, damaged, or corroded.
- Replacing any sewer lines or plumbing pipes that have collapsed or are sagging or have been damaged by a tree root. These types of issues are typically beyond repair, and replacement is the only option.
If a pipe and/or sewer line replacement is needed, there are two possible options available, they are:
- A trenchless sewer line replacement: This method involves digging down near to the cause of the problem and working on a very isolated section. This is the preferred method, it’s less invasive, it doesn’t take as much time, and it’s far less disruptive for your home. If it is at all possible, a good plumber will always prefer to use this method if the majority of the line is intact and working well.
- A traditional sewer line replacement: This method involves a great deal of excavation in your yard, and it may take some time. The plumber will need to dig up entire sections of the drain line to fix problems, such as sagging, bellied, and collapsed sewer lines.
It’s always preferable to have a trenchless sewer line replacement because it’s cheaper and easier to deal with for a shorter period of time. But, sometimes, a trenchless approach is simply insufficient because the sewer line damage is too extensive. The plumber should explain this to you in detail, but sometimes the only way to get the sewer line fixed is to excavate large sections.
Do You Need a Rooter Service?
Many people don’t have any formal plumbing experience, so you may be forgiven for thinking that you won’t know if you need a rooter service. But, this is not the case; there are seven common warning signs that you can look out for.
- A slow drain or a lack of any drainage.
- A constantly gurgling toilet.
- More than one drain backed up at the same time.
- A wastewater backup that has flooded into your home.
- A wastewater backup in a plumbing fixture after a different fixture has been used.
- Virulent plant growth in an isolated area of your yard could indicate a broken or cracked sewer line under the surface that’s feeding the lawn and other plants.
- You may notice foul smelling muddy patches on your lawn where the escaping wastewater has made its way to the surface.
If you notice one or more of these types of plumbing problems, it is time to call your local certified plumber and ask about a rooter service. Acting quickly is important, these types of problems will not correct themselves, and they will get worse over time. Gradually, a smaller plumbing issue will become a more extensive problem that’s more expensive to fix later.
The Dangers of Sewer Water Damage
If a sewer line backs up into your home, it will cause a great deal of mess that needs to be cleaned. But, this water is also unsanitary, and it may make you ill if you’re in contact with it and you don’t wear gloves. Water can cause a great deal of damage in a relatively short period of time, and this damage can be expensive to fix. Some insurance companies may not honor a policy if they discover that a plumbing problem that could have been fixed is the cause of the problem. It’s a good idea to get your plumbing problems fixed quickly to avoid further consequences that could cost you more money.
Choosing the Right Rooter Service
Many homeowners try to save money by hiring the cheapest contractor for the job. This is almost always a mistake, and when it comes to your plumbing system, this could be a very costly error. The last thing that you need is a “plumbing contractor” that goes missing part way through a sewer line replacement. Always choose a certified local plumber to work on your home plumbing system. This is a sound investment that will pay off in the medium to long term, and you’re covered if you have any further problems.
If you need a rooter service, contact your
local certified plumber today. They can diagnose the exact cause of the problem and a solution to fix it with the minimum of disruption to your home.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
