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Sewer main repair and maintenance

1.4K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  oggy bleacher  
#1 ·
Hi!!

Recently I bought an old remodeled house, and two months later, we had drainage issues. If we use more than one fixture at once, nothing will drain until hours later, and bad smell also continued to exist. A handyman looking in the sewer clean-out in the backyard could see roots. So he suggested calling a plumbing company to repair the drain. He also recommended a hydro jet cleaning to unclog, and then they could put a camera down. Later on, the plumbing company did sewer main repair and maintenance. Ever since hydro-jetting, it is working fine. Is it needed to buy a camera that can see visuals inside the drain? In future, if any blocks happen, will it be useful to have a camera for inspection? Or are there any DIY tips that I can follow next time in such situations?
 
#2 ·
I assume you are talking about a hook up to municipal sewer main system and not septic.

Camera inspections are good to see the inside health of your sewer pipe to the main. In addition to the clog, they can also see any shifting, offset, or separation of the pipe. Very nice information to have. They will give you a copy of the video inspection that you can compare with future inspections.

Since you know your problem is tree roots and everything is working fine now after the hydro jetting, imo, not needed at this time. Up to you, if you have the $$$, it is no doubt a nice piece of mine to have.

Going forward, you can take preventive maintenance measures, such as otc products available at any box store. They can be flushed down the toilet, etc., for root control. This will help, but no doubt you will have to have your main snaked periodically when things aren't draining right anymore. Just my opinion.
 
#3 ·
I just now noticed your country flag. So I'm not familiar how things are done in your country. Please disregard my post and contact a local plumbing company in your area and follow their advice.
 
#5 ·
When I worked at a public school we bought a good camera system for inspecting piping and it cost $8000. Unless that is in your budget, hire a plumber when you have problems.
 
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#6 ·
Cost me $200 to scope my sewage drain to determine collapsed orangeburg pipe. A similar cheap inspection unit costs $700 so it is right on the bubble of value. $200 for 30 minutes of use or $700 to own it. Something good for a neighborhood tool shed group funded item if my neighborhood had any residents with money.
Also recommend no longer flushing toilet paper or using septic safe paper.