3 Plumbing Codes Examined During Sewer Inspections

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 20:37:54 GMT

As a homeowner, you should understand what plumbing codes and requirements building inspectors look for when examining your sewer lines during a sewer inspection. According to SkillCat, in the United States, the first plumbing code was published in 1928. Knowing these codes before an inspection allows you to proactively address any issues before they become major problems. Here are three key plumbing codes inspectors assess related to your sewer lines and drainage system.

1. Proper Sewer Pipe Materials

Your sewer pipes, joints, and fittings must meet local plumbing codes for approved materials. Inspectors look closely at the types of pipes used, ensuring they are durable and corrosion-resistant enough to prevent leaks and deterioration over time. Generally, cast iron, PVC, and ABS plastic pipes meet municipal code requirements. If you have old clay or steel pipes, an inspector may flag these as unacceptable and require replacement with approved materials.

2. Proper Pipe Slopes and Sizes

Inspectors examine your sewer inspection video footage for proper pipe slopes and sizing. Sewer pipes must maintain the right downward pitch or slope to facilitate waste drainage by gravity flow. Too flat or too steep, and drainage issues arise. Related to slope, pipes must meet minimum size requirements per code for their location and purpose. For example, 4-inch diameter pipes are acceptable for bathrooms while wider 6-inch pipes are needed for main sewer drains. Inspectors check that all slopes and pipe sizes adhere to code minimums.

3. Proper Cleanout Installation

Easy access to cleanouts at key junctions is another area building inspectors focus on during sewer inspections. Cleanouts provide critical access points for snaking out blockages without demolition work. Per code, inspectors check that cleanouts are positioned at the appropriate intervals and locations, such as within 5 to 10 feet of the foundation and at each change in pipe direction. The clearance area around cleanouts must allow easy rodding access without obstructions. Inspectors also check that secure, code-approved cleanout caps are properly installed.

Knowing these three major plumbing codes related to your sewer inspection can help you avoid run-ins with building inspectors. Maintaining proper pipe materials, slopes and sizing, and cleanout installations per code means your plumbing system operates safely and efficiently without blockages leading to sewer backups or water damage. Contact The Sewer Pros today if you suspect any code issues ahead of an impending sewer inspection on your property.

Are You Properly Maintaining Your Drains?

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 13:54:22 GMT

Properly maintaining your drains plays an important role in preventing clogs and extending the life of your pipes. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't know their drains need to be maintained, much less how to do so. Here are a few of the key things that you need to be doing to ensure yours are cleaned, cared for, and properly maintained.

Be Mindful of What You Send Down the Drains

In order to properly maintain your drains, you need to first be mindful of what you send down them. Your sink drain usually has the most items being sent down the drain, including leftover food particles, vegetable or fruit peels, old eggs, and more. Try to scrape away as much food as you can from plates before rinsing or cleaning your dishes and never send grease down the drains. Your other drains likely have hair, soap, and shampoo residue to worry about. Try to use hair catchers to minimize the hair that goes down the shower drain.

Do Your Own Cleaning Regularly

By staying mindful about what you send down the drain, you can reduce the build-up that occurs in your outgoing sewer lines, otherwise known as drain lines. However, debris may still start to accumulate in the drains even if you're careful, so you need to clean them about once every three months to keep the clogs to a minimum. It's important to stay on top of these cleanings, as backups have a tendency to create issues that escalate.

Don't Forget to Hire a Professional Drain Cleaning Service

Regular cleaning is a great way to keep your drains free of clogs and obstructions. That said, your drains do need a little more care than home cleaning can provide. According to House Digest, you should hire a drain cleaning service for professional cleaning every two to three years. A professional should also be hired whenever you can't free a clog on your own.

If you're in need of a professional drain cleaning service , we're here to assist you. Call our team at The Sewer Pros now to schedule an appointment. We're here to help with camera inspections, hydro jetting, line locating, sewer cleaning, and more. If you have any questions about our services, don't hesitate to reach out!

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