A sewer line is important for all homes and businesses. When a problem arises you should be able to locate the sewer line in order for a plumber to diagnose the problem and prevent further damage. Locating sewer lines may be harder than it looks, especially if you don’t have proper equipment. Your sewer line benefits from annual maintenance, which is only possible if you know where the cleanout pipe and other components are located. This guide will walk you through the steps of locating sewer lines and when calling in a professional may be needed.
The Importance Of Locating Sewer Lines
Locating your home’s sewer line is important for the longevity of your home. The task can seem daunting, but it is important to know where your sewer line is located for a variety of reasons. Some benefits of locating sewer lines include:
- Being able to perform preventative maintenance
- Easy access for breaks or flooding disasters
- Prevent damage to your yard by having to excavate to locate the line
- Staying in compliance with local codes and regulations
1- Consult Property Records And Blueprints
The easiest way to locate sewer lines is to look at your home building blueprints. Mapping out your foundation and landscaping will require a contractor to list where sewer pipes and main shut-offs are located.
City property records will also show where the city lines are located. Check your county or city offices for documentation on the sewer line on your property. Precise diagrams are in your city’s records for new homeowners or residents who have recently moved into a preconstructed home.
2- Call 811
In the United States, there is a free line where you can have someone come to your home and mark the buried lines for free. Locating sewer lines is much easier when you have the technology or the help of a professional. This will allow you to see where lines are located for years to come, without the need to buy fancy equipment.
3- Find The Cleanout Pipe
Locating the main sewer cleanout line will help you have a better idea of where your sewer line resides. The cleanout line will be a white or black PVC pipe with a cap that is located near your foundation. Look for a circular metal or plastic lid that needs to be removed to access the line. The clean-out pipe is typically placed near a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room outside the home.
4- Use A Locator Tool Or Hire A Company With One
For those looking for a more advanced method, tracking technology can help detect non-metallic pipes. Most of these devices use electromagnetic signals to reach the underground pipes and reflect those signals back to the machine.
Ground Penetrating Radar
GPR is helpful when you need precise location data on a sewer line. GPR is often used for commercial construction, large-scale landscaping, city sewer systems, and more. These systems are expensive and often confusing to operate. Hiring a professional with a GPR machine will help yield the best results.
5- Consult With Neighbors
A sewer line will continuously run through a neighborhood, so your neighbors may have a better idea of where the sewer line is on their property. Asking your neighbors will help you trace the line back to your property or get an idea of who to call to help locate the sewer.
Locating Sewer Lines And Other Services From Drain X
Maintaining your sewer system requires homeowners to know where their sewer line is located. Our Drain X team can help you locate sewer lines so that they can be properly cleaned, issues are addressed promptly, and contaminated water is avoided. Sewer line locating is just as important as drain cleaning.
Sewer locating is a service that can provide peace of mind to homeowners. Knowing where your cleaning line is located, where not to dig, and how to access the sewer in an emergency will all save you trouble in the long run. Drain X is passionate about providing Utah residents with comprehensive sewer and drain services. We want your home or business to be safe and healthy.
Utilizing advanced technology and our years of knowledge, we can help locate your sewer easily. Reach out to us to schedule a service today!
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