When you need a sewer line rooter service, you may feel at the mercy of whatever drain cleaning company you happen to call. Part of the reason, in NYC at least, is that the majority of these companies are not licensed (nor are they required to be!). You may be subject to upselling or being sold unnecessary additional services, etc.
Get Answers To Your Drain Cleaning Questions – Knowledge Is Power!
With that having been said, let’s dive into the 10 most common questions that folks have about sewer line rooter service and get you some good and on-point answers.
These questions cover the basics of what sewer line rooter service entails, when it’s necessary, the potential costs, and insurance coverage. We’ll also address some preventive measures, and what to expect during the drain service.
You Have Sewer Line Rooter Questions, We Have Answers
Here are the top 10 questions people often have about sewer line rooter service:
- What is sewer line rooter service? Although there are various tools and techniques used to clear out drain clogs, a rooter service is when an electric drain snake with cables is used with blades or other attachments on the end.
- How does sewer line rooter service work? Electric sewer line rooter services usually carry a variety of different sized machines used for different sized pipes and plumbing fixtures. In some cases, such as a sink, sometimes a hand snake (auger) can be used. An electric motor engages to spin a drum and force a drain cable down the pipe. The machine has a forward and reverse gear to insert and remove the cable.
- When do I need sewer line rooter service? Many clogs are beyond clearing and curing on a long-term basis using a plumber, or a DIY or commercial drain cleaning product. A drain line or sewer line rooter service provides a cleaning on a much higher level as the blades on the end of the snake conform to the interior of the pipes and fully remove the clog. They likewise provide a deeper penetration into your drain system, instead of just pushing a clog further down your drain pipes.
- What are the signs that my sewer line needs rooter service? Slow drains, gurgling sounds, and recurring clogs from the same area are good signs you should pull the trigger and call in a rooter service.
- Can tree roots really damage sewer lines? Tree roots are in fact the number one cause of sewer pipes being damaged and needing to be dug up. Once roots infiltrate a pipe they grow ever increasingly wider until, inevitably, the roots crack the sewer pipes.
- How much does sewer line rooter service cost? Prices vary widely by company and which pipe or plumbing fixture needs to be cleaned. Obviously, a sink clog is less costly to clear than a main line sewer clog. Additionally, a sewer line rooter service may limit how long they will attempt to clear a clog, or how many passes with a snake, before their service fees begin to increase. The true answer regarding cost is to demand upfront pricing and when increases in that price would occur.
- Is sewer line rooter service covered by homeowners insurance? Homeowner’s insurance does not cover the cost of drain cleaning services. However, there are various service line protection companies available to homeowners that do. Just like when you call for a rooter service, check policies carefully before you sign on.
- Are there any preventive measures I can take to avoid needing sewer line rooter service? In short, respect your drain lines, don’t abuse them. Take the time to have receptacles for grease, food matter, coffee grounds, etc. Never flush feminine hygiene products or wet wipes down the drain. Install drain strainers on all sinks to catch hair, bits of soap, small objects, etc.
- How long does sewer line rooter service typically take? Once on your premises, it can take as little as 10 minutes, or as much as a few hours. It all depends on the cause of your drain blockage. A trap stoppage or sink clog can be cleared in a few minutes. On the other hand, to fully clear roots or grease out a long run of sewer pipe can take a couple of hours or more.
- Do I need to be present during sewer line rooter service? A short answer is, if you have had past positive experiences with this particular sewer line rooter service, there’s no need to watch over them. On the other hand, knowledge and peace of mind are power, you might want to witness the drain-cleaning process.
Some Bonus Sewer Line Rooter Service Questions & Answers
When Is A Sewer Camera Inspection A Good Idea?
A sewer camera inspection is an excellent idea in a variety of cases. Because a sewer line repair is a very expensive undertaking, it’s always a good idea to camera the sewer and drain lines of any home before you purchase it.
If you have reoccurring clogs, you may have a structural issue with your pipes, a camera can verify that one way or the other. If there is a structural issue, the camera can also pinpoint where that issue is and what that issue is.
A sewer camera inspection can also verify if the drain cleaning service that was performed truly cleared the clog and if your pipes are as clean as they should be.
Are There Different Sizes and Types of Sewer Rooter Machines?
As stated previously, there is indeed a variety of sizes and power levels for sewer rooter machines. Using a machine that is too small on a main sewer will not only be ineffective, but the cable is likely to get stuck inside the pipe.
Conversely, using a machine that is too large on a smaller or fragile pipe might break the pipe apart, or cause joints in your drain system to leak. This is why a trained drain technician is suggested, they’ll know the proper drain tool to use for the issue at hand.
What Is Pipe Lining and Pipe Bursting?
Pipe lining and pipe bursting are trenchless technologies used to rehabilitate, repair, and replace sewer lines. These methods are expressly not approved by code or by the DEP inside of NYC. Typically sending pits must be dug, but long trench work is avoided.
While appropriate for some drain pipe issues it is not appropriate for others. For instance, relining or bursting an old sewer line will not correct a backpitch issue or an improper connection to the public sewer.
Your Best Sewer Line Rooter Service In New York City
Team Balkan has been servicing the NYC area for over 70 years, has over 90,000 satisfied customers, and fulfills our promises. That is why Balkan is The Team To Trust. Our services are available 7 days a week, after hours, and on holidays, at the same uniform price no matter when you need our services. We also guarantee a response time of less than 4 hours.
At Your Service Even When You Don’t Need Our Service!
Whether you need some good advice, a 2nd opinion, subsurface plumbing work performed, or a drain rooter service, reach out to The Balkan Drain Team.
