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St. Louis' Superior Sewer Company
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is a sewer scope?A sewer scope is a thorough analysis of the sewer lateral line; from the interior cleanout stack, through the home, then outside to the city main connection.
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What can be seen during a sewer scope?A sewer scope is used to try and identify the condition of the line, and the type of material that the sewer lateral is made of. During a sewer scope, we are looking for any of the following: - Damage to the line - Blockages as a result of excessive debris - Any root intrusion - Scaling (build up inside the line) - Bellies in the line (low spots that create areas for debris to collect)
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What is a sewer lateral line?A sewer lateral line is the main sewer line from the house to a city main connection.
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What kind of things are flushable?In it's simplest form... toilet paper and nothing else. This is the only flushable item that is recommended as flushable. Despite product labeling claiming items such as baby wipes and sanitary products to be flushable, it is not recommended as these items do not easily break down in the sewer line.
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What does "Pulling a toilet" mean?"Pulling a toilet means that you are disconnecting the toilet from the closet collar that it is connected to, removing the toilet from the pipework that it is attached to. In doing so, this exposes a 4" hole that can be used for running a camera. This is done when there is no other access to a sewer lateral line.
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How do you access a sewer lateral line?Access is usually found through an interior plumbing stack - the main stack for the house. This stack will have a cleanout cap that can be removed so that the camera can be inserted and run out to the city connection. Alternatively, there may be a yard vent outside, this cap can be removed and the camera can be inserted through this vent, under the house, and out to the city connection. A third option is to access the line from a vent on the roof.
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What steps are involved in running a camera?1. Assess the home to determine distance between bathrooms and plumbing lines. This is done to determine the furthest point of entry away from the city main line in order to ensure that the entire sewer lateral line is inspected. 2. Identify the location of the cleanout within the home. 3. If accessible, slowly turn on water to determine flow. - This is often where backups are found. 4. Open the clean out cap and insert the camera. The camera will follow the flow of water to the city main connection and the line will be inspected. 5. Retrieve the line from the city connection back to the clean out cap, recording and describing what is found on the way. 6. Replace the clean out cap, and clean the area.
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What kind of damage can a sewer scope find?A sewer scope can identify: - Roots - Blockages - Debrit Buildup - Bellies - Cracks - Scaling - Grease - Foreign Objects
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How much do sewer repairs cost?Sewer repairs can vary depending on the issue identified. Regular maintenance and cleaning is the best way to help prevent costly repairs.
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Do PVC pipes require cabling and camera?It is always recommended to camera sewer lateral lines, irrespective of material and age. Cabling a PVC line is very rarely required.
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What is a sewer liner?A sewer liner is a synthetic material that is designed to line the interior of older sewer lateral lines. This is one commonly used repair option instead of replacement.
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Will my municipality pay for my repairs?This varies annually by municipality. It is always best to check with your municipality before having any major repair work conducted.
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What is a secondary sewer line?A secondary sewer line is a branced line that connects to the main sewer line. This line will often come from a kitchen sink, bathroom or elsewhere in the home. While most plumbing companies charge extra to inspect these lines, here at Superior Sewer Co there is no additional charge.
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"There is rust on my stack, is this bad?"This depends entirely on the location, and the amount of rust. If in doubt, contact a licenced plumber to evaluate the rust.
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What does cabling a line clear?Cabling a line can clear: - Roots - Blockages from improper useage - Debrit Buildup - Scaling - Grease - Foreign Objects
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Can cabling a line cause damage?It is possible for cabling to cause damage, due to the nature of the service. All cabling technicians at Superior Sewer Co are thoroughly trained and experienced. It is only with extensive training and care that potential for damage can be reduced.
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