SEWER CONNECTIONS ADELAIDE

A gurgling sound coming from your drain is often the result of a blockage in the venting pipe. The blockage allows air through the water in the drain, and this is what is causing the sound. The blockage can be a mixture of dirt and grease build-up or something more serious. CCTV inspection of the water pipes on your property is recommended.

As well as a gurgling sound, a blockage in the venting pipe will also give some other signs:

• Drain pipes, such as the kitchen sink or shower drain, that are slow to drain;
• A bad smell coming from the drain pipes;
• Changes in flush to the toilet.

For tips on how to prevent these costly sewer problems, see Tips for the Homeowner below.

A clogged sewer line generally means that there is a blockage in your sewer pipes otherwise known as a clogged sewer line. When there is a blockage there is nowhere for the water to go and as a result water manages to flow back through the pipes and come out at the lowest point (usually the shower drain). Before this happens, you might notice a gurgling sound when draining water, and this is typically an indication that there could be a potential blockage. A clogged plumbing sewer line will often give off a smell of sewer gases indicating that there is a blockage in the wastewater system.

If the sewer blockage is within the home plumbing systems or sewerage systems, it can be an easy fix. It can be cleared by the homeowner using a plunger or unclogging chemicals until the sewer drains are clear (be wary of these though as they can cause damage to pvc piping or other pipes on your property) or you may require the services of a licensed plumber to check the sewer line, check with your plumber, often they have no call out fees. Many plumbers will carry out a sewer inspection of your sewer drainage system using specialist CCTV technology or a sewer camera which can be sent down the sewer pipe inspection shaft to identify blockages, trapped water or sewage leaks. After diagnosis, the plumber will then guide you on the best course of action for sewage disposal either through a sewer repair, septic tank repair or clear the clogged sewer line with a sewer pipe cleaner. In rare cases, your sewer systems water pipes may need a complete repair.

Sometimes, blockages can occur outside of the home in the main sewer line. These can be called sewer chokes, and these are serious business and are often classed as a plumbing emergency! A main sewer line blockage can occur because of tree roots cracking the pvc piping or other pipes on your property or because of something that has been put down the drain (such as baby wipes, tissues etc.). This can be a costly sewer repair. On occasion, a sewer pipe or sewer line replacement is required, maybe even pipe relining and this is where costs will add up, and repairs will get messy.

If you suspect there is a sewer backup or sewer drainage problem in your home, it is a good idea to have the pipes on your property inspected by a plumber as soon as you can before an emergency plumbing systems situation arises. More information can be found below.

To prevent sewer drainage or other plumbing emergency problems that can affect your water supplies and plumbing systems, you can have a chat to your plumber about a sewer cleanout to keep the sewer drain clear and sewage disposal and other drainage systems running at optimal performance.

Sometimes, low water pressure can be the result of a blocked sewer other times it might be something as simple as the shut-off valve being partially closed, or the faucet being blocked. If you are unsure, it is best to contact a fully licensed plumber who can use specialised sewer cameras to diagnose sewer problems or other plumbing problems in your home.

For the majority of Adelaide Homes, a diagram of sewer pipes, sewer drainage systems and other connections or plumbing systems are held with the government or local authorities. Usually, the only information you will require is the street address, and you can search online for the diagram. Water sources are also identified on the plans.

If the property does not have a mains water connection, if the property was built or modified between January 1977 and July 1981 when there was no requirement to submit plans or if a plumber has never submitted plans to the regulator then a diagram may not be available. If this is the case, consult with a plumber to find out the wastewater system set up and other pipes on your property. Be sure to check the plumbers call out fees first!

Properties in metropolitan Adelaide can either have a septic tank connection for the collection of wastewater or a mains sewer connection for sewage disposal.

A septic tank generally consists of one or two watertight tanks called septic tanks and one or two sets of sewer drainage receptacles which have holes in their sides and no base.

Wastewater passes through the septic tanks, heavier solids sink to the bottom and undergo bacterial digestion. This reduces the number of solids and also changes its composition to sludge, which builds up in the bottom of the tank. Materials such as grease and oil float to the surface in the tanks to form a crust over the liquid. The remaining liquid, called effluent, flows from the tanks into the drainage receptacles to soak into the surrounding soil where it may undergo further natural treatment processes.

You can arrange a sewer installation to connect your property to a mains sewer lines from a septic tank. However, this is a job only for professionals.

Checks will need to be done to make sure a mains sewer line runs past your property, the connection must be made by a professional, and your septic tank must be decommissioned appropriately.

If you have an ageing septic tank and are experiencing problems, we can help you with a septic repair, septic tank repair or new septic installation.

The number one sewer problem we come across is blocked sewer lines. Often these can be fixed by a sewer cleanout.

We also often see sewer pipe damage usually caused by tree roots, this can cause a blocked sewer.

Lucas Plumbing and Gas Solution has fully licensed plumbers and gas fitters available to diagnose and repair any issues with your sewer lines including sewer line installation, sewer service and sewer cleaning or sewer line repair. We can also attend to any plumbing emergency with minimal call out fees.

The easiest way to prevent problems with your sewer plumbing and sewage disposal is to follow these simple steps:

• Don’t plant trees or shrubs near sewer lines or check with your local authority or garden supply centre to find out what trees or shrubs are suitable;
• Don’t flush baby wipes, nappies, oil or grease or any other foreign object down the toilet;
• Use a licensed professional to carry out work on your sewer lines.

More information and tips for Adelaide homeowners can be found below.