Frequently Asked Questions - Sewer & Drain

A clean-out is just that, a point of entry that allows for easy periodic “cleaning out” and maintenance of your sewer line system.  Typically they are a riser pipe that travels to ground level from your main sewer line, and are located at or near the exit point of a property drainage line.  Without a clean-out, other means of cleaning access must be utilized.  These other means can be the removal of a fixture (toilet) within the property, and can prove to be a messy intrusion on the property.  Or, drilled penetrations are often performed on the actual sewer line allowing “one-time” cable cleaning access.  Drilled penetrations leave open the possibility of silt and earth intrusions.  So, all properties should have an accessible clean-out.

The shorter the length of replacement, the least likely a trenchless is to be cost effective.  A short replacement, around 20’, can be accomplished with minimal intrusion on landscape.  Usually, on the same day.

A sewer line is similar to your water main when determining responsibility.  If the problem is determined to be within an owner’s boundary, it becomes the owner’s responsibility to remedy.  A Mapleservice plumber can assist in determining responsibility.

If your home is older than 30 years, it is likely that your sewer line is insufficient to withstand root intrusion or other intrusions.  A Mapleservice plumber can quickly determine your type of sewer line.