Professional Sewer Line Cleaning in Edmonton, AB

It isn’t hard to decipher whether or not you need sewer line cleaning. Sewer systems that need a little TLC will let you know right away. Slow drains, gurgling sounds and a rather unpleasant smell are all signs that your sewer pipes could use a good cleaning. Sometimes homeowners try to tackle this problem by repeatedly flushing their toilet. Sewer issues aren’t something you want to tackle on your own. The longer you allow this problem to develop, the more likely it is that a sewer backup will occur. We don’t know about you, but for most homeowners, coming into contact with raw sewage is the last thing they want.

With the help of an Edmonton plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton, you can get your sewer lines flowing freely again. To discuss your plumbing issues and book a service appointment, give us a call at 780-429-3600. If you have questions about our sewer line cleaning service, check out the information below.

Why Do I Need Sewer Line Cleaning in Edmonton, AB?

Maybe you’ve dealt with sewer backups before and know what to look for, or maybe you’ve noticed some of the common signs of a sewer line blockage, such as:

• Drainage issues
• Gurgling sounds not just from your toilet, but around your bathtub or shower drain
• Standing water around your septic tank
• Visible wastewater

Wondering what exactly is causing these issues? It may first help to understand how septic systems in Edmonton work. The city uses what’s known as a ‘combined sewer system,’ which moves both stormwater and wastewater from homes to the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant. This system has since been discontinued for a couple of reasons.

First, it only works well when there is ample rainwater. During dry spells, only wastewater flows through lines, leading to unpleasant odours. Second, when there are large storms and significant snow melt, the system can become overloaded. Instead of all waste going to the treatment plant, some overflows into the North Saskatchewan River.

Since halting development of the combined system, two separate systems have been implemented:

• A sanitary system specifically for carrying wastewater to the water treatment plant
• A stormwater system specifically for carrying rain and snow runoff to the river and creeks

Unfortunately, replacing the entire combined city sewer is not feasible. The city therefore has steps in place to attempt to minimize odours resulting from this type of system. If you live in an older, more central area of Edmonton, chances are high that your sewer service pipe on your property drains into the combined sewer system.

Main line issues are the responsibility of the city, but issues with service lines are the homeowner's responsibility. Some reasons you may be experiencing issues with your sewer line, requiring you to invest in a sewer line cleaning service, include:

• Clogged drain. These clogs develop in plumbing within your home (e.g. bathroom sink or kitchen sink), before reaching your service line. Segments of pipes called P-traps are often the location of these clogs. Clogged sinks are fairly common, so you probably know this one quite well from experience.
• Sewer line blockage. Objects that are not meant to be flushed down the toilet—including ‘flushable’ wipes—may collect and create a blockage within the service line beneath your property.
• Sagging pipes. Effective plumbing uses principles of physics. If the ground beneath your lines erodes over time, the line can sag in the center, making it difficult for sewage to pass through.
• Broken pipes. Pipes used in plumbing today are much more durable than they were several decades ago. If you live in an older home, your pipes may be made out of a different material that is more prone to corrosion.
• Tree root invasion. While it’s incredibly rare for tree roots to puncture healthy lines, roots can make their way into hairline cracks and grow within your sewer line, creating a blockage.

None of these issues will resolve themselves on their own. By hiring one of our experienced plumbers for sewer line cleaning in Edmonton, AB, you can get these issues repaired and prevent a sewer backup within your home from occurring.

Our Sewer Line Cleaning Service

Because there is a wide variety of reasons you may need sewer cleaning services, there is likewise a wide range of methods we employ for sewer drain cleaning. Our professional plumbers have the training and experience to properly diagnose the cause of your sewer problem and employ the right solution accordingly. In general, the causes of sewer issues fall into two main categories: clogs and damaged lines. Below, we’ve outlined the two main solutions that we use to tackle these problems.

HydroScrub^® Jetting Services

Traditional drain cleaning services primarily used augers, also known as drain snakes, to clear a clogged pipe. While we still employ this method for some types of clogs, complex clogs are not as easily cleared. Augers also only tend to break up the center of a clog. Clogged sewer drains can be sticky, making it difficult to remove the clog fully. The best sewer cleaning method for blockage removal today is jetting machines.

Jetting machines use high-pressure water to blast apart all residue within sewer and drain lines. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton, we use HydroScrub^® Jetting technology. Kind of like a pressure washer for drains, this system is composed of a large tank, hose and nozzle that’s capable of shooting up to 3,500 PSI of water through your plumbing system. By clearing out your lines completely, you won’t have to worry about a clog reforming in a few months’ time.

Pipe Repair

Cracked, collapsed and broken pipes are a whole new ball game. Instead of accessing the problem from your drain, we’ll need to repair the line itself, whether it’s part of your internal plumbing system or your service lines beneath your property.

To diagnose the problem, we may do a plumbing video camera inspection. Using essentially an auger with a camera on the end, we’ll feed this down your line and, looking at live video, determine the extent and type of problem. If tree roots are to blame, we’ll need to deal with this in advance of repairing the pipe.

We aim to be as minimally invasive as possible when conducting repairs and replacements. One of the ways in which we do this is through sewer lining, using a technique called Pipe Pull™. Pipe pulling is what’s known as a ‘trenchless’ technique, meaning that we won’t have to dig a massive trench in your yard to reach the damaged line. Instead, we’ll dig a small hole at the end of your line. Essentially, we’ll pull a new pipe in while pushing the old one out of place.

This is just one of many possible repair methods we may use. The method chosen by our experienced plumbers will depend on the location and extent of your unique sewer issue. Regardless of the method chosen, once your new pipe is in place, we recommend investing in our preventative maintenance services. By getting a regular sewer line inspection done and using our sewer line cleaning service as necessary, you can protect your sewer system for years to come.

The Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton Difference

With so much on the line (or should we say in the line?), choosing the right sewer service is essential. We pride ourselves on offering honest service during both commercial and residential plumbing jobs.

Other plumbing companies may provide you with inaccurate estimates and leave you with a hefty invoice, whether or not your problem is solved. Our reputation as a reputable Edmonton plumbing company comes from our commitment to providing customer satisfaction. The flat rate price we provide you with during an initial consultation is exactly what you’ll pay at the end. Plus, if you’re dissatisfied with the quality of workmanship, you can take advantage of our workmanship and parts warranty. When you work with us, you not only get incredible customer service but a guarantee that the job will be done right the first time.

Sewer Line Cleaning FAQs

How Often Should I Get Sewer Line Cleaning in Edmonton, AB?

Ideally, you should use our Edmonton sewer line cleaning service once every year and a half to two years. It’s a common misconception that it’s a waste of money to get plumbing maintenance done. Most homeowners prefer to think that they’ll never have to seek out an emergency service with plumbing repairs, but dealing with a large-scale plumbing emergency can easily end up costing more than regular preventative maintenance. In the event of a sewer backup, whether in your floor drains or your home’s bathroom, you’ll not only have to pay a plumber but a remediation specialist as well.

At the very least, you should get sewer line cleaning as soon as you notice problems with your sewer system. If there are any indications of a sewer backup, call us right away.

Can I Do Sewer Line Cleaning Myself?

There are a couple of sewer line cleaning strategies that you can try before calling a plumber in. However, these should only be done if your problem is minor. They’re also not fixes in and of themselves, but rather steps you can take to help counter an immediate problem while you wait for a plumbing service.

If you think you may have a small clog, pick up a basic auger from your local hardware store and snake your drain. You can also try putting baking soda and vinegar down the drain, as this won’t damage your pipes—but it may not clear them either. For anything more serious than this, call in our professional services to help fix things.

How Long Does Edmonton Sewer Line Cleaning Take?

This depends largely on the extent of the problem, and the location. If we find that the cause of your clog is a tree root and your lines are damaged, the cleaning and repair process could take several days to rectify. On the other hand, if you have a small clog in your P-trap, it shouldn’t take long at all.

At the beginning of your service, we’ll provide you with an estimate of how long your appointment will take. If it takes longer than we expected, you won’t be charged extra. We never charge our customers overtime fees.

Can You Pour Drain Cleaner Into A Main Sewer Line?

Not all drain cleaners are created equal. Many of the most popular drain cleaners are extremely harsh. Though they can effectively move clogs, potent chemical drain cleaners can also cause damage to your pipes. (And if your pipes are already old and faulty, this additional damage can be especially bad). Cleaners can also be damaging to your lungs and eyes, as well as the ecosystem. As discussed, wastewater sometimes ends up in the North Saskatchewan River, and although the concentration of drain cleaner in this wastewater is very small, it’s best to avoid putting this in the ecosystem when possible.

The healthiest, safest and most effective sewer line cleaning method is undoubtedly using a jetting system. This is also the most surefire way to guarantee that the clog won’t return.

How Much Does Edmonton Sewer Line Cleaning Cost?

The actual project costs of sewer line cleaning in Edmonton, AB vary significantly from customer to customer. Some of the main cost factors include:

• Clog type
• Method of cleaning chosen
• Size of the clog
• Location of clog
• Presence of cracks in pipes

Rest assured that we pride ourselves on offering competitive rates and affordable prices for our sewer line cleaning services. Our quotes are obligation-free so you can decide for yourself whether working with us is right for you.

Contact Us For Expert Edmonton Sewer Line Cleaning Today!

Whether you need sewer line cleaning in Edmonton, AB or are experiencing clogged grease traps and kitchen sinks, you can count on us to provide you with quality and honest service. In addition to serving residents located within the city, we also serve many of the surrounding communities, including Sherwood Park and St. Albert.

To book your sewer line cleaning service or to discuss your plumbing needs with a member of our knowledgeable office team, give us a call today at 780-429-3600, or fill out our online service request form and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible.