|
|
Published August 20, 2008
|
Don’t Get Flushed – Get Your Sewer Checked
By Dana Green
|
| By Andrea A. Firth |
 |
|
Many people here in Lafayette live in a home that was built over 50 years ago, many of which have never had the sewer lateral line replaced. What is a sewer lateral? A sewer lateral is the section of pipe from your house to the mainline sewer located in the street. Every building receiving sewer service has at least one sewer lateral. The average life of a sewer lateral line installed before 1970 is 50 years. After 1970, materials used for the sewage lines changed and may last longer than 50 years.
If you suspect that you may have sewage problems in your home’s plumbing or the sewer lateral, call a professionally licensed plumber for an inspection. An inspection generally costs around $250.00. The only way to see the inside of the sewer line is to send a camera into the line or dig it up. A video inspection via a Pipe Cam will show any problems including grease, roots, cracks, and offset joints which affect normal sewer flow.
Plumbing systems are often neglected by homeowners until problems arise and undiscovered sewer problems can cost several thousands of dollars to repair, replacement alone can cost on average $5500.00 though it depends on various factors such as sewer line depth and the extent of damage. Simple repairs and regular inspections can help you to avoid serious damage as well as save you a lot of money. Don’t forget to work with a licensed professional! |
 |
| Sewer Lateral excavation Photo Trevor Russell, Alameda |
 |
Dana Green, a Lafayette
native, is a Lamorinda Real
Estate Specialist. Dana can be reached at (925) 339-1918 or danagreen@rockcliff.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA