Asheville sewer lines aren’t like those of other cities. They’re as diverse and complex as the city itself. A brief history of this hodge-podge system is necessary to fully convey the potential hazards and headaches associated with this lovely city. And it also may help you act as an informed consumer if you’re ever faced with sewer-related troubles.
Asheville’s Sewer Woes
Asheville has a unique historical progression from pioneer town to boom town. A bustling city rose quickly on top of an antiquated sewer system made from cast iron, asbestos cement or orangeburg. The sewer lines in Asheville are largely a reminder of times gone by.
But as the population grew, so has the stress placed on the underground lines. If your home was built in the 1970s or earlier, there’s a very strong chance that your pipes are made of clay. And while these clay pipes have survived all these years, their days are numbered.
Most of the basic, beyond-your-control issues with Asheville sewer lines involve such things as tree roots menacing the clay lines. While the cast iron lines had a fantastic life expectancy, they were prone to rust, which causes holes or clogs in the lines. The orangeburg lines, which served their purpose through the war, were hardly built to last and were prone to blister, peel and collapse. And although the asbestos cement lines were impressively strong, they were hazardous to your health.
Understanding the Situation
To understand your sewer line issues, you have to know the material your lines are made from. The older, more traditional materials may require a specific treatment, so fixing your Asheville sewer lines is first a voyage of discovery. Blue Planet Plumbing often employs a sewer line video to determine the cause of your troubles, as well as the type of pipes you have.
Using the video involves snaking a small camera down your drain to visually inspect the issue at the source. Once the issue is diagnosed, the professional plumbers from Blue Planet Plumbing can discuss the best way to deal with your specific case.
Cleaning Your Sewer Lines
While having your lines cleaned is a definite option, it may not be a lasting solution. Having older lines cleaned only delays large-scale plumbing issues. This is a case of treating the symptoms of a issue instead of solving it, but it can be done.
Cleaning Asheville sewer lines means unblocking clogs and plugging holes to extend the life expectance of your sewer lines. This process is significantly less expensive than replacing your lines. Usually, a plumber’s snake is pushed down your line until it makes contact with a blockage. If the snake fails, a power rooter may be the next option.
Replacing Your Asheville Sewer Lines
If you have older pipes that have become loose or damaged, replacement may be your best option. If tree roots have penetrated clay pipes or crushed them completely, they need to be replaced. In these cases, Blue Planet Plumbing technicians recommend replacing the entire system, since targeting only the damaged areas can weaken the remaining pipes, which may collapse in turn.
If your sewer lines are properly replaced, reinforced and maintained, you’ll enjoy years of peace of mind — at least where your plumbing’s concerned. Talk to a Blue Planet Plumbing consultant today to find out which option works best for you and your budget.
The Asheville plumbers from Blue Planet Plumbing offer knowledgeable advice so you can make an informed decision. They recommend the most up-to-date, cost-effective and environmentally conscious plumbing available. Call Blue Planet Plumbing at 828-423-6289 for all your plumbing needs.
