Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 7, Issue 3, March 2003

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AROUND THE HOME:

Handling a broken side sewer

By MATT MAURY

Imagine making a call for a plumber to clear a plugged toilet or drain line, only to have the bill escalate to above $10,000 for the repair of a side sewer. This scenario happens many times each year to owners of older homes in the local area.

In most situations, the homeowner is caught completely off guard. The plumber who arrives to clear the blockage works for a couple of hours, then reports that there is dirt in the pipe leading to the main sewer. Suddenly there is the need for a contractor to arrive with a backhoe and dig up the yard to make the repair. Decisions need to be made instantaneously, it seems, if the problem is to be fixed.

That does not need to be the case! Any side sewer repair is going to be a major expense. Homeowners should have a basic understanding of their home's plumbing and sewer layout so they can address such a problem rationally.

First, a few definitions: "Plumbing" refers to the pipes and fixtures within a home or other structure. Once water and waste pass out of a building, they enter a "side sewer," which carries them to the main sewer line. "Plumbers" are tested and licensed by the state to work on plumbing. "Side sewer contractors" are tested and licensed in the city (or cities) in which they work. The two trades are different, although both are also required to have State Contractor Licenses.

Now, some of the reasons that side sewers break. The principal reasons are that they either wear out, the earth moves, or tree roots cause damage. Most of the side sewers that predate 1950 are made of clay pipes, laid end to end. Over time, these can deteriorate. They are also susceptible to pulling apart when there are earthquakes or settling of the earth. Mature trees seek moisture, especially during a dry summer, by sending their roots into the openings between the tile pipes.

So, what's the plan? Step One is problem prevention. For homeowners living in older homes with mature plantings, it is wise to have the side sewer cleared of roots every fall. If there is some concern about the condition of a side sewer, a contractor with the technology of a small television camera can inspect the line between the home and the main sewer.

Step Two is to know how to handle things when a broken line is identified. The cautious course of action is to get a second opinion. There are times when a line might be cleared by a second person with equipment not used by the first.

It is also wise to look at the blockage with the television technology mentioned above.

Do not be rushed into a decision to have a contractor dig without a written estimate and a thorough understanding of what will be happening.

Often it is a better decision to replace the whole side sewer, rather than just fix one spot. This is especially true in known areas of unstable ground, as found in Magnolia, Queen Anne and some other local areas.

And don't overlook an understanding of how the yard will look when the project is done. Be clear about whom is responsible for the restoration of any plantings, walkways, curbs and/or driveways.

Remember that it has taken many years for the side sewer to reach the condition that is causing the blockage.

While it may seem like you have to take immediate action to solve the problem, the wise homeowner will secure more than one written estimate before making a decision.