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Sewer Lateral Pipes, Clean Outs, and Steven Bailey Plumbing

Oct 3

4 min read

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Replacing a Sewer Lateral Pipe: Benefits and the Steven Bailey Plumbing Experience in San Francisco


If you’re a homeowner in San Francisco, San Mateo County, or Marin County, the condition of your sewer lateral pipe is critical to your home’s plumbing health. Over time, these pipes can deteriorate due to age, tree roots, and other environmental factors, leading to potential backups and costly repairs. Older homes in the San Francisco Bay Area use clay piping which is older and brittle. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of replacing your sewer lateral pipe and how the Steven Bailey Plumbing experience stands out in the San Francisco area.


What is a Sewer Lateral Pipe?


A sewer lateral pipe connects your home’s plumbing system to the main sewer line. It’s responsible for carrying wastewater and sewage away from your home and into the city’s sewer system. In San Francisco, homeowners are responsible for maintaining this section of the sewer line, which makes understanding its condition crucial for preventing future issues.


Signs You Need to Replace Your Sewer Lateral Pipe


Frequent Clogs: If you’re experiencing repeated clogs, it may indicate issues within your lateral pipe. Sometimes over time the ground levels out which removes the proper grade of a 1/4" per foot. Flat or no grade in sewer pipes causes it not to drain. These are also called belly in the pipe. If you have a pipe belly you may want to consider a new sewer lateral.


Scale build up: Scale builds up in the sewer over time if you have metal or cast iron pipes. While Steven Bailey Plumbing has technologically advanced equipment to remove scale and roots, sometimes it can be a no brainer to replace the sewer to save on frequent trips.


Slow Drains: A noticeable slowdown in drainage can suggest blockages or deterioration in the pipe. Collapsed pipes happen frequent because the San Francisco Bay Area is in an earthquake prone location, and the ground is constantly shifting which can damage old, brittle clay or cast iron pipes.


Unpleasant Odors: Foul smells around your property can signal leaks or breaks in the sewer lateral or a broken house trap or fresh air vent.


Soggy Yards: Unexplained wet spots in your yard might indicate a leaking lateral pipe.


Replacing your sewer lateral pipe comes with numerous advantages:


Prevent Costly Repairs: By addressing issues early, you can avoid more extensive and expensive repairs down the line.


Improved Home Value: A new sewer lateral pipe enhances your home’s plumbing system and can increase its resale value. Plumbing is often 2% of your property's total value. All sewer installations include a clean out installation, which is an access point in to your drain or sewer pipe for a snake or drain cleaning machine.


Peace of Mind: Knowing your sewer system is functioning properly reduces stress and provides confidence in your home’s infrastructure.


Enhanced Efficiency: New pipes are designed to handle waste more effectively, improving your pl