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Working on Sewer Line Repairs in Ithaca, NY

Clean Earth • January 18, 2024

Common Sewer Line Issues & How to Resolve them Quickly

When it comes to septic or sewer issues, it can be tricky trying to figure out who to call - a local plumber? A franchise HVAC company? A septic company? Today we're sharing a few common issues we encounter when it comes to Ithaca sewer line repairs, and how to spot them so you know exactly who to call for quick, reliable service. Keep reading to learn more or contact us today to schedule service. We offer same day diagnostics, jetting and septic pumping!


Blockages or Backups Caused by Aging Sewer Lines

If your home is older and your plumbing is original, you have a much greater chance of a septic or sewer backup. Over time, various factors such as corrosion, wear and tear, and the natural aging process can compromise the structural integrity of pipes. Older pipes made of materials like clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg (bituminized fiber pipe) are particularly prone to deterioration. As these pipes degrade, they may develop cracks, leaks, or even collapse, leading to blockages in the sewer line. Freezing and thawing can also lead to cracks or damage to your pipes. We offer hot water jetting should you find yourself dealing with frozen pipes this winter. Click here to learn more.


Blockages Caused by Roots in the Line

Whether your home is on septic or public sewer, roots in the line can lead to major issues. This can happen if you have trees or shrubs planted near your septic system or sewer lines, or if you have large mature trees that have sprawling root systems. Over time, those tree roots can wrap around pipes, grow into pipes, or cause blockages by damaging pipes. If you have landscaping plans for the spring, do not plant anything on or near your septic and sewer lines.


Backups Due to Damaged Sewer Lines

Old or new plumbing, every sewer line is susceptible to damage that could be the result of digging, landscaping, new construction, installing utility lines, improper septic maintenance, or parking cars or vehicles above the lines. When a line is cracked you may not notice it right away, but over time shifting soil or tree roots can lead to a total collapse.


Who to Call for Lancaster PA Septic or Sewer Line Repairs?

Damaged sewer lines, tree roots, old plumbing problems... When you're experiencing a backup it can be hard to know exactly what the issue is. You need to call a business that can properly diagnose the issue and then take action. You do not want to call a franchise company that pays their technicians a commission for selling additional services. You want to call a company that specializes in septic and sewer repairs. When you call Clean Earth Septic Service, we'll assess the situation thoroughly before recommending a solution.


In addition to our 10+ years of experience, we have a variety of diagnostic tools to figure out what's causing your backup. We can snake a cable down the pipe(s) with a specialized camera on the end and receive video feedback that shows us exactly what’s happening after you flush, use the sink etc. Our video cable can extend meters beneath the ground to show us if there’s a problem in the pipes directly under your kitchen or bathroom, or further down the water line. We use camera technology for both residential and commercial jobs. We can perform a video pipe inspection to determine what's causing a backup at your restaurant or business.


Once we know the root of your issue (and sometimes the issue really is ROOTS), we'll create a plan to get things flowing freely again asap. Sometimes we'll suggest jetting the line before doing anything else, to see if our high pressure water jet can clear things up. If that does not resolve the issue we can camera the line again to see if there are roots, cracks or other damaged areas to tackle. If that's the case, we'll get your job scheduled to repair or replace the pipes as quickly as possible. We offer both residential and commercial repairs so whether your issue is large or small, we can help. We won't give you the run around, just high quality service.




Providing Comprehensive Septic, Sewer & Grease Waste Management


Call Now: 607-564-7931

Ithaca Area: 607-269-4238

Elmira Area: 607-442-4480


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It's our goal to share useful tips for homeowners with septic systems and provide the information you need when it comes to your business' grease trap. 
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"Super friendly, very courteous, hard working guys. Called on Saturday, booked for Monday, on time and super fast. Will definitely call again. Thank you for the great service."
Kevin D.
Corning, NY 
"Had an issue where I needed a septic tank pumped in short time. Levi came right out and got it done. Their prices are great too. Would highly recommend to anyone."
Anthony F.
Horseheads, NY 
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