Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Sewer’

What Is a Sewer Cleanout?

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Sewer Cleanout

What Is a Sewer Cleanout? 2021

A home’s plumbing system is an intricate network. One of the most important components of this network is a sewer cleanout. When you ned a sewer cleanout in Appleton, WI, you can always trust Tureks Plumbing. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing. Below, we discuss sewer cleanout and what you can expect. 

What is a sewer cleanout?

According to trusted Wisconsin plumbers that service Fox Valley and Applegate residences, the sewer cleanout is a capped pipe that enables people to gain access to a clogged sewer line so that they can clean out any blockages. It is a requirement for the connection of the house’s main drain to the house sewage. Usually located no more than three feet past the edge of the home, homeowners can identify it by the “S” stamped on the concrete or painted on the curb. Underneath this marker is the home’s sewer line which is connected to the city sewer. However, for homes with a septic system, the cleanout is placed between the house and the septic tank.

If it’s placed where it should be it usually comes with a cap that says “clean out.”

Do all homes have a sewer cleanout?

The short answer is no. Not all homes are built to code therefore some houses actually do not have one and just rely on a basement cleanout. These homes are at a great risk of indoor flooding due to the build-up of debris in the drainage system, says our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air, a trusted Sacramento plumber

Are cleanouts always located in the same places?

For homes that are built to code, the answer is usually. However, a lot of residences have the sewers added after the construction of the home. To locate the cleanout for such houses, plumbers typically just follow the line from the street side connection and the house.

Do homes have only one cleanout?

A lot of homes actually have multiple sewer cleanouts. The extra cleanouts are often capped stubs or pipes sticking out of exterior walls, and they can also be found in basements and crawl spaces. At times, they are even located in the attic for the easy removal of obstructions in the vent of the drainage system. Multiple cleanouts are created for the convenience of accessing both lateral and vertical drains in people’s homes.

Sewer cleanouts, however, are believed to be the most essential because this help prevent drains in the house from getting backed up and directing water (dirty water, mind you) back into the house.

Given the special function of a sewer cleanout, it’s imperative that plumbing professionals install it correctly. Your Fox Cities plumbers at Turek’s Plumbing advise homeowners to save up for a sewer cleanout. It can be helpful to have a cleanout installed if there are repetitive blockages in the drainage system. If you’re having difficulty with your plumbing system, contact Tureks Plumbing today! 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Continue Reading

Pros and Cons for Alternative Waste Line Piping

Monday, July 9th, 2018

Pros and Cons for Alternative Waste Line Piping

There was once a time when ceramic, metal and concrete were the only materials used for plumbing.

Today, most pipe metals like galvanized steel and copper. But while metal plumbing is long-lasting, it requires strenuous installation work. Moreover, metal pipes must be welded or threaded, and tubing will require the installation of fittings.

Tureks Plumbing shares some pros and cons for alternative waste line piping materials used by professional plumbing contractors today.

1. Plastic

The use of plastic plumbing pipes was introduced in the 1930s. It gives professional plumbers an option that is easier to install and that prevents the common plumbing problems with metal pipes.

Pros

Corrosion-resistant – Plastic pipes are not easily corroded by common household chemicals or water. It can be adjusted to meet residential plumbing needs, including drainage and water supply.

Easier installation – Since plastic pipes are light, plumbing jobs using these pipes are easier to install and even cost less than those involving metal pipes.

Low heat conductivity – Plastic does not conduct heat, so it can maintain the temperature of the water it carries.

Cons

Sensitivity to sunlight – Plastic pipes will become brittle if they are exposed to the UV rays of the sun.

Low melting point – Since plastic burns or melts at lower temperatures, it presents an added danger in case of a house fire.

2. Pipe

Galvanized pipe is a steel or iron pipe that has been plated using a corrosion-resistant zinc surface. Pipes are connected using threaded fittings. Also, they are sealed with pipe dope or thread tape.

Pros

Rust-resistant and durable

It can last for up to 50 years

Cons

Heavy – Since these pipes are made of steel or iron, these are heavy to handle.

Highly susceptible to blockages – As pipes begin to deteriorate, they become prone to blockages.

3. Cast Iron

Gone are the days when cast iron piping was connected using melted lead. Today, the material is connected with plastic or rubber fittings.

Pros

Long-lasting – In some applications, the use of cast iron piping can exceed 50 years.

Quiet – These pipes can reduce, if not eliminate, the usual sounds of running water as it passes through.

Cons

Heavy – Since it is made of iron, it is too heavy, so transporting and working with it can be difficult.

Hard – These pipes are challenging to cut. It usually requires special tools like a metal cutting saw or snap-wrench.

Repairing or installing your plumbing system will depend on the specifications and design of your original plumbing. But it is always best to consult a trustworthy plumbing contractor like Tureks Plumbing before commencing with any plumbing project or to hire them to get the whole job done.

Continue Reading