Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Wrangell, AK

No, you typically cannot use metal detectors to find your sewer line. Most sewer lines are made of non-metallic materials such as PVC, clay, or cast iron, which are not detectable by standard metal detectors. Metal detectors are designed to locate metallic objects, so they won't be effective for identifying the path of a non-metallic sewer line. To locate your sewer line accurately, it's best to use other methods.

One way to save money on sewer lines is to install a sewer cleanout since it makes sewer line maintenance easier. Keeping up with maintenance is key to reducing the cost of repairs, so be sure to schedule annual plumbing inspections, install drain guards to stop objects from accidentally falling down drains, and only flush human waste and toilet paper to protect your pipes.

Outdoor plumbing issues are no less serious or urgent to fix than interior plumbing problems. These problems may require excavation and lawn repair due to the plumbing often being buried underground. The most common outside plumbing problems include:

• Clogged landscape drainage: $200–$1,000

• Clogged sewer lines: $60–$250 per linear foot

• Corroded or rusted pipes: $1,500–$15,000+

• Leaking drain lines: $200–$1,000

• Leaking water mains: $300–$4,000+

• Septic system failure: $600–$3,000+

• Tree roots in pipes: $200–$1,000

• Well pump failure: $350–$1,500

It can take anywhere from one month to a couple of years for tree roots to grow back in sewer lines. Tree roots can cause extreme havoc on your sewer lines, potentially cracking them and causing untreated wastewater to make its way into the groundwater. Have a landscaping pro remove trees and roots before installing your system, or call a pro to do it retroactively as soon as you can.