Frequently Asked Questions
Find Answers to your Questions
Whether you’re dealing with a clogged drain, sewer line problem, emergency plumbing issue, or septic system maintenance, our team is here to provide dependable solutions and honest guidance. Proudly serving Bradford County, PA and Chemung County, NY, we offer professional residential and commercial plumbing services backed by fast response times and 24/7 emergency support. Browse our frequently asked questions below to learn more about our services, process, and what to expect. If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to contact us.
What should I do first when I have a sewer or drain emergency?
If you are dealing with a sewer or drain emergency, the first step is to stop using water in the home or building to help prevent additional backups or flooding. Avoid flushing toilets, running sinks, showers, dishwashers, or washing machines until the issue has been inspected. If sewage is backing up into the property, contact a professional sewer and drain specialist immediately to help reduce the risk of water damage, contamination, and costly repairs. Roto-Rooter Bradford & Chemung provides emergency sewer and drain services for both residential and commercial properties.
What is considered a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency typically involves situations that could cause major water damage, health hazards, or complete loss of plumbing functionality. Common examples include sewer backups, burst pipes, overflowing toilets, severe leaks, flooding, frozen pipes, or situations where multiple drains stop working at once. Sewer-related problems should usually be addressed quickly because delays can allow contamination and property damage to worsen.
Do plumbers charge extra for nights, weekends, or holiday service calls?
Emergency plumbing service calls outside of normal business hours may involve additional fees depending on the timing, severity of the issue, and emergency response requirements. Many plumbing and drain companies offer 24/7 emergency availability because sewer backups and serious drain problems often cannot safely wait until regular business hours.
What causes sewer and drain clogs in older homes?
Older homes commonly experience sewer and drain clogs due to aging pipes, grease buildup, corrosion, shifting sewer lines, root intrusion, and decades of debris accumulation inside the plumbing system. Older piping materials can gradually deteriorate or narrow over time, making recurring drain problems more likely. Tree roots are also a very common cause of sewer line blockages in older residential neighborhoods.
Is hydrojetting safe for older pipes?
Hydrojetting can often be safely used on older pipes if the piping is still structurally sound. In many situations, a sewer camera inspection is performed beforehand to evaluate the condition of the sewer line before high-pressure cleaning begins. Pipes that are severely cracked, collapsed, or heavily deteriorated may require repair or replacement instead of hydrojetting.
What is a sewer scope inspection and what does it find?
A sewer scope inspection uses a specialized waterproof camera system to inspect the inside of sewer lines and underground drain pipes. The inspection can help identify root intrusion, cracks, collapsed pipes, grease buildup, corrosion, blockages, pipe separations, and hidden sewer damage that may not otherwise be visible from above ground.
What is the difference between a sewer scope inspection and a color video inspection?
Both services use camera technology to inspect sewer and drain lines, but color video inspections often provide clearer visual detail and more accurate imaging of pipe conditions. These inspections help plumbing professionals diagnose sewer problems more efficiently and recommend the best repair or replacement options based on the actual condition of the pipe.
Should I get a sewer inspection before buying a home?
Yes. A sewer inspection before purchasing a home can help uncover hidden sewer line damage, root intrusion, aging pipes, or underground plumbing issues that may eventually lead to expensive repairs. Sewer inspections are especially important for older homes or properties with mature trees, where underground sewer damage is more common.
What are the signs my sewer line needs to be replaced?
Signs of sewer line failure may include recurring backups, multiple clogged drains, foul sewage odors, soggy areas in the yard, foundation settlement, slow drains throughout the property, or repeated sewer repair issues. Sewer systems that continue experiencing major problems despite repeated cleaning may eventually require full replacement.
What causes sewer lines to fail?
Sewer lines can fail due to root intrusion, pipe corrosion, shifting soil, ground movement, grease buildup, freezing temperatures, aging materials, or years of wear and deterioration. Older clay and cast iron sewer pipes are especially vulnerable to cracking, collapse, and long-term damage over time.
What is trenchless sewer line replacement?
Trenchless sewer line replacement is a repair method that allows sewer lines to be repaired or replaced with minimal excavation. Instead of digging up large portions of the property, specialized trenchless equipment is used to repair underground pipes while reducing disruption to landscaping, sidewalks, driveways, and yards.
What are the signs my septic system is failing?
Signs of septic system failure may include sewage odors, slow drains, standing water in the yard, sewage backups, wet areas near the drain field, unusually green grass above the septic area, or gurgling plumbing fixtures. Septic issues should be addressed quickly because failing systems can eventually create health hazards and property damage.
