Heise's Plumbing recently completed a professional hydro jetting service and sewer line inspection in the downtown area of South San Francisco, California.
The Problem
After a property manager reported recurring backups, our technician arrived and performed a 160-foot sewer camera inspection to diagnose the line.
Our Inspection
The inspection revealed a heavy accumulation of grease blocking the main sewer lateral.
Our Solution
To resolve this, we deployed our high-pressure jetting equipment, scouring the internal pipe walls to break up the grease and clear the line completely. We verified our work by running a secondary camera inspection while running water, confirming the sewer line was fully cleared and free-flowing.
Final Results
All connections were thoroughly tested and verified to be operating safely and efficiently, ensuring long-term reliability in accordance with local municipal code requirements.
Signs You May Need a Sewer Camera Inspection
Common signs that point to a sewer or drain system issue include:
- Recurring Backups: Mainline drains or toilets backing up multiple times.
- Slow Drains: Multiple sinks, tubs, or showers draining sluggishly simultaneously.
- Gurgling Sounds: Strange gurgling or bubbling noises coming from your toilet or sink drains.
- Sewer Odors: Foul sewage smells inside your home or near outdoor cleanouts.
- Soggy Lawn Patches: Unexpected wet spots or lush green patches in your yard.
Common Causes of Sewer and Drain Blockages
Blockages typically form due to one or more of the following issues:
- Tree Root Intrusion: Tiny roots seek out moisture, entering pipe joints and expanding inside.
- Grease & Oil Buildup: Fats, oils, and grease solidify on pipe walls over time, catching other debris.
- Foreign Objects: Flushed paper products, wipes, hair, and soap scum accumulate to block flow.
- Structural Pipe Failure: Aging cast iron, clay, or Orangeburg pipes cracking, shifting, or collapsing.
Plumbing Considerations in South San Francisco
Properties in South San Francisco and the surrounding Peninsula communities feature a mix of historic piping systems and modern upgrades. Homes with legacy cast iron lines are prone to internal scaling and root intrusions, making periodic pipe scoping and proactive system maintenance key for avoiding mainline water backups.
