Heise's Plumbing recently completed a professional hydro jetting and sewer camera inspection in South San Francisco, California.
The Problem
The property manager on Grand Ave reported a backup and suspect blockages in the building's main sewer line.
Our Inspection
Our technician arrived and ran a diagnostic pipe camera up to 160 feet, discovering massive grease deposits blocking the line.
Our Solution
We utilized high-pressure jetting equipment to scour the grease build-up off the pipe walls in accordance with municipal utility standards.
Final Results
A post-cleaning camera run confirmed the line was fully clear, and we tested the drainage to verify the system operates safely and reliably.
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.
