Sewer lines probably aren't high on your priority list as a new home buyer, but they are a critical part of any new construction project. Properly installing your sewer lines can mean the difference between trouble-free plumbing and messy future disasters. Your plumbing contractor will work with you to take care of the details, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pay attention at all.
If you're in the process of building a new home, then you'll need to keep these three crucial considerations in mind when hooking your plumbing up to the municipal sewer system.
1. Local Building Codes
Unfortunately, building codes are rarely simple or easy to understand. Most jurisdictions follow a combination of federal, state, and local guidelines, which means that requirements can often vary from one town to the next. Your plumber will help to walk you through this tangled mess, but you shouldn't be surprised if these regulations have a significant impact on your final costs.
Common code issues that arise include proximity to main water lines, sewer clean-out locations, and pipe slopes. Ensuring that your plumber is knowledgeable about these requirements can save you money on failed inspections and required modifications.
2. Property Rights
In most cases, you can run a new sewer lateral directly to the city line without crossing property that you do not own. You may also have an easement on your property which provides the city certain rights of access, but this is typically only true if a portion of the municipal line resides under your land. Be sure that you understand your rights and responsibilities for any easements on your property.
Not all cases are quite as simple, however. If you don't have a clear path to the municipal sewer line, you may need to work with your neighbors to access your sewer lateral through their property. This approach can have significant legal implications, so be sure to open this conversation as early in your construction process as possible.
3. Your Specific Wastewater Needs
Your will plumber will size your sewer and drainage lines based on the wastewater needs of the home. They will arrive at this estimate based on your home's size, the number of fixtures, and the usual amount of water usage. These estimates determine the size of your drainage stacks for each floor, which, in turn, determines the minimum size for your sewer pipe.
Correct sizing of your sewer line is essential to avoid clogs and future failures. Oversizing a sewer lateral can lead to issues (and increased costs) as well, so you'll want to ensure that your plumber chooses a pipe size that's adequate for your needs.
For more information about plumbing construction, contact a local plumber.
Share22 February 2021
When you get a clogged drain or a toilet that just won't flush, do you reach for the phone and call for a plumber? When you have these seemingly simple plumbing problems around your house, you have to make a decision quickly. Do you pay for someone to come out and make the repairs, or do you attempt the repair on your own? This blog is all about DIY plumbing repairs. You will learn the basics and find tips for when to cut your losses and call in for professional assistance so you don't make a small fix one that needs serious repairs.
