Emergency Plumber in Charlotte, NC

Tree roots in older sewer lines

Possible causes: Mature trees in established neighborhoods can send roots into aging clay or cast iron sewer laterals.

What to check: Slow drains throughout the house, or a gurgle in a toilet when the shower drains.

When to call a plumber: When more than one drain is affected or you see sewage.

Cold snaps and unheated spaces

Possible causes: Charlotte winters are usually mild, so exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages and exterior walls are often not well protected when a hard freeze arrives.

What to check: Faucets that trickle or produce nothing on freezing mornings.

When to call a plumber: If a pipe is frozen and you cannot tell whether it has split.

Heavy rain and saturated ground

Possible causes: Long rains can stress older sewer lines and expose weak joints or cracks.

What to check: Backups in the lowest drains of the house after storms.

When to call a plumber: If backups repeat with each heavy rain.

Established neighborhoods, older lines

Areas with older homes and large trees are more likely to have sewer laterals that have been affected by roots or shifting clay soil.

Protect pipes before a freeze

When a hard freeze is forecast, a slow drip at exposed faucets and opening cabinet doors on exterior walls can reduce the chance of a split pipe.

Your line, the city’s line

Generally the property owner is responsible for the sewer lateral serving the home. The utility is usually responsible for the main in the street, so it helps to know which side a problem is on.