Your Common Questions, Answered
The First Call Trenchless team is here to give you honest, easy-to-understand answers to your biggest plumbing and sewer questions.
Helping You Understand Your Home's Plumbing
Knowing how your home works is the best way to keep it safe. Our friendly team is here to break down the tricky stuff so you know exactly what's happening under your yard.
Common Home Plumbing Questions
What plumbing issues happen most around here?
Whether you live in a brand new build or a charming old Seattle house, pipes eventually get tired. Here's what we see most often:
- Clogged Main Drains
- Low Water Pressure
- Sewer System Backups
- Water Heater Failure
- Leaky Pipes
- Running Toilets
How do I know what kind of pipes I have?
Normal home inspections usually can't see underground. Here is a quick guide:
- Cast Iron: Black finish, common through the mid-1960s. Prone to corrosion and scale.
- Copper: Bronze color, common from 1970 to early 2000s. Lifespan of 50+ years.
- Galvanized Steel: Gray metal, common before 1970. Cheaper but prone to failure as they age.
- PEX/PVC: Modern plastic polymers used for flexibility and corrosion resistance.
The only way to be 100% sure is with a quick camera inspection.
Is hydro jetting really better than a regular snake?
Yes! A regular snake just pokes a hole in a clog, but Hydro Jetting uses strong water to safely scrub the inside of the pipe clean. It washes away years of grime, grease, and even tree roots, leaving your pipes flowing like new.
Is this an emergency or can it wait?
Check our quick guide to see if you need help right away:
- Is water actively flooding inside or outside? (CALL NOW)
- Is your main water totally stopped? (CALL NOW)
- Can you stop the problem by turning off a valve? (CAN WAIT)
- Is it just one single sink or toilet acting up? (CAN WAIT)
Questions About Your Sewer Line
Will you have to dig up my yard to fix the line?
No way. At First Call Trenchless, we love protecting your property. Using smart no-dig methods, we can fix your main sewer line through a couple of small holes, saving your beautiful landscaping, your driveway, and your hard-earned money.
How do I keep tree roots out of my pipes for good?
Roots love the water in your pipes and will squeeze through tiny cracks to get it. To stop them:
- Pipe Lining: We put a solid, new liner inside your old pipe so roots have nowhere to sneak in.
- Root Barriers: Putting safe, friendly guards around the roots.
- Hydro Jetting: Regular cleanings to gently wash roots away before they cause trouble.
Will the city fix my sewer line?
Usually, no. In the Seattle area, homeowners are responsible for the pipe all the way from their house out to the city's main connection—even the part under the sidewalk. That's why having a certified, friendly Registered Side Sewer Contractor (RSSC) by your side is so important.
Request Your Technical FAQ Estimate Now
Our team is ready to evaluate your technical faq project and provide a comprehensive quote. Contact us today.