Category: Sewer Repair

Why Sewer Backups Spike During Spring in Puyallup

Posted on | by sitemanagerwpmanagerio
Person in gloves repairing a sewer pipe in Puyallup, emphasizing the need for professional services during springtime sewer backups, with Hunt's Services logo visible.

As the snow melts and flowers bloom, springtime in Puyallup brings more than just warmer days. It also brings an unwelcome surprise for many homeowners—sewer backups.

Every year, as the Pacific Northwest transitions from winter to spring, calls for sewer services spike across Pierce County. Puyallup, in particular, sees an uptick due to its aging infrastructure, clay-heavy soils, and seasonal rainfall. Sewer backups can cause serious damage, from flooded basements to contaminated yards, costing homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs.

But why do these backups increase specifically during spring? And what can you do to prevent them?

Let’s explore the root causes, what to look for, and how Hunt’s Services can help keep your home protected.

Puyallup’s Spring Conditions: The Perfect Storm for Sewer Backups

The environment plays a critical role in spring sewer problems. Puyallup receives over 40 inches of annual rainfall, much of it during the spring months. While rain nourishes our gardens, it also saturates the soil, affects underground plumbing systems, and overwhelms storm and sewer lines.

 

Here’s how spring creates the perfect conditions for sewer backups:

1. Rainfall and Ground Saturation

Increased rainfall saturates the ground and creates hydrostatic pressure around sewer lines. Cracks, joints, and older pipes—especially clay or cast iron—become vulnerable to water infiltration.

Stormwater and groundwater can seep into cracks and joints in the lateral sewer lines, the pipes that run from your home to the public sewer. When this happens, pipes become overwhelmed, pushing sewage back into your home.

2. Tree Root Intrusion

Spring signals the start of the growing season. Tree roots that were dormant during the winter now aggressively seek water and nutrients. Sewer lines, full of moisture and organic material, attract roots like magnets. Once roots penetrate a pipe—even through a small crack—they can expand rapidly, causing clogs and pipe damage.

3. Soil Shifting and Pipe Misalignment

Puyallup’s silty loam soil becomes unstable during the wet season. Saturated soil can shift, causing misalignment in pipes or even structural damage. When this happens, flow can slow down or stop completely, triggering backups.

4. Increased Water Usage

Springtime often brings household changes—deep cleaning, gardening, and house guests. These activities increase water usage, which can overload already vulnerable sewer systems, especially if blockages or cracks already exist.

Tree Roots: The Hidden Menace Beneath Your Yard

Tree roots are one of the leading causes of sewer line damage in Puyallup—and spring is when they strike hardest.

Once inside a pipe, roots can grow into dense, tangled masses that catch debris like toilet paper, grease, and other solids. This leads to partial or complete sewer blockages.

Common signs of tree root intrusion include:

  • Slow-draining sinks, tubs, and toilets 
  • Gurgling noises from drains 
  • Sewage odors inside or outside the home 
  • Green, unusually lush patches in your yard 

Modern solutions like video sewer inspections allow the team at Hunt’s Services to locate root intrusions quickly. Depending on the severity, options may include root cutting, hydro jetting, or trenchless pipe repair.

Tip: If you live in an older Puyallup neighborhood with mature trees, have your sewer lines inspected at least once every two years.

Aging Infrastructure and Puyallup’s Unique Plumbing Challenges

Much of Puyallup’s residential development occurred before modern sewer line materials like PVC became standard. Many older homes in the area still rely on clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipes, which are far more prone to corrosion, cracks, and root penetration.

Local Codes You Should Know

According to the City of Puyallup’s Public Works Department, property owners are responsible for maintaining the private lateral sewer linefrom their home to the city main. This means if there’s a backup caused by a fault in your lateral line, repairs and cleanup fall on the homeowner—not the city.

Additionally, Puyallup has a combined sewer systemin some older neighborhoods, meaning stormwater and sewage share the same pipe. During heavy rains, these systems are easily overwhelmed, pushing wastewater back toward homes.

Warning Signs of a Failing Sewer Line

  • Frequent need to plunge toilets or drains 
  • Water backing up in showers or tubs when you flush 
  • Bubbling or gurgling sounds in toilets or drains 
  • Sewage odors in your basement or yard 

Don’t ignore these signs. Hunt’s Services can perform a trenchless sewer line inspection, which is fast, minimally invasive, and provides accurate insight into the condition of your pipes.

Preventing Sewer Backups in the Spring: A Local Homeowner’s Guide

Being proactive can help you avoid the stress and expense of a backup. Here’s how Puyallup homeowners can protect their property as spring approaches:

Schedule Routine Sewer Inspections

Even if you haven’t had issues yet, a regular inspection can detect early signs of blockage, corrosion, or intrusion. Hunt’s Services offers non-invasive video inspectionsthat give you a real-time look inside your pipes.

Install a Backwater Valve

This device prevents sewage from re-entering your home during overloads. It’s especially helpful if your property is at a lower elevation or has a history of backups.

Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean

Clear gutters reduce the amount of stormwater that can infiltrate your sewer system. Redirect downspouts away from your home’s foundation.

Dispose of Waste Responsibly

Never flush wipes, feminine hygiene products, or grease. Even “flushable” wipes can clog your sewer line over time.

Be Mindful of Landscaping

Avoid planting trees near your sewer line. Use root barriers and opt for shallow-rooted plants when landscaping close to your home.

Why Puyallup Residents Trust Hunt’s Services for Sewer Service

Hunt’s Services is proud to serve Puyallup homeowners with professionalism, integrity, and decades of local experience. We specialize in full-spectrum sewer services, including:

  • Video inspections 
  • Hydro jetting 
  • Sewer line repair and replacement 
  • Trenchless pipe solutions 
  • Emergency response 

When your sewer line is backing up, you need a team you can trust—not just to fix the problem, but to educate you on your optionsand offer honest recommendations. That’s the Hunt’s Services difference.

Transparency. Experience. Confidence.

These aren’t just words—they’re how we do business.

Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Sewer Issues This Spring

Spring in Puyallup brings beautiful weather and a renewed sense of homeownership pride—but it also brings hidden plumbing threats. Sewer backups caused by spring rains, tree root growth, and aging infrastructure are common but preventable.

Whether you’re dealing with a slow drain or suspect an issue below ground, Hunt’s Services is your trusted partner for fast, reliable, and honest sewer services in Puyallup.

Don’t wait for an emergency. Schedule a sewer inspection with Hunt’s Services today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes sewer backups during spring in Puyallup?

Sewer backups in spring are often caused by heavy rainfall, saturated soil, and rapid tree root growth. These seasonal changes put pressure on aging pipes, leading to clogs, cracks, or backups.

Are Puyallup homeowners responsible for sewer line repairs?

Yes. In most cases, homeowners are responsible for the lateral line—the pipe that connects their house to the city sewer system. If the backup occurs due to an issue in this line, repairs are your responsibility.

How can I tell if my sewer line has tree root damage?

Warning signs include slow drains, foul odors, gurgling toilets, and green patches in your yard. A sewer camera inspection from Hunt’s Services can confirm root intrusion and assess the extent of the damage.

What You Should Know about Septic to Sewer Conversions

Posted on | by sitemanagerwpmanagerio
Septic tank lid in grassy yard, illustrating home waste management systems and potential for septic-to-sewer conversion.

If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s waste management system, a septic-to-sewer conversion could be the perfect solution. This process involves connecting your property to a city sewer system, which is highly convenient and offers some long-term benefits.

Homeowners often make the switch due to aging septic systems, which can be costly to maintain or replace. Converting might also be wise if you find yourself constantly calling a plumber for a drain cleaning or sewer repair.

Environmental concerns, such as preventing groundwater contamination, and local regulations that phase out septic systems in favor of public sewer systems also drive conversions.

Here’s a look at the benefits, challenges, and process of a sewer line replacement for septic, helping you make an informed decision about this upgrade.

Why Convert from Septic to Sewer?

Switching from a septic system to a sewer line connection is a significant decision, but it has benefits that make it worthwhile for many homeowners.

One major reason is environmental protection. Septic systems, especially older or poorly maintained ones, can leak and contaminate groundwater, leading to health hazards and environmental damage. Sewer systems transport waste to treatment facilities, providing safe disposal and reducing pollution risks.

Another key factor is cost-effectiveness. Septic systems require regular pumping, maintenance, and occasional repairs, and the costs can add up over time. Sewer connections have higher upfront costs but save money in the long run by eliminating ongoing maintenance expenses.

In addition, regulatory compliance is a driver for conversion. In many urban and suburban areas, local governments are phasing out septic systems to align with public health standards and expanding sewer infrastructure. As sewer lines become more accessible, conversions become easier and often mandatory in certain regions.

A sewer system offers peace of mind, reduces long-term costs, and contributes to a healthier environment, making the upgrade worthwhile for many homeowners.

The Conversion Process Explained

Converting from a septic system to a sewer connection involves several steps.

The conversion process begins with an initial inspection and assessment of your property. Your plumber will probably use cameras to examine your current drainage system and recommend a drain cleaning to clear any blockages.

Next comes planning and permitting, where you or your plumber work with local authorities to secure the necessary permits for excavation and connection. This step keeps you compliant with regulations and avoids legal issues.

Once approved, the excavation and connection phase begins. Your technician will dig trenches to connect your home’s plumbing to the municipal sewer line, replacing or repairing pipes as needed. Sewer repair or sewer replacement expertise is necessary at this point to address any structural issues.

Finally, the old septic tank is sealed off or decommissioned, often by pumping it out and filling it up with sand or gravel to prevent future hazards.

You need a professional at every stage to avoid costly mistakes. A skilled plumbing contractor can handle the complexities, installing a sewer connection that meets your home’s needs.

Challenges and Costs of Septic to Sewer Conversions

While converting from a septic system to a sewer connection offers long-term benefits, it comes with challenges you’ll want to prepare for before you begin.

One of the most significant hurdles is the high upfront cost. Excavation, permits, and connecting your property to the municipal sewer line can require a substantial investment, especially if your home is far from the main sewer line.

Another challenge is the potential disruption to landscaping or property. Excavation often involves digging up yards, driveways, or gardens, which may need restoration after completion.

In addition, old pipelines may require thorough inspections to determine if they need repairs or replacement. Issues like corrosion or leaks can increase project complexity and costs.

The overall cost of conversion varies widely based on several factors. The distance from the municipal sewer line plays a significant role, as longer distances mean more digging and higher costs.

The complexity of the excavation is another key factor, as working around existing structures or addressing unexpected issues can add to the expense.

Despite these challenges, the investment is worthwhile for many homeowners because a sewer system improves property value, reduces maintenance needs, and is a more environmentally friendly waste management solution.

Call the Pros at Hunt’s Services

When the time comes to decommission your septic system and connect to your local sewer, you’ll want an experienced contractor by your side. Hunt’s Services offers expert septic-to-sewer conversions in Tacoma, Seattle, and many other locations in the Pacific Northwest.

Call us at 253-533-7500 to learn more or book your appointment in King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Thurston counties.

Using Trenchless Technology to Replace Your Orangeburg Pipes in Western Washington

Posted on | by sitemanagerwpmanagerio

What are Orangeburg Pipes?

Depending on your home’s age, there’s a chance your sewer line is made from a material called Orangeburg which was prevalent between 1945 and 1972.

This material doesn’t corrode because of its tar paper composition. However, it’s also extremely light and brittle, leading to premature deterioration. Homeowners should know that Orangeburg pipe absorbs moisture at a higher rate than clay or cast iron sewer pipes, too, which can lead to distortion or layers of the pipe bubbling and causing blockages.

Although manufacturers claimed Orangeburg had a 50-year lifespan, it starts breaking down at about 30 years. And since homebuilders stopped using the material about 50 years ago, you’re well overdue a new sewer line if you have this under your home.

If you believe you have Orangeburg sewer pipes, here’s what you should do.

How to Tell If Your Orangeburg Pipes Need Attention

Orangeburg was a popular building material until 1972 because it was easy to make. In short, it’s a bituminized fiber pipe made from wood pulp, a water-resistant adhesive, and hot pitch that gets its name because it was mass-produced in Orangeburg, New York.

So, how do you tell if your Orangeburg pipe is due for replacement?

The most obvious sign of a pipe problem is an indent in your front yard along your main sewer line’s path. You’ll clearly see an issue in your yard when this occurs, and you’ll want a plumbing technician to address the problem immediately.

You should also pay attention to what your neighbors are doing. If other houses in your neighborhood are running into issues with their Orangeburg pipes and replacing them, it’s probably only a matter of time until you experience similar problems.

Hunt’s Services can assist with a camera sewer inspection that allows us to see the condition of your Orangeburg pipes and make recommendations based on what we discover.

Why You Should Consider Replacing Your Orangeburg Pipes Soon

Naturally, minimizing your costs as a homeowner is a priority, but it’s essential to look at the big picture. Orangeburg pipes typically last for about 30 years, and since these products have been in circulation for 50 years, yours probably are getting close to the end of the line.

As your pipes approach the end of their lifespan, you might notice symptoms like:

  • Slow drains
  • Toilet back-ups
  • Mold
  • Indentations in your yard
  • Sinkholes in your foundation
  • Sewer odors inside your house

Proactively replacing your sewer line when you notice these symptoms, or at least calling the pros at Hunt’s Services to inspect your system, could save you significant cash in the long run.

How Your Trenchless Sewer Repair Will Work

As you research sewer line replacement options in Western Washington, you should know that traditional dig-and-replace methods are somewhat outdated. While they might be necessary for some scenarios, reinforcing or replacing your sewer line using trenchless technology is often possible.

Trenchless pipe repair can restore cracks and root damage to your pipes without digging up your yard. Technicians can typically complete these repairs in a few hours, and they are less expensive.

Perhaps the most efficient form of trenchless sewer repair is cured-in-place pipe lining. The gist is that the technician will access your sewer line through an existing access point, inserting a liner coated with epoxy into the pipe. The inside of the pipe is coated with resin, which hardens and reinforces your Orangeburg pipes.

It’s possible to get an extra 50 years from your Orangeburg pipes if you complete this repair early enough, although you should know that sometimes the damage is too extensive, and you’ll have to go in a different direction.

Your other trenchless sewer repair option is pipe busting, which is reserved for situations where there’s more extensive damage to the plumbing system.

In this scenario, your technician collapses the existing Orangeburg pipe into the soil without needing to dig it out using steel bursting heads. The new line is also attached to these heads, allowing it to replace the old pipe simultaneously.

The entire job is completed through a small entry point in your yard, so no trench is necessary, and there’s minimal displacement to your landscaping.

While pipe lining is the most economical option, it’s nice to know there’s another trenchless option for situations where your Orangeburg pipes are beyond repair.

Getting the Assistance You Need

If you have Orangeburg pipes in your home, you should know it’s only a matter of time before you experience issues. This material is prone to problems as it ages, and you’ll want to bring in a technician to complete a camera sewer inspection as soon as possible to check on its condition.

From there, your technician will develop a repair plan that works for you.

Contact Hunt’s Services at 253-533-7500 to learn more about our trenchless sewer repair options for Orangeburg pipes in Thurston, Pierce and King Counties.

Don’t Flush Your Wipes: Lessen The Impact of COVID-19

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Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, toilet paper is in low supply and high demand, forcing Puget Sound residents to turn to personal cleansing wipes.

We’re also seeing citizens use disinfectant wipes and paper towels to clean surfaces in their homes, hoping to stop the spread of this virus.

While all of this is fine, and even encouraged, as we fight a global pandemic, we do have to think of our local sewer systems and the effect these items can have on them.

The issue is that we’re seeing an abnormally large percentage of the population using these products, with many choosing to flush them down their toilets to dispose of them. Wipes and paper towels can quickly clog sewer lines, both personal and municipal, causing severe problems for sewer systems in Western Washington and around the country.

Do your part by throwing your wipes and paper towels in the garbage after use to help prevent even more local problems from arising as a result of the COVID-19 virus.

What’s Causing the Problem?

The reason why we’re seeing blockages in sewer lines is because of how these systems operate.

For the most part, our sewers use gravity and water to remove waste from homes and divert it to the main city sewers. From there, the sewage moves to a treatment plant, where it is cleaned before being released.

When many people flush wipes and paper towels in a short period, it clogs the lines and prevents the system from working as it should.

The reason?

Wipes and paper towels don’t break down as toilet paper does. Toilet paper’s construction allows it to dissolve very quickly, a feature these other products don’t have.

If you’ve ever experienced a clogged toilet due to using too much toilet paper, you know that it leads to wastewater coming back into your fixture, sometimes overflowing. The toilet paper quickly disintegrates, however, allowing you to use a plunger to remove the clog.

The same thing happens in a city sewer line, as they can get a little backed up from time to time, but the toilet paper breaks down quickly, so the issue can be solved.

When dealing with wipes, it takes far longer for them to dissolve. And once thousands of wipes clump together in the sewers, removing the clog takes significant intervention.

Even flushable wipes aren’t safe because they still take longer to decompose than toilet paper.

This sewer issue is happening in Seattle, Tacoma, and throughout Pierce and King counties right now, putting a strain on our sewer systems and pressure on city and state officials, in addition to our plumbers.

Seattle has about 1,421 miles of sewer pipe, while Tacoma has over 700 miles. This is a lot of line to keep clear, and flushing wipes makes the job exponentially more difficult.

Yes, throwing these items in the garbage is an inconvenience, but it’s necessary as we try to keep people safe during this global pandemic.

It Isn’t Just Wipes

In some places, even wipes are in short supply, so we’re seeing people turn to other alternatives.

T-shirts, newspapers, and napkins are also being used instead of toilet paper, all of which put unnecessary pressure on the sewer systems.

In fact, in Redding, California, one neighborhood saw sewage overflow into the streets because of a resident using a shredded t-shirt as toilet paper.

If you don’t have any alternative but to use a t-shirt, do so, but make sure you throw your waste in the garbage. Avoid flushing it down the toilet.

Safety First

We’re clearly living in a challenging time when some supplies are running low, and stress is running high. At the same time, let’s face it, people still need to use the bathroom and will need to wipe.

If you run out of toilet paper and must use an alternative product, make sure you throw it in the garbage when you’re done with it each and every time.

Everyone will have to do their part in the coming months if we have any chance at containing the COVID-19 virus, and by choosing to throw this waste in the garbage, you can protect your family, neighbors, local plumbers, and city workers from possible exposure.

What to Do About Your Clogged Toilet

Now you know not to flush anything but toilet paper, but what’s the protocol if you’ve already flushed some wipes and it’s leading to problems?

Well, the answer is to bring in a plumber, but at this time, you’ll have to be extremely careful about who you trust.

For starters, your plumbing technician should do everything possible to limit your potential exposure to COVID-19, including washing their hands regularly, avoiding shaking hands, using shoe covers and protective gloves, and keeping a safe distance from all residents in the home.

At Hunt’s Services, we’re following all of the advice put forth by the World Health Organization during this pandemic. We’re practicing social distancing and have compiled a list of safety measures for each of our technicians to follow while working on your home.

If you have any questions or are dealing with a plumbing emergency at this time, call Hunt’s Services at 253-533-7500 for assistance.

We’re all in this together, so do your part by not flushing anything but toilet paper and keeping your social distance, so that local service providers and healthcare workers have the resources needed to keep you safe.

Why Sewer Lines Fail in Seattle Tacoma

Posted on | by sitemanagerwpmanagerio

Your sewer line is an essential part of your plumbing system because it’s responsible for removing water waste from your home. You’ll quickly notice if your sewer pipe isn’t functioning as it should because you’ll run into issues flushing your toilets, draining your sinks, or running your washing machine. Hunt’s Services is standing by in the Seattle and Tacoma areas to assist with all of your sewer system needs.

So what causes these sewer line problems in the first place? The reality is that numerous things can go wrong with your sewer system, and in some cases, there isn’t much you can do to prevent the issues from occurring in the first place.

What you can do is be proactive when you realize that your sewer line isn’t functioning at its full capacity by getting Hunt’s Services on the job.

Our team of licensed, certified technicians have seen every plumbing problem imaginable in King County and Pierce County so that we can get to the bottom of your issue quickly and efficiently.

Give us a call at 253-533-7500 to start the process right away. From there, you won’t have to worry about your sewer system anymore because Hunt’s will take care of it.

Here are some common sewer line problems in the Tacoma and Seattle areas.

1) Tree Roots

One sewer line problem that we see with regularity in Seattle and Tacoma involves tree roots damaging the pipes in search of water. These roots extend for substantial distances underground, looking for moisture to keep the tree alive. Eventually, the roots can wrap around your sewer line and break through at the joints, causing your drains to slow.

As the roots continue to grow, they weaken the pipe’s joints even further, and wastewater can begin escaping into your yard. Eventually, the entire pipe will collapse, leaving you with a significant cleanup in your yard, and a pipe that needs a complete replacement.

Tree roots are a problematic issue to prevent because the plant doesn’t necessarily have to be on your property to cause problems in your yard. What you can do, however, is make sure the trees on your property have enough water, especially in a period with little rain.

When planting new trees in your yard, make sure you avoid water-loving species like silver maples and weeping willows. Trees that require more water tend to cause more problems with sewer lines. You should also be aware of the location of your sewer pipe and avoid planting new trees close to it.

2) Shifting Ground

Another common sewer line issue in Western Washington is pipe failure because of shifting ground. Your pipes are supported by the soil under your landscaping, and when tectonic activity occurs, the ground can shift.

Even a slight shift puts added pressure on your pipes and can lead to a complete failure over time, complete with wastewater leaking into your yard.

While you can’t prevent the ground from shifting, you can have your pipe repaired as soon as you notice an issue to, hopefully, prevent significant damage from being done to your property.

3) Orangeburg Pipe

Depending on the age of your home, you could run into plumbing problems based on the materials used in your sewer line. Before 1972, homes in this area would use Orangeburg pipe, which is made from wood pulp and asphalt. While these pipes are incredibly lightweight, the material is brittle and prone to breaking because it absorbs moisture.

If you believe that you have Orangeburg pipes in your home, the best thing you can do is have them replaced with PVC. That way, you won’t have to worry as much about breaks and will experience fewer plumbing issues in the future, as well.

Warning Signs of Sewer Problems

There are some warning signs to watch for that can help you call for the plumbing help you need before your property is extensively damaged.

  • Slow drains – When you notice that your drains are taking longer to empty than usual, it means that something is blocking your pipes. If only one drain is slow, there could be an isolated problem with that particular fixture. Multiple slow drains, on the other hand, could mean that you have a clog or break in your Seattle sewer line.
  • Clogged drains – If nothing is draining from your fixtures at all, you likely have a significant clog. There are a variety of underlying reasons for clogged drains, as anything from putting grease into your sink to having a broken sewer line could make it difficult for your pipes to drain. Hunt’s offers drain cleaning services, getting your system back on track quickly.
  • Sewer waste backing up into your home – Have you noticed waste coming back into your fixtures after you flush your toilet or drain your sinks? If so, you likely have a problem with your sewer line that you’ll want to address sooner rather than later. Hunt’s Services offers trenchless sewer repair options, including pipe bursting, which is a non-invasive pipe repair method.
  • Frequent service calls – When you find yourself making constant service calls, you likely have a severe plumbing problem that should be addressed. Hunt’s
    Services will conduct a camera inspection, which allows us to see inside your pipes and identify why you’re experiencing issues.

Call Hunt’s Services Today

If you believe you’re in need of plumbing assistance, give Hunt’s Services a call at 253-533-7500. Our team of certified plumbers is standing by to handle all of your sewer and pipe lining needs, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

We offer discounts to seniors and veterans, and can even deal with your septic to sewer conversion, if necessary.

For more information on our plumbing services, check out our Sewer Repair YouTube video.