Common Issues in Spokane Neighborhoods

Spokane is a city rich with diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and history. However, many of these neighborhoods share a common issue: aging plumbing infrastructure. At Kalin Trenchless, we frequently perform work in several key areas, helping homeowners address serious plumbing issues before they escalate. Here’s a closer look at the neighborhoods we commonly service and the problems we encounter.

Balboa is a beautiful neighborhood characterized by older homes, many of which have outdated plumbing systems. Common issues include:

• Root Intrusion: Tree roots infiltrate sewer lines, causing blockages and damage.
• Pipe Corrosion: Older pipes, often made from galvanized steel, are prone to corrosion and leaks.
• Orangeburg Pipe: Some older homes in Balboa still have Orangeburg pipes, which are prone to collapsing and severe deformation.

In Northtown, a mix of residential and commercial properties face various plumbing challenges:

• Clogged Drains: Frequent blockages due to aging pipes and buildup of debris.
• Sewer Line Failures: Old sewer lines often collapse or develop severe cracks.
• Orangeburg Pipe: Many homes in this area were constructed during the peak use of Orangeburg pipe, leading to frequent issues with collapsing pipes.

The historic Manito neighborhood, with its stunning homes and mature trees, often experiences:

• Root Intrusion: Roots from large trees invade and damage sewer lines.
• Pipe Settling: Over time, pipes settle and shift, leading to misalignments and leaks.
• Orangeburg Pipe: This neighborhood has a significant number of homes with aging Orangeburg pipes, which are vulnerable to damage.

Comstock residents often deal with:

• Pipe Corrosion: Older plumbing systems are prone to corrosion, leading to leaks and water damage.
• Blockages: Accumulation of debris and buildup in pipes cause frequent blockages.
• Orangeburg Pipe: Homes in Comstock frequently have Orangeburg pipes, which require specialized attention due to their propensity to degrade.

In Northwest Spokane, we frequently encounter:

• Sewer Line Breaks: Old, brittle pipes are prone to breaking and causing significant disruptions.
• Water Line Leaks: Aging water lines often develop leaks, leading to water damage and high water bills.
• Orangeburg Pipe: This area also sees a number of properties with problematic Orangeburg pipes.

Homes in the Indian Trail neighborhood often face:

• Root Intrusion: Tree roots invade sewer lines, causing blockages and damage.
• Pipe Deterioration: Aging pipes deteriorate over time, leading to leaks and other issues.
• Orangeburg Pipe: Many older homes in this neighborhood have Orangeburg pipes, which are known to fail over time.

The Bemiss area, known for its older homes, commonly experiences:

• Corroded Pipes: Older pipes, especially those made from galvanized steel, corrode and cause leaks.
• Sewer Blockages: Debris and buildup in aging sewer lines cause frequent blockages.
• Orangeburg Pipe: A significant number of homes in Bemiss have Orangeburg pipes, which can lead to severe plumbing issues.

In Hillyard, a historic industrial area, we often see:

• Sewer Line Damage: Industrial activity and heavy use lead to damaged sewer lines.
• Pipe Blockages: Accumulation of debris and materials in pipes cause blockages.
• Orangeburg Pipe: Some homes in Hillyard still use Orangeburg pipes, which are prone to collapsing and other issues.

Across these neighborhoods, the most common issues we address include root intrusion, pipe corrosion, blockages, and sewer line failures. The materials used in these areas vary, but older homes often have galvanized steel or cast iron pipes, while newer installations may use PVC or copper. Additionally, many older homes in these neighborhoods have Orangeburg pipes, which are particularly problematic due to their tendency to degrade over time.

Waiting too long to address plumbing issues can lead to severe consequences, including complete loss of sewer or water service. In many cases, homeowners wait until their basement floods or they are without essential services before seeking help. At Kalin Trenchless, we emphasize the importance of early intervention. Calling us before your basement floods or your sewer line completely fails can save you time, money, and stress.

If you live in Balboa, Northtown, Manito, Comstock, Northwest Spokane, Indian Trail, Bemiss, or Hillyard, it’s crucial to stay proactive about your plumbing maintenance. Kalin Trenchless is here to help with all your plumbing needs, from minor repairs to major overhauls. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact us today for a consultation and keep your home’s plumbing in top condition.