Springfield's housing went up mostly in the 1950s through the 1970s, so many homes still drain through original laterals into the Fairfax County sewer. The owner is responsible for that private pipe and its connection to the main, and replacing it makes sense when cracks or roots run its whole length. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Springfield.
When you call
An independent plumber who works in the Springfield area will be on the other end. If the line is backed up, the first job is getting it flowing. Next comes a camera inspection that shows the pipe material, how deep it sits, and where it is cracked, offset or full of roots. Because Fairfax County does not locate private laterals, the plumber also traces and marks the route. That gives you a clear picture before any decision about trenchless replacement or digging.
Cost factors
- Length of the lateral and its depth at the street
- Pipe material: clay and cast iron are often good candidates for bursting
- Driveways, steps, sidewalks and mature trees over the line
- Whether the connection at the main also needs work, since that is part of the owner's responsibility
- Interior drain pipe under a basement floor
- Fairfax County permit and inspection
Springfield conditions
Springfield is a densely built suburb about 12 miles from Washington, centered on the I-95, I-395 and I-495 interchange and the commercial district around it. It grew from about 1,000 residents in 1950 to more than 25,000 by 1970, and the median home dates to 1974. Laterals from that building boom are commonly clay or cast iron. After 50 years or more, clay joints let roots in and cast iron corrodes and cracks. In common use, Springfield covers ZIPs 22150 through 22153, including North Springfield, West Springfield and Newington Forest, and all of it is unincorporated Fairfax County.
Fairfax County Wastewater Management runs the public sewer, and the County makes the owner responsible for the private lateral from the house to the County sewer, including the connection. For a backup with nothing running, call the County's 24-hour line at 703-323-1211 first. Fairfax County Land Development Services issues plumbing permits through PLUS (703-222-0801).
Quick checklist
- Find the cleanout and make sure it can be opened
- Note which fixtures are affected
- Pull together any old camera videos or invoices
- Keep water use low until the plumber arrives
- Move cars off the driveway if the line may run beneath it
- Decide whether you want a new cleanout added near the foundation
Sewer Line Replacement questions in Springfield
What tends to wear out in older sewer laterals around here?
How much of the sewer line is the homeowner responsible for here?
Can a sewer line be replaced without digging one long trench?
Do buried utility lines have to be marked before the yard is dug?
More plumbing services in Springfield
Sewer Line Replacement nearby
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