Causes, Symptoms, and Ways To Address Sewer Line Issues

Problems with the sewer line can be a homeowner’s nightmare. From a simple clog to a complete pipe burst, these sewer line issues are inconvenient, bring unpleasant smells, and threaten health in extreme situations.

Welcome to this blog, where we take you through some of the most frequent sewer line issues, signs of these problems, and possible ways that you can use to solve these problems.

Understand What Is a Sewer Line?

This is a pipe that conducts utilized water from a home directly to the commercial sewerage system. Thus, any problem in the sewer line has potential complications. We would now like to examine more closely the leading causes of sewer line issues and the symptoms indicative of them.

Common Causes of Sewer Line Issues

Problems related to the sewer line are very common and may have several causes. Knowing these is useful because it can inform action toward keeping those causes from leading to problems or identifying them early

⦁ Clogs and Blockages

This is one of the major sewer issues. The sewer line can be blocked by greasy things, foods, or soap that cannot be washed down the drain.

⦁ Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots often cause sewer line issues. Trees are constantly problematic as their roots grow, seeking water through pipes, cracks, or faulty joints. Once inside, they can cause partial blockages, cracks, and even total blockages, leading to potential damage.

⦁ Pipe Deterioration

Homes built with clay or cast iron pipes may develop pipe corrosion over the years. These materials can crack, break, or corrode, causing problems such as leakage or failure of the entire system. This is a typical problem with this type of sewer line, which is common in older homes.

⦁ Improper Installation

Sometimes, contractors install sewer lines incorrectly and fail to connect or slope them incorrectly. This can lead to several clogging and sewer line backups. If your sewer line was not installed properly initially, you may have to work on it to correct the issue.

⦁ Shifting Soil or Ground Movement

Improper laying of the sewer lines, soil movement, general pipeline wear and tear, and climatic change also impact the breaking or cracking of the sewer lines. Such problems can cause large voids in the sewer line, resulting in cracks and possibly sewer backup.

Signs that you require Sewer Line Issues Repairs

Understanding the symptoms of sewer line problems will help fix them on time. Here are some most common symptoms to watch out for:

⦁ Slow sink, shower, and toilet Draining

Hence, if you find the water takes a long time to clear from wash basins, bathtubs, or even a lavatory bowl, this is an indication that there could be a blocked sewer line. A slow drain could, therefore, mean the pipe is partly full or half choked, and water flows through it slowly.

⦁ Foul Odors

The smell from the drain or the surface adjacent to the sewer line can also be a sign that the sewer line has a problem or blockage. At times, when the smell is periodic, and you cannot trace its origin, it could be dripping waste brought on by a ruptured pipeline.

⦁ Gurgling Sounds

Common signs that suggest you have a blockage in your sewer line include fixture noises, which may be gurgling sounds close to your drains, especially when you flush the toilet or drain water. It happens when a clog blocks the air and holds it inside a pipe.

⦁ Water Backups

When you observe that water from other sources floods your sink, toilet, or bathtub, know that serious sewer line challenges lie ahead. If toilet water rises in the tub after flushing or if there is a backup while using multiple fixtures, a faulty sewer line may be to blame.

⦁ Lush Patches in Your Yard

Some signs of the problem include randomly placed patches of lush green grass or plants in the yard, which indicate a leaking sewer line in the area. Water collected in the sewers can add nutrients to the soil, fertilizing some parts of your yard more than others, thus making some parts grow faster.

How to Fix Sewer Line Issues

The next thing to do is establish how to repair the sewer line once you understand there is a problem. This may be minor or major, depending on the extent of the problem that requires repair. Therefore, exploring possible solutions for a damaged sewer line can be useful.

⦁ Clog Removal

In some simple cases, for instance, where the drain has only a tiny blockage, a sewer line cleanout may suffice. A cleanout is a small opening into your home plumbing system through which you can remove clogs easily. Another option is to hire a plumber to come and clear the sewer line using a process such as hydro-jet or mechanical rod.

⦁ Tree Root Removal

If the sewer line issues result from the tree roots, then those roots will need to be cleared. Sometimes, the plumber might require a cutting drill with a blade to help the plumber cut through the roots. There are instances when the work involves undergoing a more complex repair or replacing the pipe.

⦁ Pipe Replacement

Some cases where you may have to replace pipes include Worn pipes, rusty pipes, or pipes with irreversible leaks or cracks.
Trenchless technology makes it possible to replace sewers without disturbing your landscape. This kind involves replacing a given line with a new pipe without necessarily requiring digging up of the yard.

⦁ Trenchless Sewer Repair

The Trenchless sewer repair also proves more economical if your sewer line is buried deep, compared to standard sewer repair procedures.
Trenchless repairs involve making small pit holes at the pipe’s two ends through which pipes can be replaced.

⦁ Regular Maintenance

To avoid future problems, it is wise to establish a routine practice of maintaining sewer lines. However, making annual inspections and cleaning possible might greatly help in early recognition of sewer line issues that might get out of hand. Do not constantly flush non-biodegradable products, substances, or oils down the drain since they usually lead to blockages.

Preventing Sewer Line Issues

Preventing many common problems associated with sewer lines can be achieved by proactively maintaining lines. Here are some tips for keeping your sewer lines in good condition:

⦁ Schedule Regular Inspections: Run a professional sewer line plumber through your residence and have him check your sewer lines every few years for any signs of trouble.

⦁ Be Mindful of What You Flush: Never flush anything except toilet paper and waste into the toilets. Products like wipes, sanitary products, and grease create nasty blockages.

⦁ Plant Trees Away from Sewer Lines: If you are thinking of laying a lawn and planting trees or shrubs, ensure you do not plant them close to the sewer line to have your roots interfere with the line.

⦁ Fix Leaks Quickly: Ensure any dripping or pooling water has been handled appropriately before moving forward since water may further damage your sewerage line.

Final Thoughts on Sewer Line Issues

Sewer line issues, as much as they are prevalent, can greatly affect your house’s plumbing. Sewer system problems range from a clogged sewer line to tree root invasion and pipe deterioration; you can seek professional help by noticing early signs.

So, always remember that when solving sewer line issues, you should call the experts trained to handle them. Call Cactus Valley Plumbing for professional plumbing services.