Sewer lines are susceptible to several types of problems which if are not dealt with, can leave you in a big and costly mess. Sewer lines are often not thought about since they are not visible or easily assessable, however they do require regular care and maintenance to keep them working without issue. By having regular inspections and cleanings, you can largely prevent or at least minimize future problems. Dealing with any issues before they get too severe can save you a headache, so be proactive and don’t ignore your sewer lines until you are faced with a serious problem.
What are some common causes of sewer line problems? We have compiled a list to aid you in being proactive with your sewer lines!
Clogs are an extremely common occurrence and many times they can be largely preventable. It is very important to learn what items can be put down the drains and flushed down the toilets. Dispose of waste properly and never use your drains and toilets are garbage cans. Nothing should be flushed down toilets other than human waste and toilet paper, even so-called flushable wipes can create blockages. Another common culprit of clogs is grease down the kitchen drains. Some people believe running hot water after the grease will prevent it from clogging, but this is not the case. Always properly dispose of grease and never pour it down the drain.
Tree roots over the years can grow into the pipes. Roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients contained in the sewer pipes and will infiltrate them which can cause structural damage. Over time the tree roots can cause so much damage that the sewer line may even collapse. Having a sewer line inspection done can prevent the problem from becoming this severe. If tree roots are discovered in early stages an auger can be used to clear them.
Sagging sewer lines can potentially happen over time and are not something that you can control. Natural shifting of soil can cause this to eventually occur. It can create an issue because it disturbs the regular flow of waste and clogs are more likely to happen due to sediment collecting in this low-lying part of the line.
Pipe corrosion will occur as the sewer line ages especially if your pipes are made of cast iron or any other material besides PVC. Corrosion will eventually lead to cracking and leaking pipes. It may cause the sewer pipe to break or entirely collapse.