Common Sewer Line Problems That You Need to Be Aware Of

As much attention as we give to keeping our homes and properties well maintained, it’s just as important to understand how the infrastructure works. This allows us to gain a deeper understanding of how things function in the big picture and also what we need to do to keep this infrastructure well maintained to avoid any issues that can escalate. The sewer line in particular is not something most people think about, but we feel it’s about time you knew more. Since it’s carrying wastewater away from your home, your sewer line is a crucial part of your plumbing system. Although they are underground, sewer pipes are still subjected to wear and tear.

Whether they are damaged by the waste passing through them or an outside intrusion, their lack of functionality can cause substantial issues in your household. Here are some of the most common sewer line problems you may encounter in your system.

Shifting Pipes

Excess rainwater, sinkholes, and foundation settlement can all cause sewer pipelines to shift. If two lines move independently, they can become misaligned and bowed, blocking the waste flow. Not only that, but the pipes can even crack due to being bent and will begin leaking wastewater into the ground. Similarly, if the gap between two fittings becomes too large or the joints separate, leaking will be inevitable as well. Open lines are also more prone to corrosion, causing even more issues for your plumbing system.

Pipe Degradation

While metal pipes have a much longer lifespan than any other type, they also have one major downfall. Over time, the metal can become corroded, causing small cracks to appear on the pipes. While the interaction of the metal with water alone can result in pipe damage, the use of acidic cleaning products can significantly accelerate the degradation. As this usually happens at the bottom of the line, the destruction will be even larger –  the more extensive the damage becomes, the more sewage the system spills into the ground.

Tree Root Invasion

Another prevalent sewer issue you might encounter is damage done by the tree roots growing around the pipes. As a tree grows, its roots seek water to grow further – and the best place to find it will be through hairline cracks that already exist on underwater sewer pipes. In Colorado, where areas densely populated by trees are quite common, a microscopic root intrusion often grows into a huge problem. Professional plumbers in Denver recommend arranging regular sewer scope inspection of your sewer line to see if you have any root invasion. This is particularly important if you have cast iron or clay pipes, as these materials are weaker and will let roots invade them more easily. 

Debris Accumulation

Debris collecting in the lowest points of the sewer line can cause the system to malfunction as well. Due to the convenient kitchen garbage disposal systems, organic waste often ends up in our sewage lines. If grease and other non-water-soluble material block the flow of the wastewater, it will back up. While these so-called bullies are common in sewer lines, eventually, the debris will end up blocking the plumbing system. Fortunately, waste accumulation is one of the easiest issues to spot in the sewer line, as it gradually slows down the water flow from your drains.

Unfortunately, sewer issues often don’t become evident until they cause major havoc in your household. This is why most people own homes and can possibly live on without knowing a single thing about how these systems work. However, now that you have more insight about how things work and why you should have this knowledge, you realize that understanding the sewer system is crucial for any home or property owner. Since these can result in costly material damage, it’s always better to avoid them. For this reason, sewer lines need as much attention as the rest of your home. In fact, it’s recommended to get your pipes inspected regularly to prevent them from damaging your home. At the end of the day, you are going to get professional help involved because generally, sewer line issues are best-taken care of by people who understand how the infrastructure works. However, the fact that you know exactly what’s going on and what needs to be done to fix it goes a long way. This is because you’ll be able to follow up and keep an eye on the progress in case you do need major changes and fixes made. This way, you can ensure that no one is robbing you of your money and that they’re getting the job well done.