Common Sewer Line Issues You May Face Over the Years

Your building's sewer line is an essential part of the plumbing system as it carries all wastewater away into the septic tank or municipal drainage system. While the pipes can function efficiently for many years, they aren't completely damage resistant. Even if they are underground, these pipes can still disintegrate, and cause serious problems.

If you take time to understand the most common sewer line problems, it may be easier to avert them and extend the life of the drainage system. Here are some sewer line problems you should know about.

Pipe Decay

Since sewer lines are in constant contact with dirty water and other materials, the pipes may deteriorate or rust over time. When this happens, the pipes collapse and block the flow of wastewater from the building. In other cases, the lines leak and break, creating the need for sewer line repair or a complete replacement.

If your home was built decades ago and has cast iron sewer lines, you may wish to replace the pipes instead of performing repairs. Getting corrosion-resistant PVC lines may avert the problem for years.

Also, learn ways to avert corrosion after installing PVC pipes. For instance, avoid using caustic drain cleaners or corrosive cleaning products regularly. If you use hard water for household use, you can invest in a water-softening system to eliminate the excess calcium and magnesium minerals. These components cause buildup in the pipes, resulting in corrosion.

Investing in regular sewer line inspection also helps as it allows the plumbers to see the condition of the sewer lines.

Pipe Sagging

Another problem is the sewer line sag, which occurs after the bedding under a section of the pipes settles deeper into the surface. This causes a part of the lines to sag and form bellies.

These sewer line bellies can cause issues once solid waste builds up and clogs the pipe. When the lines clog, little or no wastewater drains through. Even if you manage to clear the clog, the issue may recur. Sagging also causes cracks and separates joints, causing leaks. The best way to fix a sagging sewer line is to replace that pipe.

Although it's not easy to avert sagging issues because of the natural soil shifts that occur due to adverse weather, prioritize proper sewer line installation. Ensure the pipes are on solid bedding that can provide strong support, and consider the slope to minimize the probability of sagging. Regular inspections can also help you identify pipe sagging issues before they cause water damage.

Root Penetration

Growing trees near the sewer line can cause issues over time. Since roots are always searching for moisture and nutrients, they can infiltrate the sewer lines. Remember, the pipes are full of nutrients and water that easily attracts roots to a particular area. 

Once they enter the lateral pipes, they grow and clog the line, leading to backup issues. Although the roots may crush the pipes, the trees may look healthy and beautiful.

Get a seasoned plumber to inspect the drainage system regularly for signs of root infiltration. The cameras enable them to spot any signs of root growth. Then, they can determine the best way to control the root intrusion to avoid further sewer line damage.

If you wish to plant trees in an area close to the drain system, you should get smaller shrubs or trees with shallow root systems. Such plants can grow slowly and aren't likely to damage the pipes underneath.

Although the sewer line may be underneath, its components and other external elements can cause it to wear down over the years. So, hire a professional plumber to inspect and repair any problems they find. At C & C Mechanical Plumbing & Drain Cleaning, we can help you maintain your sewer lines and fix any problems. Contact us today for more information.