As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Understanding Plumbing Basics
Common Sewer Line Problems That Require Repair
Jorge Alexander
Most people spend very little time thinking about their home's sewer line. When the sewer line is in good working order, household waste is transported from a house to the municipal sewer system. However, like any other part of a house, a sewer line can develop problems and require professional repairs. Since a sewer line plays such an important role in household waste management, it is important to have repairs made promptly when there are issues. Some common sewer line problems that require repair include:
Clogs and Blockages
One of the most common sewer line problems that homeowners faces is clogs or blockages. While a sewer line is a large pipe, that doesn't mean that it can't get clogged over time. A variety of things can cause sewer line clogs or blockages, such as flushing paper towels, baby wipes, or menstrual products down the toilet. Disposing of cooking grease down the kitchen sink can also lead to clogs as the grease cools and congeals in the sewer line. When a sewer line is clogged, you may experience problems with your drains and toilets. In the event of a complete blockage, sewage may back up into your home. An experienced plumber can pinpoint the location of the issue and clean out the pipe.
Tree Roots
Trees are a beautiful addition to a yard, but they can also cause problems for a sewer line. Many species of trees have very large root systems, and these roots can damage a sewer line. This can happen when a large tree root grows under the sewer line and eventually harms the pipe. It is also possible for a small tree root to make its way into a small crack in the sewer line and then grow large inside the pipe, causing a blockage. If tree roots are causing problems, your sewer line will need to be repaired and the roots of the tree will need to be cut back.
Pipe Problems
Sewer line pipes are very strong and durable, but they are not completely resistant to damage. Very old pipes can corrode or start deteriorating due to age. It is also possible for a sewer line pipe to crack or collapse. When a sewer line pipe is damaged, repairs may be possible. For example, a small crack in a sewer line can often be repaired. However, when the damage is severe, the sewer line may need to be replaced.
If you need help, reach out to a local sewer repair service.
Share