Most homeowners overlook the sewer line, one of the main plumbing pipes, until there’s a problem. Regular inspections can catch problems like clogs or breaks before they cause damage.
A damaged or collapsed sewer line can cause sewage to back up into your home and create soggy patches in the yard. Learn the signs you need to call for repair to avoid costly repairs. Contact Sewer Line Repair Provo now!
When pipes crack or break, it can be very dangerous for anyone who lives on the property. Even if the crack is small, it can lead to major ongoing problems if left untreated. Fortunately, there are a few things you can look for to spot the issue early and prevent it from getting worse.
Often, cracked pipes will emit an unpleasant odor that is similar to sewer gas. It is also possible for these pipes to start leaking water and waste which can cause further damage to the home. If you are noticing these issues on your property, make sure to contact us as soon as possible.
Another common sign of a broken sewer line is frequent clogs. Especially if these occur in areas of the house with no other explanation, this can be a sign that the main sewer line is struggling to function properly.
Over time, the sewage and drain lines in a property will begin to degrade due to age, corrosion, and other factors. If the deterioration is not addressed in a timely manner, it may result in a break or collapse of the entire system.
If you suspect that your sewer line is in need of repair, it’s important to turn off the water and call a plumber right away. This will minimize the amount of water that can enter your home and prevent any further damage.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep a few tools and supplies on hand in case of an emergency. There are a few products that can be used to patch up a leaking pipe until you can get professional help.
One option is to use fiberglass resin tape. This can be purchased in many hardware stores and is easy to apply. It is a good idea to clean the area around the leak before applying it and make sure that it is as dry as possible. Some products also require that the area is free from any electrical fixtures, fittings, or cables before use. It is also recommended to wear nitrile gloves when working on these projects.
Clogged Drains
When a drain or toilet is clogged, it’s not only inconvenient but can also lead to more serious problems if left unattended. This is especially true of sewer drain clogs, which can cause sewage to back up into the house and pose a health threat. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent these clogs from occurring in the first place.
One of the most common causes of clogged pipes is hair build-up. This is because the tiny strands that shed every day can easily build up and block entire pipes, including those in the sewer line. To help prevent this problem, you should regularly clean your drains using commercial or homemade products to remove any build-up of hair that has accumulated. It’s also a good idea to install drain traps in your bathtub and shower to catch any excess hair that may fall down the drain.
Another common cause of clogged drains is soap scum. To avoid this problem, you should thoroughly rinse out your drains after each use and try to avoid putting any type of soap residue down them. Alternatively, you can also try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clear your drains. Simply pour down the mixture, wait a few minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
If your clogged drain is in the kitchen sink or tub, you can also try running hot water down it to dissolve any built-up debris. If this doesn’t work, you can try using a wire coat hanger to dislodge the clog by inserting it into the pipe and twisting it around to entangle with the clog.
For severe clogs, you can also try using a drain snake or “plumber’s snake.” These tools are available at most hardware stores and are typically made of a coiled metal wire with a wider head that can be fed into the clogged drain. Once the clog is broken up, you can pull out the snake and dispose of it. However, if these at-home solutions don’t work, it’s time to call in a professional.
Tree Root Invasion
Tree and shrub roots infiltrate sewer lines when they seek out water and nutrients. Over time, these invasive, hard-to-kill roots can crack and disintegrate pipes, leading to costly, disruptive blockages. If you notice any of the early warning signs of root intrusion, contact a professional plumber right away to prevent the problem from escalating.
Slow drainage is one of the most common symptoms that indicate a problem with your home’s sewer line. If your sinks and tubs take forever to drain, and toilets clog frequently, it’s likely that tree roots have invaded the sewer line and are blocking water flow. You may also notice that puddles of water appear in your yard, or hear gurgling noises from drains and toilets. These sounds are caused when air pockets in the pipes form, disrupting water flow and forcing it to seek other routes.
Unexplained depressions or sinkholes in your lawn are often the result of leaking sewer lines, which can wear down surrounding soil and create dangerous soft spots in your garden or lawn. These holes are usually filled with sewage, which can carry harmful bacteria and gases into your home and make you sick. Similarly, a sudden spike in your water bill is often due to a leaky sewer line, causing sewage to back up into your home.
If you have large trees in your yard, consider getting them trimmed regularly to keep their roots away from your sewer line. Alternatively, you can install physical or chemical barriers to stop tree roots from infiltrating your plumbing system. Physical barriers use metal or plastic shields to deflect and redirect roots, while chemical barriers use slow-release compounds to inhibit root growth near pipes.
It’s important to get your sewer line inspected regularly by a professional plumber, particularly if you have young trees growing nearby. If the problem isn’t addressed promptly, it can lead to clogged pipes, serious damage to your plumbing system and expensive repairs. A plumber can use special cameras to check for obstructions, repair or replace damaged sections of your sewer line and remove invading tree roots.
Collapsed Pipes
If your sewer line has collapsed, waste water and sewage won’t be able to exit your property as it should. This can cause significant damage and a host of problems for your home and yard.
Foul sewage odors will be one of the first signs that your sewer line has collapsed. If you notice these odors coming into your home, it’s important to call a plumber right away to have the collapsed section of the line fixed before it’s too late. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can lead to serious health problems.
Collapsed pipes also back up wastewater into your home, causing flooding and water damage. In addition, if the sewage continues to flow through your home, it can cause further damage to your plumbing and other fixtures.
Another sign of a collapsed sewer line is the presence of soggy soil around your property. If you see a patch of lush grass that’s greener than the surrounding area, it could be caused by nutrient-rich sewage that’s leaching into the ground. Over time, this can erode the ground and cause sinkholes.
A collapsed sewer line can also create damp spots in your yard that are ideal for attracting rodents. These unwanted pests love to hide out in wet and dark environments, so they’re likely to be attracted to a collapsed pipe.
Fortunately, your plumber has several options for fixing a broken sewer line. Trenchless methods like pipe lining are often recommended, as they’re cost-effective and can be completed without extensive digging on your property. These techniques can also be used to repair cracks or damage caused by tree roots. If the damage to your sewer line is too severe, however, it may be necessary to dig and replace the affected sections of the line. Depending on the severity of the problem, your plumber will recommend the best solution for you. Contact us to learn more about the different ways we can repair your sewer line. We’ll be happy to provide a free consultation and estimate. Our expert plumbers are fully licensed and insured, so you can feel confident in our ability to fix your sewer line quickly and efficiently.