If you are unsure if your sewer line needs repair or replacement, you should contact a licensed plumber. The first step is to check the main sewer line that runs through your yard or house. You can check for leaks by putting a bucket or a bucket with a little water in it and letting it sit for a few hours. If you see a steady stream of water, it is likely that your sewer line needs repair or replacement.
If you have backups or water flow issues, it’s a sign of a broken sewer line. If you notice soggy spots on your lawn, an increase in septic waste, or pooling around your property, you may have a broken sewer pipe.
To determine if repairs need to be done or if a replacement is necessary, contact a plumber.
Sewer Line Warning Signs
Large trees can damage a sewer line. Odd noises and constant clogging are warning signs of a larger problem. If you have been experiencing on and off clogging with your sewer line in the past few months or years, the damage may start to accumulate, causing future problems.
Steps to Take After Identifying Warning Signs
Contact a professional to inspect the sewer line. Remove trees that are damaging the sewer line. Properly dispose of human waste and toilet paper in the sewer lines
Primary Causes of Sewer Line Damage
Tree roots can damage sewers over time. Clogged pipes can lead to sewer line backup or leaks. A damaged sewer line may require full replacement. Signs of a damaged sewer line include tree roots, clogged pipes, and age of the pipes. If you have backups or water flow issues, it’s a sign of a broken sewer line.
You can prevent sewer line damage by having your sewer lines inspected periodically and by keeping tree roots away from your pipes. If you have a damaged pipe, hire a professional to repair or replace your sewer line.
Sewer line damage is caused by a variety of factors, including:
* ground settling or shifting
* heavy rains
* frozen pipes
* tree roots growing too close to the sewer lines
Tree Roots
Tree roots are one of the most common reasons for damage to sewer lines. Clay sewer pipes, typically found in older homes, are the most susceptible to damage from tree roots. Tree roots are one of the most common causes of damage to sewer lines.
Corrosion of Pipes
The cost of piping ranges from $200-$500 per square foot. Pipe made of steel and cast iron are at a high risk of corroding due to calcium and magnesium build-up from regular wear and tear. If corrosion is left untreated, it can leave the pipe susceptible to leaks and cracks. For repairs, your plumber will typically use the same kind of piping you already have in place.
When it comes to corrosion of pipes, prevention is key – keeping your water lines clean and free from debris will help avoid damage in the first place. If damage has already occurred, there are a number of steps you can take to repair it: using pipe sealant or caulk; patching with epoxy resin; replacing broken pieces of pipe with PVC or copper; and using galvanized steel screws to join sections of piping together.
Clogged Pipes
Sewer lines were only built to handle human waste and toilet paper. When you get blockages like these, a drain cleaning liquid won’t be able to unclog your drain. Rather than pouring them down the drain, let them cool and dispose of them in your trash. Clogged pipes can cause a variety of problems, including water flooding and sewage backup.
The best way to clear a clogged pipe is to use a plunger and bucket. If the pipe is too large for the plunger or bucket, call a professional plumber. Keep your plumbing in good condition by regularly cleaning it and checking for leaks.
Extremely Cold Temperatures
Extreme cold temperatures can cause metal pipes to rupture. Frozen pipes can burst due to the expanding ice.
Complete Sewer Repair and Restoration Services
Chicago Plumbing Experts offers sewer repair and restoration services that are traditional and less expensive than trenchless sewer lining. Sewer repairs can be difficult, but our technicians are skilled in cement and concrete repair. We offer free advice and estimates to determine if you need our sewer line replacement services.
