As a homeowner, it can be difficult to deal with a sewer line backup. It can also be frustrating to try and pinpoint the cause of your problem.
It is important that you know the causes and how to prevent damage to your sewer line. This article will provide some of the most common reasons for sewer line damage, along with signs you should look out for and ways that your system can be repaired or replaced. Lastly, this article will address the question on whether you should replace sewer line yourself or call in the professionals.
Sewer line damage is caused by….
Tree roots
Tree roots are one of the leading causes of sewer line damages. Tree roots are drawn to water sources as they grow. Roots are attracted to sewer pipes that contain liquid waste.
Tree roots can become attached to a sewer pipe and cause damage by wrapping around them and breaking into the pipes. This could lead to clogging and weakening of the pipe. Tree roots are most likely to cause damage to a clay sewer pipe that are typically located in older houses.
Corroded parts or foreign objects and debris
Cast iron and steel pipes can be galvanized to protect them from rusting. However, they are susceptible to corrosion due to the calcium and magnesium buildup that results from normal wear and tear. Untreated corrosion can lead to cracks or leaks in the pipes.
The sewage pipes in your home are not equipped to deal with human waste or toilet paper. You should not flush trash such as wrappers or paper towels. They are unable to disintegrate properly and may cause blockages that can be difficult for drain cleaning agents to fix. If grease and cooking oil are poured down the drain, they can block pipes. These liquids should be poured into a container and allowed to cool before being thrown away in a garbage can.
Extreme temperatures
Frozen pipes may burst during extreme temperatures and in cold conditions. This is due to the expansion of ice. It’s not only cold that can lead to pipes bursting, but extreme heat, though unlikely, can also cause them to burst.
Sewer line damage signs
It is important that you know what the symptoms of damaged sewer systems are so you can immediately take action and call an expert service technician before house damage occurs.
Foul-smelling yard or flooded yard
A broken sewer pipe can cause flooding in yards. You can find sewer lines anywhere from a deep few feet to six inches below ground. Colder areas may require a deeper pipe. A broken sewer line can cause water to seep through grass, making it visible from the ground. It is possible to detect sewage gas in your yard and smell it before it becomes visible.
Draining problems
Some blockages can be caused by the pipe that runs from the shower or faucet, but you will also notice a blockage in your main sewer line if there are multiple drainage areas blocked. If you hear strange sounds coming from the toilet, it could be a sign of a serious blockage.
Home and water damage
If the drain line breaks or leaks in your home, water damage could occur. Mold growth on walls or floors is one of the most obvious signs. You should immediately call a licensed plumber if you notice mold growing on the walls or floors.
Sewer line repair and replacement
There are two choices when your sewer line breaks or springs a leak. You can either dig a trench or do trenchless repairs. Trenchless sewer repairs are quick and inexpensive, and require little digging. Technicians use a camera to see the sewer lines and make recommendations for repairs. One of the two options for plumbing repair will be recommended.
- Pipe Lining: If your pipe has suffered minimal damage, you can use pipe lining to place an epoxy-coated tube into the sewer line. The tube can then be inflated and pressed against the sewer line. The epoxy hardens as it presses against the existing sewer line. It is then taken out and the sewer lines repaired.
- Pipe bursting: This is a trenchless method that can be used to repair sewer lines too badly damaged for the pipe lining procedure. The technician will insert a cone-shaped tool through the existing pipe and immediately replace it with a brand new one. Although this process takes more time and is more expensive, it does not require any excavation.
You may need sewer line replacement if the damage is too severe. It is a very expensive and time-consuming process that involves technicians digging up your yard in order to find the broken or damaged lines. If your home has severe sewage problems, however, excavation may be necessary.
How to protect your sewer lines
While not all sewer repair can be prevented, there are three things you can do to take care of your sewage system.
- Get sewer line inspections at least once per year. This will confirm the health of your system. A camera inspection can be provided by a plumbing professional to check for any corrosion and blockages in your sewer pipes. A simple camera inspection should not cost much.
- Trees that cause damage to the sewer lines should be removed. Although a root invasion can often occur due to a crack in or leaky pipe, it is still recommended to remove the tree after replacing or repairing the pipe. This will ensure that the problem does not happen again.
- Make sure you are using your sewage system correctly. Only dispose of toilet paper and human waste in the lines. Any other material that gets into the pipes can block the system.
What is the life expectancy of a sewer line?
Your sewer line’s life expectancy is determined by the material of your pipes. Cast iron pipes are durable for 75 to 100 years. Clay and cement pipes may last 100 years. Orangeburg pipes will last 50 years. PVC pipes could last more than 100 years.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line damage?
It is unlikely your homeowner’s insurance policy will pay for damages to the sewer line unless it was caused by an outside party. Many home warranty companies offer septic system coverage to help protect your sewer line.
How many years will a trenchless sewer line repair last?
Pipe bursting or pipe lining, which are trenchless sewer repair methods that do not require any digging are known for being extremely durable and long-lasting. Dependent on the material of your pipes and how they were made, trenchless sewer repairs can last for up to 50 year.
DIY (Replace Sewer Line Yourself) or bring in the professionals?
It is important to understand the requirements of a DIY sewer line replacement project. A person without the right knowledge will do little to repair the damage and will put themselves in an even worse situation.
Sewer line replacement involves:
- Understanding city code and obtaining the proper city permit
- Excavating the entire area of land that surrounds the sewer pipe
- Proper equipment use without damaging the sewer pipe
- Correctly replace using correct materials
- Make sure the system works properly
It is important to remember as a homeowner that to replace sewer line yourself requires several safety precautions. This is especially true when digging out the sewer pipes, which vary in depth depending on where a person lives. This operation requires a lot of knowledge about sewer piping, which is not something a regular person can have without extensive training. Therefore, sewer line replacement or sewer line repair should best be left to a local licensed plumber providing sewer line replacement services.
