A sewer line leak or backup can be challenging for homeowners, especially when detected at the last stages. This leak has an unpleasant smell, and the foul smell makes it hard to know where it originates. Homeowners need to know what causes these leaks to prevent escalating issues.
Sewer line leaks are caused by tree roots, adverse weather conditions, clogged pipes, among others.
Below we discuss the complete sewer line guideline, and where to get the best sewer line repair.
Causes of a Sewer Leak
The most common causes of sewer line leaks include the following;
Tree Roots
Tree roots are the leading cause of sewer line damage. Remember, the tree’s roots follow water sources when growing, making roots a significant concern. Roots are attracted to the source naturally because sewer lines transport liquid waste. This process is much faster if there is a tiny leaking the pipes.
Tree roots start to wrap around the pipes after contact, possibly destroying their structure. Clay pipes are the most vulnerable to damage from roots and should have frequent inspections to repair before the problem escalates.
Corroded Pipes
All pipes made using iron and steel are galvanized to prevent rusting, but they still face a high corrosion risk because of magnesium and calcium build-up. Corrosion should be treated immediately, or it will make the pipe more susceptible to cracks and leaks.
Clogged Pipes
Clogged pipes are another leading cause of damaged sewer lines. Remember, your property’s sewer system can only hold toilet paper and human waste, meaning you should not put any foreign items.
Homeowners are advised against flushing things like paper towels and wrappers because they do not disintegrate properly, thus causing blockages. Grease and cooking oil also clogs kitchen pipes, meaning they should be disposed of in a container.
High Temperatures
Most frozen pipes burst in high temperatures due to expanding ice. The surrounding temperatures should be regulated to prevent any sewer line breakages.
Why you Should Replace Your Sewer Line
Sewer lines are situated underground, and they transport waste to treatment plants. These lines have a long lifespan but require maintenance to prolong their lifespan. The main benefits of a sewer line replacement include the following;
Prevents Floor Damage
A failed sewer line causes various damages, and flood damage is the most common. With time, homeowners might notice water accumulation at the toilet’s base or in the entire household. These issues can turn into a huge flood if left unchecked.
Almost all flooding occurs due to broken pipes, which happen fast without warning. Homeowners can prevent this and other issues by carrying out a sewer repair.
Prevents Health Issues
Broken sewer lines cause not only physical damage but also other health issues. Bacteria will accumulate in broken pipes, which cause significant damage when inhaled. Homeowners can also lose their items when flooding occurs, meaning they will use money allocated for other things to fix it.
Avoids Issues with the Authorities
Depending on your state, a sewerage spill can attract hefty fines from the authorities, mainly on public property. Besides getting fined by the relevant authorities, you might also be responsible for any cleanup costs.
Promotes Public Safety
Safety is every homeowner’s priority, and a damaged sewer line can cause significant problems on your property. Sewer line replacement is crucial when maintaining your community’s safety and health.
Any homeowner with a sewer leak should contact experienced plumbers to restore it to its original state.
Prevent Water Pollution and Contamination
Sewage is a leading water pollution source, and contaminated water causes diseases like hepatitis A and cholera. Many deaths are linked to sewer contamination yearly, as it contains bacteria that cause various diseases.
A sewer water replacement safeguards your property from the effects of polluted water, thus improving your loved one’s health.
Improved Water Quality
Every living being has a basic need for water, and the sewer line is an important part of your home’s water system. Proper maintenance is important to keep your drinking water at the required level. As stated above, a poorly maintained sewer line can cause disease outbreaks, thus putting you and your loved ones at risk.
Saves Money and Time
Most homeowners ignore their sewer system until the problem becomes big and more expensive. It is advisable to conduct frequent home inspections to determine these issues before they escalate.
Remember, a lot of money and time is used when making last-minute calls to plumbers, and you can only avoid this by repairing whenever you detect a leak. Conducting these repairs is important, as you will not incur any expenses later.
Top Factors to Consider Before Repairing Your Sewer Line
A sewer leak must not always result in a total replacement, and below we discuss the main factors to consider before replacing it.
Check out the Signs
Various signs indicate a problem with your sewer line, and the most common include the following;
- Foul odours
- Gurgling drain sounds
- Foundation issues
- Water pools in the lawn.
Determine what Caused the Issue
Next up, homeowners should be aware of what causes most sewer issues to come up with the best solution. The main causes of sewer leaks include;
- Tree roots
- Soil conditions
- Foreign objects and debris
- Adverse temperatures.
Have a Professional Inspect the Sewer
A standard sewer can cause panic in any homestead, but you should not fix it without inspecting it properly. Inspection is key, as it shows you where the problem is, enabling you to develop an ideal solution.
Homeowners should also familiarize themselves with the various sewer line replacement techniques to handle these issues whenever they arise.
How to Repair a Traditional Sewer Line
Traditional sewer line replacement entails carving trenches in your household to replace the whole piping length. This process is invasive, and you might have to excavate lawns, patios, or more.
Final Thoughts
The sewer line is one of the most important yet ignored parts of the house. This system facilitates waste transportation, and the above article has discussed all you should know about sewer line repair.