Common Sewer Line Issues
A home's sewer line can be subjected to a number of serious problems over the course of time. When these problems develop, it will be necessary for a homeowner to take aggressive action to minimize the disruptions and problems that sewer line problems can cause. For homeowners that are not well-informed about sewer lines, it can be important to review a few of the more routine problems a sewer line will experience.
Shifting Sewer Line
Over time, the soil around the sewer line can shift and change in response to erosion. These changes can be extremely damaging to the sewer line, as they can cause it to lose support. When this occurs, the sewer line may be more prone to developing leaks or completely rupturing. If you notice that the soil in the area around your sewer line is changing, you may want to have the sewer line inspected for signs of damage. Otherwise, it could be weeks or months before you notice that water is leaking from this line, which could allow significant amounts of your yard to become contaminated.
Roots
Roots growing into the sewer line is another major problem that can be encountered. When this problem is encountered, all of the drains in the home may start to become backed up. One way to correct this problem is to excavate the soil around the pipe so that the root can be cut away. In many instances, the damaged section of the sewer line will need to be replaced, as it can be possible for tree roots to puncture large holes in the sewer line.
Residue Accumulations
During the course of a year, substantial amounts of wastewater will flow through your sewer line. Not surprisingly, this can lead to the formation of large accumulations of organic residue in the pipe. These accumulations can become large enough to slow the flow of water through the sewer line. While this can be a very disruptive problem to encounter, it is fairly simple to repair. By having the sewer line thoroughly flushed, you will be able to help restore the performance of this part of your home's plumbing.
Rust
As pipes age, they will start to suffer wear and tear. Corrosion is one of the more common and serious issues that pipes can encounter. The water flowing through a sewer line can put tremendous stress on the pipe. Unfortunately, corrosion can weaken these walls, which may lead to a higher risk of leaks forming. A video inspection of the sewer line will be necessary to determine whether significant corrosion is occurring. If this problem is caught while it is still relatively new, it may be possible to repair the issue by removing the rust and applying a protective coating to the compromised sections of the sewer line.
For additional information and professional assistance, contact a sewer main specialist.