The most common sewer problems are tree root intrusion, clogged drains, pipe corrosion, cracked pipes, sewer line bellies, collapse, gas odor, backups, grease buildup, sagging sewer, pests, cast iron, and vent issues. Knowing each of these already helps in dealing with them!
This guide will help you identify the exact sewer problem that might be coming up at your house. Read all the detailed information and be prepared to hire a professional to solve any issue you may find.
15 Common Sewer Line Problems
In any sign of sewer line problems, know that these are the problems you might encounter: tree root intrusion, clogged drains, pipe corrosion, cracked pipes, sewer line bellies, sewer line collapse, gas odor, backups, grease buildup, sagging sewer, pests, cast iron, and vent issues.
Continue reading to learn more about each problem.
1. Tree Roots Intrusion
Tree roots seek moisture, and as trees grow vigorously in spring, their roots can infiltrate sewer lines through small cracks or joints, causing blockages and potentially damaging the pipes. If your solution is to cut the tree down, make sure you have the right tree-cutting equipment!
2. Clogged Drains
Winter debris, such as twigs, sediment, and leaves in drains can accumulate during the colder months. As spring arrives and temperatures rise, this debris can thaw and lead to clogged drains, resulting in backups and unpleasant odors.
3. Pipe Corrosion
Over time, sewer pipes can corrode due to age, exposure to the elements, and chemical reactions within the pipes. Spring weather fluctuations, such as freeze-thaw cycles, can exacerbate this corrosion, leading to leaks and weakening of the sewer lines.
4. Cracked Pipes
Freeze-thaw cycles during winter can cause pipes to expand and contract, leading to cracks or fractures in the sewer lines. These cracks provide entry points for roots, debris, and groundwater, potentially causing blockages and compromising the system's integrity.
5. Sewer Line Bellies
Ground shifts during spring, often due to thawing soil or excessive rain, can create low spots or bellies in sewer line problems. These bellies can impede wastewater flow, leading to backups and pooling in the affected areas.
6. Sewer Line Collapse
Heavy rainfall in spring can lead to water pooling in your yard and saturating the soil surrounding sewer lines, increasing the pressure on the pipes. This pressure, combined with factors such as age and deterioration, can lead to sewer line collapse, causing significant disruptions and requiring immediate attention.
7. Sewage Backups
Spring showers and melting snow can overwhelm sewer systems, leading to backups and overflows into homes and properties. These backups can cause extensive damage to property and pose health risks to occupants.
8. Grease Buildup
Cooking oils and grease solidify in colder temperatures, leading to buildup within sewer lines during winter. As temperatures rise in spring, this buildup can become dislodged and contribute to blockages, requiring professional intervention to clear the pipes.
9. Sewer Gas Odors
Warmer temperatures in spring can exacerbate sewer gas odors, which are often indicative of leaks or ventilation issues within the sewer system. These odors can be unpleasant and may signal potential health hazards if left unaddressed.
10. Sagging Sewer Lines
Ground shifts, settling, or erosion during spring can cause sewer lines to sag or lose their proper alignment. It can impede the flow of wastewater, leading to backups and potential damage to the pipes.
11. Invasive Rodents
Warmer weather in spring can encourage rodent activity, including burrowing and nesting near sewer lines. Rodents may damage sewer pipes by chewing through them or causing shifts in the soil, leading to leaks and blockages.
12. Foreign Objects
Spring cleaning activities may lead to accidental flushing of foreign objects, such as wipes, sanitary products, or toys, down the drain. These objects can become lodged in the sewer lines, causing blockages and backups that require professional removal.
13. Cast Iron Sewer Line Problems
Older properties may have sewer lines made of cast iron, which can rust and deteriorate over time. Spring moisture and temperature changes can accelerate this corrosion, leading to leaks, blockages, and potential collapses in the sewer lines.
14. Sewer Line Vent Problems
Blocked or damaged sewer vents can lead to poor ventilation within the sewer system, causing slow drainage, gurgling noises, and unpleasant odors. Spring foliage or debris buildup around vent pipes can exacerbate these issues, requiring cleaning or repair to restore proper airflow.
15. Lateral Sewer Line Problems
Issues with the lateral sewer line, which connects individual properties to the main sewer line, can arise due to ground shifts, tree root intrusion, or age-related deterioration. It can result in backups, leaks, and sewage seepage into the surrounding soil, needing repairs or replacements to ensure proper function.
Regardless of your sewer problem, the best idea is to call homeyou's plumbing pros to solve it for you.
