Identifying a sewer line problem, whether a clog, a damaged pipe, or a sewer line conversion, can help prevent further damage to the plumbing system. Addressing plumbing issues can help homeowners, project managers, and business owners maintain the health of their sewer systems.

The Most Common Sewer Line Issues To Look Out For

Understanding different types of sewer line issues to look out for can help homeowners quickly identify and resolve problems in the sewer system before further damage occurs. Here are some of the most common sewer line issues to look out for and their causes:

Clogs and Blockages

Sewer clogs are typically caused by the accumulation of hair, soap residue, grease, and other objects that accidentally enter the drain or are flushed down. Another cause of sewer line clogs or blockages is the intrusion of tree roots into the lines. To prevent sewer line clogs and blockages in the future, avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste.

Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines as they seek moisture. This intrusion can cause blockages within sewer pipes or even break through the lines. Tree root intrusion is more common in older homes with porous or clay pipes. Identifying if your sewer line has been affected by tree roots can result in slow drains and more severe and recurrent backups.

Pipe Damage

Metal sewer pipes can corrode over time, while other materials can begin deteriorating due to soil composition or wastewater contaminated with chemicals. Pipe corrosion and deterioration can result in pipe leaks, poor water quality, and sewer line failure. Bellied pipes typically occur when a pipe begins to sag due to changes in the soil or ground conditions surrounding it. This can lead to sewer line blockages and reduce flow as waste and debris accumulate in the “belly.” Regular inspections from a professional plumber can identify potential issues within the pipes or sewer system before they become serious.

Sewer Gas Odor

Sewer smells in or around a property indicate an issue within the sewer line, such as a clog, crack, or vent. If you start smelling foul odors on your property, it’s probably time to call a professional plumbing company to identify and address the source of the problem correctly.

Sewer Backups

Backups in the sewer line are gross and messy and can pose serious health risks if not handled properly and promptly. Sewer line backups typically occur from line blockage in the sewer system or being overwhelmed by heavy rainfall. Calling a professional when experiencing a sewage backup can prevent further damage within the system and on the property.

Sewer Line Conversions

Sewer line conversions are when a property converts its septic system by connecting its plumbing to a municipal sewer system. The process of converting your septic to a sewer system requires the assistance of a professional plumbing company. Property owners typically do sewer conversions as it can increase property value, provide a more reliable solution for waste management, and eliminate recurring maintenance for a septic tank.

How To Prevent Sewer Line Problems

If you’ve converted your septic system to a sewer line system, although this reduces maintenance, it still requires proper care and maintenance. One of the ways you can help maintain a functional plumbing system in your home is through preventative practices for sewer line problems, including:

1. Be Mindful Of What Goes Down The Drain

Be cautious about what you flush down the toilet and drain. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, such as wipes, cotton balls, sanitary products, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels. These items can clog your sewer line, causing blockages or further damage. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down your toilet. Grease, fats, and oils should not be poured down the drain. Grease will solidify in the sewer pipes, causing blockages and potential sewer issues.

2. Use Drain Strainers

Using drain strainers in showers, bathtubs, and sinks is excellent for catching hair, soap scraps, and other debris from entering the sewer line.

3. Regularly Clean Your Drains

Regularly cleaning your drains with natural cleaners can help remove any buildup in the pipes before a blockage occurs. This can include mixing baking soda and vinegar and using hot water to clean the drain thoroughly. Regular sewer line inspections and cleanings performed by professionals can also be beneficial, ideally every 18 to 22 months, to prevent potential issues from arising.

4. Protect Pipes From Tree Roots

When planting trees or large shrubs, consider the location carefully. Protect your pipes from tree roots by keeping them away from sewer lines, as this can prevent roots from infiltrating your pipes and causing damage. If there are trees around your sewer lines, doing regular sewer line inspections can help identify tree root intrusion early on.

5. Inspect and Repair Cracks

Even small sewer pipe leaks can lead to more significant issues, so regular inspections are necessary. A professional company can use camera inspections to identify cracks or leaks within the sewer line.

6. Install A Backwater Prevention Valve

A backwater prevention valve helps prevent sewage from backing into the home during rainstorms or municipal sewer overflows. This valve is installed in the sewer line that usually runs into the home’s basement.

7. Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Over time, chemical drain cleaners can erode sewer pipes, leading to additional issues such as pipe corrosion or leaks. Limit the use of these types of cleaners or opt for enzymatic cleaners, which utilize bacteria to produce enzymes that break down materials in the drain.

8. Know Your Sewer Line

To prevent sewer line problems, it’s essential to understand the layout of your sewer lines. Knowing where your sewer lines run and their connection to the municipal sewer system can help identify and address potential issues.

9. Respond To Problems Quickly

Please don’t wait to address it when your toilets start to gurgle, slow drains, or other signs of sewer line problems. Promptly responding to and treating sewer line issues can prevent blockage or further damage to your sewer lines.

If you’re experiencing sewer line issues, Central Septic and Plumbing offers septic line repair services in Lilburn, GA, and the Metro Atlanta areas. Contact us today for the best sewer line services in Atlanta!

Reference

  • Green Gobbler. CHEMICAL VS. ENZYME DRAIN CLEANERS: WHICH IS BETTER?