In the realm of homeownership, some lucky folks will never have to think about getting a new sewer line since these babies last a long time. But there’s a group that isn’t so fortunate, and they end up with cracked or broken sewer mains – tough break! The good news is there are much better and more affordable options than a full replacement—for instance, trenchless sewer lines, which cost way less than tearing out the old one. Our trusty sewer line runs underground, dutifully carrying all the wastewater from every drain in the house straight to the city’s sewer main for some proper treatment. We usually only sit up and take notice when the signs of a sewer line problem make themselves known. So, it’s smart to keep an eye out for those signs and tackle the issue before it goes haywire.
Understanding the Six Main Signs of a Broken Sewer Line
#1 Slow-Moving Drains
Persistent slow drains throughout your house could be a telltale sign of a broken sewer line. When the sewer main is compromised, it hinders the smooth flow of wastewater, causing drainage issues in multiple areas of your home. If left unattended, this can lead to more severe problems like sewage backups, foul odors, and potential damage to your plumbing system. It’s essential to address the issue promptly by contacting a professional plumber who can inspect and repair the broken sewer line, restoring proper drainage and preventing further complications.
#2 Sewage backups
Sewage backups in the home can be a real nightmare and often result from a broken sewer line. When the sewer main becomes cracked or damaged, wastewater can’t flow freely, leading to backups that can flood your living spaces with unsanitary and foul-smelling sewage. Besides the obvious health concerns, these backups can cause significant property damage and disrupt your daily life. Suppose you notice slow drains, gurgling sounds, or foul odors emanating from your plumbing. In that case, acting quickly and seeking professional assistance to diagnose and repair the broken sewer line is crucial, preventing further inconvenience and potential hazards. Trenchless sewer lines are the best option for sewer line replacement.
#3 Sewer gas odor
A broken sewer line can be the culprit behind that unpleasant sewer gas odor lingering around your property. When the sewer main is damaged, sewer gases escape into the surrounding environment instead of being properly channeled away. A foul smell can permeate your home or yard, making it uncomfortable and uninviting. Not only is this odor offensive, but it also poses potential health risks. If you detect sewer gas odors, take immediate action and have a professional plumber inspect and repair the broken sewer line, ensuring a safe and odor-free living space once again.
#4 Green patches of grass
If you notice vibrant green patches of grass in your yard, it could be an unexpected consequence of a broken sewer line. Small amounts of wastewater might leak into the surrounding soil when the sewer main is compromised. Although this sounds counterintuitive, the added moisture and nutrients from the wastewater can promote lush growth, resulting in those conspicuous green patches. While the grass might appear healthy, promptly addressing the broken sewer line is essential, as the leakage can lead to more severe issues and potential soil contamination. Consulting a professional plumber to assess and repair the broken sewer line will help ensure a healthy and problem-free yard.
#5 Sewage pooling in your yard
Sewage pooling in your yard clearly indicates a broken sewer line. When the sewer main becomes damaged or clogged, it hinders the normal flow of wastewater, leading to sewage backing up and pooling on the surface. This unpleasant and unsanitary situation poses health risks and can cause damage to your property. Prompt action is crucial in such cases. Calling a professional plumber to inspect and repair the broken sewer line is essential to prevent further complications and restore the proper functioning of your sewer system, ensuring a clean and safe environment for your home. Consider replacing the old broken line with one of two trenchless sewer lines.
#6 Mold problem
A mold problem can arise due to a broken sewer line, a serious issue requiring immediate attention. When the sewer line is damaged, it can cause water leakage and excess moisture in your home’s walls, floors, and ceilings. This damp environment provides the perfect breeding ground for mold to flourish. Mold damages your property and can pose health risks, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues. Addressing the broken sewer line promptly by consulting a professional plumber is crucial to stop the water leakage and prevent further mold growth. Also, proper mold remediation measures should ensure a safe and healthy living environment for you and your family.
Tree Roots Will Return and Multiply, Living on Raw Sewage
If you’re noticing any of the signs from above, it’s time to call your local Licensed plumbing contractor for a complete sewer pipe inspection. Your plumbing technician will first inspect the surrounding areas around the home. Next, sewer pipes receive a camera inspection, usually starting at the cleanouts. Once they identify the problem, your specialist will implement a repair plan. In the case of tree roots, the usual strategy is to clear the roots using a powerful hydro jetting machine. The hydro jetting machine will remove the roots and leave the sewer drain clean and free of any debris or residue. Unfortunately, once tree roots breach a sewer line, they will return and multiply, living on raw sewage.
Trenchless Sewer Lines, Also Known as a Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP) or Pipe Bursting
CIPP Method
Trenchless sewer lines are the solution to a broken, cracked, or breached sewer main. There are two types of trenchless technologies a cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) or pipe bursting. CIPP works like this: Your plumbing expert will place a premeasured liner into a roller assembly. They’ll saturate the liner with resin using the assistance of a vacuum. (2) Then, a pullback rope is attached, and the pipe is rolled back into a sealed inversion tank. (3) The end of the liner is put into place, and air pressure gets added so that the liner can negotiate its way down the broken pipe. The liner is also capable of making 90-degree bends and will conform to different sizes in the pipeline. Once the liner is in place and allowed to cure, the pipe can become serviceable again.
Pipe Bursting Method
Pipe bursting is an innovative and efficient method used to repair a broken sewer line. Instead of excavating the entire length of the damaged pipe, pipe bursting involves inserting a new, durable pipe directly into the old one. A specialized bursting head is then pulled through the old pipe, breaking it apart as it goes and simultaneously laying the new pipe in its place. This trenchless technique minimizes disruption to your property, as it requires only small access points at either end of the sewer line. Pipe bursting is an excellent solution for replacing damaged sewer lines, resulting in a long-lasting, seamless pipe that can withstand the rigors of wastewater transportation. This method offers a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional excavation, ensuring a swift and reliable restoration of your sewer system with minimal hassle.
Trenchless Sewer Lines Last 50 Years or Longer
The lifespan of trenchless sewer lines is 50 years or longer, and the savings are significant in comparison. Additionally, you can expect minimal collateral damage to your landscaping because your old sewer main does not need removal; they only require access holes. If you have problems with your sewer main, call the experts at Big B’s Plumbing; we’re A+, rated with the Better Business Bureau with thousands of top-notch reviews.
It’s great that you mentioned that a trenchless sewer line would last for about 50 years, and homeowners would be able to save a significant amount of money. We’ve been having problems with our sewer mainline for a while now. I’ll share what you said with my husband later so we could discuss contacting a trenchless sewer replacement solution soon. Thanks.