For the majority of us, we are connected to a city sewer line. A sewer line is also known as a sewer pipe or sewer main. There is very little that can make our sewer lines fail; but when it does, it can wreak havoc. The problems can range from a clogged sewer pipe to tree roots. The worst-case scenario is a broken or collapsed sewer pipe.
Eventually, The Roots Can Block The Pipe Altogether
If there are trees in close proximity to your sewer line, it can put the line at risk of an invasion. The slightest crack in the pipe can cause a tree root to penetrate the pipe and grow swiftly, living off the nutrients in the wastewater. Eventually, the roots can block the pipe altogether and even cause the line to leak. In some cases, they become a catch-all for what’s flushed down the drain and will eventually cause our drain to clog.
The best solution from a tree root invasion is to have your pipe hydro jetted. This powerful machine can eliminate tree roots leaving your drain sparkling clean. While it will remove them for some time, they will eventually return. You may need to consider a trenchless sewer line to seal the drain, leaving you with an epoxy sewer line that will last 40 to 50 years.
Sewer Lines Fail Because Of an Obstruction
Another problem facing our sewer lines is an obstruction of some sort. Over many years of using our sewer mains, they can pick up residue from food grease and sludge and eventually cause our drains to back up. What we put down our drains will generally dictate the health of them. Plumbers will also get calls when something gets flushed down the toilet, such as a stuffed animal. This usually happens when kids are unattended. Many small children have an obsession with toilets and flushing things down them. That’s one reason for a toilet safety seat lock.
Never flush or pour the following down your drain:
- Feminine Products
- Cooking Grease/Food
- Baby Wipes/Wet Wipes/Cleaning Pads
- Dental Floss
- Q-tips/Cotton Balls
- Diapers
- Pills
- Paper Towels/Tissues
- Cigarette Butts
Little actions can extend the life of your sewer line such as the few extra minutes it takes to scrape your dishes before rinsing. For peels and vegetable scraps, consider a composter. You can use the compost as fertilizer for the garden or trees and shrubs.
A Plumber’s Snake Can Remove Most Clogs
In most cases, a powerful auger, also known as a plumber’s snake, can handle most significant clogs, including sewer mains. If a plumber’s snake can not remove a clog, then a truck-mounted hydro jetter is brought in to remove the obstruction.
Sewer Lines Fail When They Become Old
Old age can also be the reason for a failing sewer line. Decades of the soil shifting and harsh conditions can cause a sewer pipe to crack or break. If you’re seeing lush green spots on your grass or smelling raw sewage, then it’s time to have a video inspection of your pipes. Your plumbing professional can complete a video inspection of your pipes and can determine the problem. Once the diagnosis is complete, then a method of repair can be determined. If your sewer line fails, call your Big B’s Plumbing sewer line repair specialist today.
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