What are the Most Common Causes for Sewer Problems?

Learn More About Keeping Your Sewer Lines Cleared

Imagine how chaotic your house would get if the sewer system were not working appropriately. Sewer problems such as sewer line backups and clogs can lead to other issues, which is why you need to take them seriously. Understanding the common causes of sewer problems is crucial to prevent having an incident of your own.

Tree Roots

While they may seem inferior, roots are incredibly stubborn, robust, and resilient. They function as the tree’s life, extending minute feeder roots that search for important nutrients and water. The moisture in the substantial sewer pipes releases vapor into the soil surface, attracting these feeders. As soon as the roots notice the temperature rise and increased moisture, they move toward it. 

Once a weak spot is found, they intrude into the pipe and grow within. When inside, they try to expand in width and length, which increases the pipe’s porosity and allows more vapor and water to escape. The pipe then fills up with tree roots that resemble hair and keep growing, impeding the movement of waste.

Clogs

Clogs, often brought on by grease deposits, wet wipes, and feminine sanitary items, are another frequent reason for sewer problems. These objects can cause major obstructions, backlog, or even worse, a total collapse when they build up in the sewers. Take caution when discarding your waste, and refrain from flushing or pouring such items to avoid sewer disasters.

Overloads

Your drainage system can manage the additional water and function well even when it rains excessively. However, you can encounter backup issues if there are extended periods of excessive downpours or other weather-related events. This occurs due to too much rainwater accessing this integrated framework, overwhelming its capability and causing backups that affect your sewage line. Additionally, if too many houses are connected to a specific sewer line, there might be an overload. 

Corrosion

Among the most frequent problems with sewage pipes is line corrosion, caused by the steel in the sewer pipes reacting with the sewage they convey. Because of their lifespan and endurance, steel sewage pipes, which are rather prevalent, are almost entirely the origin of this issue. A

How can you tell whether your sewer line is being impacted by pipe corrosion? The simplest method is a digicam examination by a certified plumbing professional. This way, you can view the pipe and identify any possible weak points or areas where breaches may have occurred.

The long years of use may have eaten up the pipes without your knowledge, leaving a significant gap that could allow sewage to leak into your home. Being mindful of the things you flush into the drains and doing all you can to minimize disposing of anything that is very acidic will go a long way toward preventing this issue. Acidic solutions react forcefully and cause accelerated wear and tear.