Several things can cause damage to your sewer line, ranging from tree roots growing into the line to corrosion caused by flushing harsh chemicals down the drain. In this article, we’ll take a look at six common causes of sewer line damage and what you can do to prevent them.
- Tree roots
One of the most common causes of sewer line damage is tree roots. Tree roots are engrossed in the dampness and nutrients in sewage, and they can easily grow into your sewer line if there’s a crack or leak. Once they’ve infiltrated your sewer line, tree roots can cause obstructions and backups. They can also cause the sewer line to collapse.
If tree roots are found in your sewer line, they can be removed with a rooter machine or hydro jetting. In some cases, the damaged section of the pipe may need to be replaced. When you schedule sewer line repair in Mesquite, TX, be sure to ask your plumber if they offer a video camera pipe inspection to check for tree roots.
- Corrosion
Corrosion is another common cause of sewer line damage. Over time, the pipes that make up your sewer line can corrode, especially if they’re made of cast iron or clay. The corrosion can cause the pipes to weaken and eventually break. Additionally, corrosion can cause blockages and backups in the sewer line.
If you think your sewer line might be corroded, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional. If the corrosion is severe, you may need to have the affected section of the pipe replaced.
- Ground movement
Another common cause of sewer line damage is ground movement. Over time, the ground around your sewer line can settle or shift, which can put pressure on the pipes and cause them to crack or break. Additionally, ground movement can damage the connections between your sewer line and your home’s foundation, resulting in leaks.
If you’re unsure whether the ground movement has damaged your sewer line, never fear! A professional inspection will set things straight. Additionally, depending on the amount of damage, the affected section pipe may only require repairs as opposed to a replacement.
- Flushing foreign objects
One of the most common – and preventable – causes of sewer line damage is flushing foreign objects down the toilet. Foreign objects include anything that’s not human waste or toilet paper, such as feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, and cotton balls.
When these objects are flushed, they can cause blockages in your sewer line. Additionally, they can damage the pipes, causing them to leak or break. To prevent this type of damage, it’s important to only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Also, when you schedule drain cleaning in Garland, TX, be sure to ask your plumber about their camera pipe inspection service. This will allow them to identify and remove any foreign objects that may be lurking in your sewer line.
- Grease buildup
Another common cause of sewer line damage is grease buildup. When you cook, the grease from your food can travel down the drain and into your sewer line. Over time, the grease can build up on the walls of the pipe, causing a blockage. Additionally, the grease can harden and trap food particles, which can attract pests and cause an unpleasant odor.
To prevent grease buildup in your sewer line, it’s important to avoid pouring grease down the drain. Instead, pour it into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
- Pipe leaks
Pipe leaks are another common cause of sewer line damage. Over time, the pipes in your sewer line can develop cracks or holes. These cracks and holes can allow water to leak into the soil around the pipe, causing the ground to erode. Additionally, the water can seep into your home’s foundation and cause structural damage.
If you suspect a pipe leak, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may only need to have a small section of pipe replaced. However, if the damage is severe, you may need to have your entire sewer line replaced. Contact James Armstrong Plumbing at 214-918-6109 to schedule an appointment for drain cleaning in Mesquite, TX.
