Small problems in your home’s sewer line have the potential to become major issues that can disrupt your entire drainage system and cost thousands of dollars to fix if they are not detected early and solved on time.
Many times, these small problems show up as minor issues that appear to be unrelated to the function of your sewer line. Azure Sky Bryan Realty has noticed that most homeowners may overlook the issues until they become a plumbing emergency.
What causes sewer line problems in the home, and what are your best options for solving them?
Common causes of sewer line damage in Downers Grove, IL
Pouring grease down the drain
Fats, grease, and oils are easily the number one cause of sewer line damage in homes. That’s because fats, oils and grease solidify inside the sewer line and increase the buildup within the system.
Tree root infiltration
Damage by tree roots is another leading cause of sewer line damage. Tree roots can grow around and over a sewer line or even wrap themselves around it. The roots may penetrate the pipes or dislodge and crack them.
Misuse of the toilet
Sewer line damage also results from flushing the wrong items into a toilet. Except for toilet paper and human waste, nothing else should go into the toilet, including diapers, wipes, tampons, female sanitary products, etc.
Corrosion and aging
Most of the corrosion inside a sewer line is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is released as a by-product of bacterial action on waste. Sewer lines also lose their structural integrity and become more prone to damage as they age.
Soil movements
Ground movements following soil erosion, sinkholes or earthquakes can cause a sewer line to bend and crack. These movements can also result from poor construction practices when soil is not properly compacted before the pipes are laid.
Extreme temperature changes
Extreme cold can make the contents of a sewer line freeze. Frozen sewer lines are more liable to leak and crack. Cracked pipes will admit tree roots and soil into the line, increasing the probability of blockage.
What to do about sewer line damage
The right solution for your sewer line problems depends on whether the issues are due to a clog or because the line is broken. It is easier to clean a clogged sewer line than to fix a cracked one. However, a clogged sewer line can easily become a cracked sewer line if it is not fixed.
If your sewer line is cracked, the two options for resolving the issue are: repair the sewer line or replace the sewer line. Should you repair your broken sewer line, or is it better to replace it? Below are some of the factors to consider when making this decision;
The repair history of your sewer line
If the sewer line has been repaired in the past, it may not be a good idea to do it a second time, especially for the same issue. For first-time damage, repair the line.
The type and extent of the damage
If only a small segment of the sewer line is damaged and the section can be replaced using a trenchless method, you would be better off replacing the line.
The project cost
If the cost of repairing the sewer line is up to 50% of the cost of replacing it, it is better to replace the sewer line. But if you opt to repair it instead, you may be faced with an even bigger cost for the same issue in a few years.
The available time
Sewer line replacement takes time and is very disruptive due to the excavation required. Sometimes, these problems happen at the worst possible time. If you don’t have time to fix the problem, you could repair it as a temporary fix.
The sewer line material
You should not attempt to repair a sewer line if it has lead pipes. Because of their toxicity, lead pipes are no longer permitted for use in sewer lines. If you have lead pipes in your sewer line, this is the best time to replace them.
The age of your sewer line
If your sewer line is older than 25 years or nearing 50 years. It is better to replace it because older sewer lines are more susceptible to damage.
But how do you determine the sewer line’s condition in your Downers Grove (IL) home and properly decide how to fix your drainage problems?
A qualified sewer line repair service is your key to choosing the right solution.
To help you make an informed decision, an experienced plumber in Downers Grove (IL) can visually inspect the line to recommend the next best step.