Residential Sewer Line Repair: Common Problems and Solutions

A well-functioning sewer line is essential for the comfort and sanitation of a home, and many homeowners may not take the time to consider how well their drain system is functioning until an issue arises. There are many areas of concern for sewer lines, whether that be slow drains, bad smells, or back up of water. Prompt action is required anytime there is an issue with your sewer line. At Tricowater, we have seen many residential sewer repairs help stem any further costs of damage, as well as increase the measure of peace of mind for homeowners. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common sewer line emergencies, ways to conduct some simple DIY checks for sewer issues, and when to call a professional sewer repair service.

Why Monitoring and Maintaining Sewer Lines for Homeowners is Important

If you do not watch over the sewer lines in your home, you may end up with several noxious and costly situations. Something as simple as a minor clog can develop into real damage to sewer pipes, that may cause sewer lines to overflow, create damage to your home, and potentially create health problems related to sewage release. By regularly monitoring and maintaining sewer drains, you can mitigate any potential dangers and extend the operation of your plumbing system in your home.

Common Issues with Residential Sewer Lines

Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots will naturally seek moisture, making sewer piping an appealing target, especially if you have an older clay or metal pipe system. Roots have an incredible ability to infiltrate cracks, even small ones, and once inside, they can create a substantial blockage and eventually ruin the pipe altogether. Some signs of tree root intrusion are recurring slow drains and/or gurgling sounds. Early identification of root intrusion, often with a video inspection, can save you a great deal of time and money in the long run by preventing a sewer line repair job (or worse). 

Pipe Corrosion and Aging

Many older homes were built with piping materials that corrode and deteriorate through time and normal use. Older cast iron or galvanized steel pipes are particularly at risk, as they can rust, causing leaks and/or reduced water and waste flow. Corrosion can also have the effect of creating many small cracks in the pipe, which will eventually lead to failure of the entire system.

Clogs and Blockages

Sewer line obstructions can be caused by hair, grease, foreign objects and debris, even mineral build-up. Either way, chronic slow draining or backing up water in unusual places (e.g., your bathtub is draining into your toilet bowl) are both classic signs of a blockage or clog. Some clogs can be remedied with common DIY methods; however, if the clog is chronic it may take a professional sewer repair service to address the issue.

Ground Movement and Sinking

Soils settling, heavy rain, or construction activities can cause sewer pipes to sag, disconnect, or in some cases, even collapse. This is what is commonly referred to as “bellied pipe,” and can result in constant backups and may require specialized repair solutions.

Pipe Collapse

Complete pipe collapse from severe blockages, age, or outside pressure can cause the sewer pipe to stop all flow of wastewater. Emergency solutions are needed in these situations.

Sewer Pipe Repair Tips for Homeowners

If the problem is relatively minor, here are simple DIY sewer pipe repair tips that you can potentially try:

• Plunge and Snake: Using just a basic plunger or hand drain snake, you might be able to eliminate minor clogs without damaging pipes.

• Bacterial Drain Cleaner: An eco-friendly chemical drain cleaner option is one that uses bacteria or enzymes to break down organic waste and even help decrease sewage buildup.

• Flush with Hot Water: You can flush your drains regularly with hot water to help provide some prevention to grease and soap buildup.

• Check for Accessible Roots: If you see little roots invading your yard close to drain pipes, you could always trim roots back, but it is not a long-lasting fix.

• Install Backwater Valves: Backwater valve installation (or sewer backup valve protection) can include a home upgrade to stop sewage from flowing back into the home with heavy rain or sewer clogs.

• Caution: While these do-it-yourself sewer repair ideas are fine for small repairs, trying to repair large ones such as root intrusions or collapse can make a bad situation worse. Proceed carefully and know when to get a pro involved. 

When to Call in Professional Services for Sewer Repairs

There are some signs that will tell you that it’s time to let a professional provide residential sewer line repair services: 

• Multiple Fixtures Backing Up – If more than one drain in your home is slow, or overflowing, you most likely have a main sewer line blockage.
• Foul Smells – Bad smells in the house, wet patches on the lawn or in the yard, or just something smells wrong can mean you have a broken sewer pipe. 
• Foundation Cracks – Sewer leaks will erode the soil under your home and when it erodes your foundation you could have issues. 
• Sewage Backing Up – This is a health hazard that needs immediate address by a trained professional. 

They will utilize a number of learned systems of evaluation that are advanced in execution such as video, use or hydro jetting, and trenchless technology, and their depth of understanding to respond to your request, usually with minimal disturbance to your property. 

Reasons to Choose Tri-County Water Services for Your Residential Sewer Line Repair

At Tricowater, we have a residential sewer line repair service that accommodates both an urgent repair and proactive repair. Here is a sample of why homeowners in Chester County trust Tricowater:

• Advanced Diagnostics: We utilize state-of-the-art cameras and video equipment to diagnose problems without guesswork.

• Experienced With All Pipe Materials: Our team, trained to work on repairs of all different pipe materials, including PVC, cast iron, and clay, has the skills to complete repairs on any type of pipe.

• Mino-Invasive Methods: Whenever possible, we utilize trenchless methods that avoid extensive digging and keep your landscape intact.

• Emergency Service: Sewer emergencies do not wait. Neither do we! Our prompt response minimizes damage and restores normalcy very quickly.

• In addition to any sewer repair, we also offer maintenance plans to extend the life of your sewer system based on the age of your home and plumbing needs.

Preventing Future Issues related to Your Sewer Line:

Routine Inspections:

Potentially, every homeowner should schedule a yearly inspection, especially if you own an older home, to address and fix small issues before they become large headaches.

Proper Disposal:

Use your toilet only for human waste and toilet paper. Grease, bodily products, wipes, and other so-called “flushable” products will clog sewer pipes.

Planting in Your Yard:

While landscaping, be cautious to avoid any trees or shrubs that will overhead or touch your sewer line.

Upgrade Old Pipes:

Consider proactively removing old pipes that are corroded or bellied.

Conclusion

To sum up, your home’s sewer lines might not be on display, but they should always be on your radar. Not only can you face potential risks regarding damage to your sewer pipe, having to deal with clogged pipes, and in the worst-case scenario experiencing a full pipe collapse, the solutions are certainly not too far away either. With regular maintenance, and the right trickle of standard maintenance, as well as residential sewer repair both DIY and professional, you can keep the plumbing of your household in its proper state. For professional, reliable residential sewer line repair throughout Chester County and surrounding areas, contact Tricowater, your source for all your plumbing needs.