The plumbing system is an important part of any home and keeping it well-maintained is crucial in keeping your property safe and clean. As it stands, each water fixture, pipe, and drain in your house is connected to the main sewer and if this gets damaged, everything else will be affected.
Main Sewer Line
Each household has a designated plumbing line that collects all waste from fixtures in the home, including toilet bowls and showers – and this is called the main sewer line. Clogs in the main sewer often go unnoticed simply because the line runs deep underground and not everyone has access to it.
When your main sewer line is clogged, you’ll likely notice three uncommon activities. These include a slow draining speed, unpleasant smells, and sewage backup.
Reasons Sewer Lines Get Clogged
At some point in time, you will have problems with your drain or the toilet bowl. While these are generally minor problems that can be fixed easily, it’s best to keep in mind that these could be signs of more serious issues that will need professional attention. A blocked sewer line may be the cause if you are unable to see any obvious sources for the sudden clog.
Here are three common causes of clogged sewer lines:
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Household Waste
The problem of a clogged sewer can usually be traced to your home. The following household waste can build up over time and cause a leak or rupture in your plumbing system:
- Grease and oil
- Fecal matter and other waste material
- Kitchen debris and food particles
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Tree Roots
When they start to grow, the trees and plants in your yard will search for water sources to help them survive, especially during the dry season. Their roots will often reach your sewer line and poke a hole through it. Additionally, they can grow thick enough such that they end up clogging the sewer.
This is a common problem in old homes where the water pipes are just as old. If your plumbing pipes are designed from clay or other porous materials, these will likely burst if the tree roots get to them.
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Pipe Damage
Over time, you will notice signs of wear on the underground water pipes. However, these pipes can be damaged further by the waste you put down the drain.
Other underground pipe damage can be due to natural or man-made activities. For instance, if the area is hit by a powerful earthquake, it is expected that the pipeline will have suffered some type of damage that will have to be repaired soon. Meanwhile, the operation of heavy equipment and increased foot and car traffic above ground can also apply pressure to the pipes underground and may eventually result in extreme damage.
Sagging sewer pipes could also be a problem. This happens when the soil or the ground shifts. Blockages usually occur when the plumbing system is too saggy.
Finally, old pipes, especially those built in old villages, are prone to corrosion and this will definitely lead to plumbing problems and sewer line breaks.
Signs of Sewer Line Damage
When the sewer line gets damaged, disaster is likely to follow. Below are the common warning signs that can help you avoid a plumbing catastrophe:
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Unusual Activity
It is easy to spot a problem when your plumbing system is not acting the way it normally does. For instance, if you are starting to hear gurgling sounds and other strange noises when you are flushing down the toilet or the sink, it may be a warning that something is particularly off.
The problem should already be obvious when this unusual activity is accompanied by frequent water backups from your drain or toilet. If this happens, call a professional plumber as soon as possible.
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Synchronized Malfunctions
More often than not, plumbing problems occur one at a time. The most common of these involves the toilet. However, there are instances when your plumbing fixtures will show problem signs all at the same time. When these seemingly synchronized malfunctions happen, you better have your main sewer line checked.
Professional plumbers will quickly step in and inspect the line. If the issue is confirmed, they will make all the necessary repairs, including the installation of new pipes when needed.
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Persistent Sewage Backups
There is nothing more terrible than recurring sewage backups. It’s best not to use commercial sewage cleaners in cases like this because they could only make matters worse. Instead, immediately call professional plumbers who can locate the source of the problem and make the needed fix quickly.
Key Takeaway
Clogging problems are often just the tip of the iceberg as this could involve more serious issues like a damaged sewer line. In any case, if you find your plumbing fixtures suddenly clogged, a good first step is to determine the cause and if you find this to be serious, it is best to call a plumber immediately.
Professional plumbers like those at abetterplumberco.com are equipped with the updated knowledge and tested skills that will allow them to identify the cause of the clog and easily fix the damage even if this involves the sewer line.
