As a homeowner, sewer problems are the last thing you want to deal with. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the most common issues that homeowners face. From blockages to leaks and tree root infiltration, there’s no shortage of potential problems when it comes to your home’s sewer system. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll explore four of the most common sewer problems and provide expert tips to help you solve them quickly and easily.
1. Sewer Line Blockages
They can lead to issues such as slow drainage, backups, and in some cases, even sewage spills. The great news is that there are steps you can take to prevent these problems. It’s important to be mindful of what you flush down the toilet or pour down your drains. Items like grease, oil, and non-flushable materials such as wipes should never be introduced into your sewer system. Regular maintenance plays a crucial role. By hiring septic and sewer professionals, either through this website or from your local area, you can have routine checks performed on your pipes. This proactive approach helps identify potential problems before they escalate into major blockages. In the event that you do encounter a blockage despite taking preventive measures, it’s best not to hesitate and reach out to a professional for assistance. Attempting DIY fixes could potentially exacerbate the issue, causing further damage to your sewer lines and ultimately resulting in higher repair costs.
2. Sewer Line Leaks or Damage
This issue is often caused by natural wear and tear, shifting soil, or even poor installation. Some of the common signs of sewer line leaks include slow-draining sinks and toilets, foul odors coming from your drains, and wet patches in your yard. If you suspect that your sewer line has a leak or damage, it’s important to call in an expert plumber right away. A professional will be able to diagnose the exact cause of the problem and recommend the best solution for fixing it. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairing a damaged sewer line may require digging up part of your yard or even replacing entire sections of pipe.
However, with modern trenchless technology options available today, many repairs can be done without excavation. Preventing future damage to your sewer lines involves regular maintenance such as annual inspections conducted by licensed plumbers. Taking proactive measures like avoiding flushing non-degradable items down toilets and using drain screens can also go a long way in preventing leaks or damages from occurring in the first place.
3. Tree Root Infiltration
Tree roots are naturally attracted to the moisture and nutrients found in the soil around pipes, which makes them a prime target for invasion. Once tree roots infiltrate a sewer line, they can begin to grow rapidly and expand until they completely block the pipe. This can lead to backups and overflows, causing water damage and potentially hazardous health conditions. One of the most effective ways to prevent tree root infiltration is by planting trees away from your sewer lines. If you have existing trees near your plumbing system, it’s important to regularly inspect your pipes for signs of root intrusion. If you suspect tree roots may be causing issues with your plumbing system, it’s best to call in a professional plumber who has experience dealing with this type of problem.
4. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be caused by a variety of things such as hair, food particles, grease, and soap scum buildup. Clogs in your sink or shower drain can be frustrating, but there are some tips you can use to help prevent them from happening. It’s important to avoid pouring grease down your drain. Grease solidifies when it cools down which makes it easy for clogs to form in your pipes.
Another way to prevent clogs is to install a strainer over your bathroom sink or shower drain. This will catch any debris before it has a chance to go down the drain and cause build-up. Additionally, regularly cleaning out your drains with baking soda and vinegar solution can also help keep them clear. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar down the drain and then let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
As we have discussed in this article, some of the most common sewer problems include blockages, leaks or damages to sewer lines, tree root infiltration, and clogged drains. Regular maintenance such as cleaning out your pipes or inspecting your sewer line can help detect any potential issues before they become major problems. If you do experience any of these problems with your sewage system, it is best to consult with an expert plumber who can provide you with the right solutions for fixing the issue.
When I grew up here there was a village employee who would knock on every door, once a year, and pour a cup of copper sulfate in the toilet. This was a logical way to kill roots before they clogged the pipes. Unfortunately the Trenton bureaucrats in NJ said our sewer plant had higher than acceptable levels of copper, so the practice was stopped. Any homeowner should go to home depot and for less than 15 bucks get a container of ‘zep root kill’ and occassionaly flush it. It will kill intrusive roots, but not the trees. There is another way via foaming herbicide with a product called RootX. Nobody thinks about these problems untill you get a back up. Every time you cut the roots with an emergency drain company, they will grow back twice as thick (think cutting a branch and the suckers will grow below the point where it was cut). Its a HUGE expense to dig up the road, since thats where many of the root intrusions occur. The town changed the law so you are responsible to the main (under the street) NOT just to the curb. Despite having a cast iron waste pipe from the home, the connection is a ceramic elbow under the street, where roots like to get in. Speaking from my own experience… with a camera in the pipe to determine the problem. Spend 15 bucks a year and you’ll never have a problem
Speaking about waste water, water, pollution, facilities. The government is saying that Covid is very high at these locations. Oh yeah, that’s not bullshit. That’s the science.