Your sewer line plays a vital role in your home’s plumbing system. It is the main line that gets rid of all of the wastewater in your house. Now when that line starts to encounter problems, it can be stressful and expensive to fix. Here at Five Star Plumbing, a plumber in Harford county, we’ve had our fair share of sewer line problems and understand how frustrating they can be. Let’s take a look at what a main sewer line is and some common issues that can occur with them.
What is a main sewer line?
Your main sewer line is what carries all of the wastewater in your house to the city sewage connection or for some people your septic tank. It’s also what all of your drain lines are connected to, so this includes your sinks, showers, toilets, and so on. The main sewer line also has a cleanout system to help with any possible clogs.
Common Sewer Line problems
Pipe Corrosion
Corrosion in the pipes is one of the most common issues with sewer lines. This especially applies to sewer lines that use metal pipes, which is commonly used in homes. Common wear and tear will cause the pipes to rust due to the wastewater traveling through them. This of course will affect their longevity and durability. A camera inspection should be performed at least once a year to stop rust from forming. You may inspect the inside of your pipes and spot any potential cracks where leaks may have formed by having a camera inspect your sewer line. Slow draining, gurgling sounds, and a strong odor coming from your basement or yard are signs that your pipes are corroded or may have collapsed. One of the simplest methods to avoid this is to just be aware of what you flush down the toilet and avoid flushing anything that is highly acidic since it can cause your pipes to tear more quickly.
Tree Root Intrusion
Sewer lines that are built near trees pose a real danger to your pipes, especially when we’re talking about multiple trees. It is a huge problem that can have catastrophic results if not addressed promptly. Since trees need more water as they develop, their roots will continue to spread out in search of additional sources of water so that the growth cycle can continue. These tiny roots sometimes find even the slightest fractures or openings in sewer systems, which they then burrow into to get water. The root expands as a result of the water and other things acting as a catalyst, until it eventually fully obstructs your sewer line and clogs every drain and toilet in your home. One of those problems is tree root intrusion, which takes time to manifest and is sometimes mistaken for another problem. Oftentimes, people don’t notice this is happening until their drains have fully stopped, at which point they are investigating their sewage line with a video camera and notice it. If you see any indications that your drains may be slowing down, it’s crucial to know where your plumbing lines are situated and to inspect them as soon as you can.
Shifting Pipes
Shifting pipes occur when there’s excess weight or excess water seeping underground, which causes the foundation to shift. When it occurs, certain things, like the slope, may shift as a result, but other times, it may result in fractures or leaks at pipe fittings or joints, leading to leaks and possibly intrusion into your sewer systems. Shifting can also damage your lines by causing them to bow, which stops the water from flowing normally. Additionally, it could lead to joint separations, cracks, and a lot more. And perhaps the worst part of shifting is that there isn’t much you can do to stop it. The best thing you can do is to have your sewer line inspected regularly to make sure that no significant change has taken place, and if it has, to take prompt corrective action.
Do you have a plumbing emergency?
Five-Star Plumbing has been proudly serving the Harford county and Baltimore county area for over 30 years.We offer many different services, including well pump services, water treatment, plumbing repair and installation, outdoor plumbing services, drain cleaning, and water heater services.Our technicians will provide you with a flat rate fee up front so you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees. We’ll explain what we plan to do and why we plan to do it, so you know exactly what’s going on.
Call us today at 410-836-0118 to schedule an appointment! You can also submit an online form at plumber-baltimore.com
