Did you know that there are two different types of wastewater systems your home could be using? The first is a septic system. Septic systems run independently. They typically work for just one home and collect wastewater and filter out sludge. There is a leach field that the water runs through to purify it so it can be reused.
The second option, which is most common in cities, is a sewer system. A sewer system is quite simple, and it’s designed. Your home’s entire plumbing will come to a point outside of the home, underground, to one pipe. This pipe will branch off of your property and connect to the city sewer line. Everyone else’s sewer line will connect to this one line transporting water to a treatment plant. At the treatment plant, particles and debris are removed, and water is cleaned and ready for use once more. Now that you have a basic understanding of a sewer system, it’s the layout; It is time to discover what type of problems can happen.
What Causes Sewer Issues?
Have you ever experienced a toilet, not flushing? The sheer panic of the water not going down the drain and slowly creeping back up to the rim is enough to send anyone into a state of fear. When a sewer line has an issue, it affects more than just a single drain line. That means that every single one of the drain lines in your home will start to act out of character. Your toilet won’t be the only thing affected. You may notice early on red flags that could indicate a sewer issue, but without a diagnostic from a plumber, the real issue won’t be discovered.
One of the most common sewer line issues is an issue with tree roots. If you have trees in your yard, chances are tree roots could become a problem sooner or later. Tree roots have a mind of their own and travel wherever they want. They can break into just about anything! HELP adds, “The core issue with tree roots is something that no licensed plumber can change. Tree roots naturally grow in the direction of a water source. This is basic tree survival.”
Another factor that can influence sewer line conditions is corrosion. As plumbing pipes age, they can become damaged or start to rust. Once rust starts, pinhole leaks will develop. At first, the problem may not be noticeable. But over time, sewage water will leak into your yard, creating a bigger problem. Let’s take a look at the telltale signs of a sewer line problem and more information about repairs.
Signs Of A Faulty Sewer
Do you know the warning signs of a faulty sewer? Knowing what to look for or what’s going on with your home’s plumbing is a great way to give you peace of mind. After all, you may think a gurgling toilet is just acting funny, and it will resolve itself, but it could actually mean your sewer line has tree roots.
Drain Line Issues
Any drain line issue could be connected to a sewer line problem. But before you start thinking the worst, check out multiple drains before you get concerned. One drain line having a problem does not mean that your sewer line is the issue. That could simply mean that there is a clog at that specific site. Remember, the sewer line is where all of your plumbing pipes come to you and flow to the city line. If your sewer pipe is clogged, more than one of your drain lines will be experiencing an issue. Most of the time, homeowners notice that water is slowly draining in their bathtub, sinks both in the kitchen and bathroom, and various other drains.
Soggy Yards
After a rain, a soggy yard isn’t that unusual. But if you haven’t had rain for a few days or even weeks, and your yard is soggy, and the grass is looking fantastic, this is not a good sign. This actually means that it is likely a sewer line leak. Because the sewer contains water and nitrogen materials, it creates a sort of fertilizer for your lawn. It is the perfect recipe for grass to grow quickly and maintain a vibrant green color.
Sewage Smell
A strong sewage smell in your yard is not normal. In fact, this signals a huge problem with your sewer line, more than likely a break in the line that needs to be fixed. A sewage smell may also be coming from your drain lines. If you can’t figure out where an unusual odor is coming from, even after you’ve cleaned, chances are it’s the wastewater in the system backing up.
Possible Repairs For Sewer Line Problems
Now that you know about some of the possible causes for sewer line issues and signs to identify them, what repairs would be needed? How could your plumber handle a faulty sewer line? Well, it depends on what exactly is going on with the sewer itself. If your plumber is equipped with the latest technology, like inline sewer camera inspections, they can take a look inside the pipe to see where the issue is coming from. They will also be able to see if it is a tree root problem, leak, or a clog from a foreign object. This will give them greater insight as to how to repair it.
There are two ways to access a sewer line. One is with an excavation using heavy machinery. This will expose the sewer pipe and allow the plumber to remove the damaged pipe and replace it with a new one. The other option is with a cure-in-place pipe technology. This will create a lining inside the plumbing pipe that is like a brand-new pipe. Ultimately it will come down to the technology your plumber has invested in.
Lastly, your plumber may offer drain cleaning services. RDH Plumbing, Sewer, and Drain Specialist provides customers with not only sewer solutions like trenchless sewer line repair but also offers drain cleaning with hydro jetting. Hydro jetting is extremely effective at removing tough clogs and restoring water flow. If tree roots are a problem, rooter systems are usually the most effective. If you’re having any type of issue with your sewer line, give a professional a call for guaranteed service to resolve the problem.
