We prefer not to think about our home’s sewer line, yet, it’s an essential part of the process. Good water comes in through the main water line, bad water goes out through the sewer line.
So when your sewer line has issues, it’s going to make life difficult in the home. Here are four things that could be compromising your sewer line.
1. Clogs
There’s not too much you can do to prevent issues with your sewer line. More often than not, the problems are created by time and nature—they’re entirely out of your control.
But that’s not the case with clogs. Clogs are almost always created by people, so this is the one sewer line problem that you can prevent with the proper knowledge. Simply put, you just need to know what not to do:
- Don’t pour fats, oils, or greases down the sink. These substances congeal as they cool and will form the basis for a clog.
- Don’t flush anything down the toilet except for waste and toilet paper. Even if those wipes claim to be flushable, many sewer systems have become clogged by them.
- Do get annual drain cleaning to prevent the buildup of these substances.
2. Tree Roots
One of the beauties of nature is how plants can grow toward sources of light. It makes you realize that they are living things capable of striving toward self-preservation.
Much less beautiful, however, is when the roots of a tree will infiltrate a sewer line. Just as plants will move toward light, tree roots will move toward moisture. Hairline cracks in your sewer line might be enough to attract a nearby root, and once that root invades, it won’t stop. You’ll be left with a clogged sewer line and no choice but to call for sewer repair in Santa Barbara, CA.
3. Corrosion
Corrosion is the main cause of leaky pipes in your home, and the same is true for the sewer line. Various types of pipe have been used for sewer lines throughout the decades, often with the purpose of trying to find out which material is most cost-effective and corrosion-resistant.
Often, we stop using one kind of pipe because we find another material that lasts much longer and is more resistant to corrosion. Copper is used in almost all cases, but even then, it’s not invincible to corrosion.
Erosion is one form of corrosion, a kind that happens from inside the pipe. This is typically caused by corrosive materials like liquid drain cleaners.
Pitting corrosion is a type that happens to copper lines and is responsible for creating pinhole leaks. These often won’t be detected until the leaks have become bigger over time.
Steel and iron pipes are prone to corrosion and should be replaced with copper.
4. Bursts
Even worse than a leak is an all-out burst. This is what leads to horrible odors, patches of your yard soaked with waste water, and a foul odor. Not only is your sewer line compromised, but your health is at risk, too.
One of the most common reasons for burst pipes is shifting soil. The soil will shift throughout the seasons, and for aging pipes, it can split them.
Don’t hold off on calling for sewer line repair! Contact Husted Plumbing today to schedule a service.