Recognizing Signs of Sewer Line Problems
Strong Sewage Smell
If you start to notice a strong sewage smell in or around
your home, there’s a good chance the sewage line is backed up. When these lines
are properly maintained and in good working order, they will not omit any type
of unpleasant odour.
Consistently Wet Grass
If your lawn is consistently wet—even during dryer
seasons—then it’s a strong indicator of a damaged sewer line. It’s possible
that water could be leaking out from the sewer line below, resulting in the
formation of either indentations or sinkholes throughout your yard.
Multiple Blocked Plumbing Fixtures
If several plumbing fixtures in your home start clogging or
backing up at the same time, it could be a sign that the sewer line is clogged.
However, if you notice that the toilet backs up when you flush it, then the
problem could be with your main line pipe instead.
Understanding the Causes of Sewer Line Problems
Severe Pipe Damage
Sewage cannot drain properly through the line when the pipes
are either damaged or ruptured. This can cause immediate and frequent backups
in your system.
Some major causes include the following:
1. Shifting soil, increased foot traffic, or the use of heavy
construction equipment can lead to a sewer line rupture.
2. Corrosion of an older pipe can lead the line to break or
collapse.
If the joints between each pipe seal are leaking, this can
indicate signs of damage, ultimately allowing water and sewage to escape.
Sagging Sewer Line
Although you may not have any control over this issue, sewer
lines are known to gradually sag over time. Also called a bellied pipe, this
occurs when part of the sewer line or pipe has sunk due to poor ground or soil
conditions.
Eventually, the lower spot in the line will begin to collect
debris and other waste products, leading to frequent blockages.
Flushing Debris Down the Toilet
Understanding what can and cannot be flushed down a toilet
is essential for maintaining effective plumbing systems within your home. When
items that are not meant to be flushed end up in your pipes, it can cause sewer
drain issues. You should only flush human waste and toilet paper down the
toilet.
If you experience any problems or suspect there may be an
issue with your sewer line, contact a North York plumber for assistance.
Inspection and Diagnostic Techniques
Hydrostatic pressure test
This test is to determine whether the plumbing system in a
home has any leaks. During this test, a licensed plumber will insert an
inflatable ball into the sewage system. The ball is then used to clean out the
system, before blocking access to the main line.
The main line is then filled up with water to the height of
the ball. If there are any signs of water decreasing, this means the system has
no more leaks.
Infrared pipe cameras
High-tech pipe cameras allow a licensed plumber to conduct
diagnostic testing on your home plumbing system without causing any residual
damage. Inserting the cameras into your home’s drain lines gives the plumber a
clear overall view of the sanitary system below.
Once inside the pipe, the camera can be navigated toward several
different access points, including roof vents, toilet drains, and clean-outs.
Once in place, the plumber uses the footage to observe the current condition of
the pipes and drainage system.
Leak isolation diagnostic testing
During this process, a licensed plumber will use a
combination of the above two diagnostic tests to help isolate various areas of
your home’s sanitary sewage system. This test can accurately spot locations
where obstructions and leaks are present.
Listening devices
In addition to the other options, a licensed plumber can use
cutting-edge listening devices to locate water pressure leaks deep within your
plumbing system. Once the general problem area is identified, they will insert
a tracer system.
Short electric pulses are then shot into the plumbing
system, travelling through the water to accurately detect the source of any
leaks.
Sewer Line Repair Options
Excavation or Trench
This is a tried and true solution for repairing sewer line
damage. A relatively inexpensive option, the plumber will dig trenches on your
property to expose the pipes inside the house. Due to the collateral harm
involved, this option is typically only used when there is a significant amount
of damage that needs to be repaired.
Pipe Lining
This method of repair is typically used when there’s a very
small amount of damage to the pipes. The technician carries out this repair by
inserting an inflatable tube coated in epoxy into the pipe.
Once the tube has reached the damaged part of the pipe, it
will slowly be inflated. Eventually, the epoxy will become a solid against the
interior of the pipe wall, effectively covering the damaged area. The tube will
then be deflated and pulled back out.
Pipe Bursting
This repair method is usually reserved for more severe
damage. The process requires a team of plumbers to destroy the existing
pipeline using a cone-shaped bit, while simultaneously replacing the old pipe
with a new one. However, it is more expensive and time-consuming to complete
these types of repairs.
Preventative Maintenance and Best Practices
One of the most cost-effective methods for maintaining your
home plumbing system is prevention. The more aware you are of the pipes’
condition and overall system’s status, the lower the risk there will be for
irreversible damage.
Some measures you can take include:
1. Being mindful of what you flush down the drain.
2. Keep track of the roots in your yard.
3. Watching the condition of your vent pipe.
4. Performing regular maintenance.
When it comes to plumbing, it’s better to be over-cautious
than get stuck in a situation where the damage is permanent.
Working With Professional Plumbers
There are many reasons why you as a homeowner should hire
professional plumbers. Not only do they offer the necessary expertise to deal
with extensive issues, but they can also provide support and advice on how to
maintain your home’s plumbing system.
Why hire a professional plumber?
1. They provide extensive knowledge and skills.
2. They are equipped with the necessary tools to complete the
job.
3. They are known to provide quality work that has long-lasting
results.
4. They often offer guarantees and warranties with their
work.
5. DIY plumbing comes with several risks that could cause
further, more severe damage.
Be Aware of Your Home Sewer Line
Whether you are a new homeowner or have been in your house
for a while, it’s important to have an understanding of how the plumbing system
works. Sewer line problems can often go undetected until something major
happens.
Being diligent about the signs, while taking active
preventative measures, could mean the difference between peace of mind and
permanent water damage.