Sewer Line Problems: Signs, Causes, and Solutions

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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.

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