Main Causes of Cracked Pipes

Modern sewer lines are often rated to last for more than 80 years. However, Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter has found that property owners may need trenchless sewer pipe repair sooner than expected due to a variety of reasons, with cracking being one of the primary ones. Let’s go over some of the main causes of cracked pipes.

Improper Sewer Line Installation

When getting a new sewer line installed, it’s critical that you have the work done by an experienced, trusted plumber. Amateur mistakes can hurt you in the long run. In some instances, the underground pipe may need extra support. If the technicians fail to do so, your piping is far more likely to settle and break.

Tree Roots

It’s always a good idea to avoid planting trees within 10 feet of your sewer line. Roots can spread a long distance. Because your sewer pipe is a source of water and nutrients, tree roots will be naturally drawn to it. (We have an entire blog post dedicated to how to tackle roots in pipes.) These roots can crush your pipe, thus causing a crack and prompting the need for a visit from the pros to discuss trenchless sewer repair or replacement.

Pipe Deterioration

While pipes are designed to last for a long time, poor maintenance can cause them to deteriorate. Many homeowners make the mistake of using liquid drain cleaners. Over time, the chemicals in these products can cause your sewer line to corrode. When encountering slow drains, your best bet is to call in a professional to clean out the gunk as a proactive step to avoid trenchless pipe lining.

Shifting Soil

Certain environmental factors make sewer lines more prone to cracking. Shifting soil is difficult to prevent. Oftentimes, heavy rain proves to be the culprit. As the foundation starts to move, the pipe gradually begins to weaken. After a crack develops, the preferred solution will be trenchless pipe replacement — it’s far less invasive than traditional sewer repair work (no excavation of yards, sidewalks, parking spots, etc.).

At Bob Oates, we’re for you 24/7. If you suspect you may have a cracked pipe, we’ll quickly come out and do full inspection. After diagnosing the problem, we’ll discuss solutions that work with your time and budget to get things back up and running smoothly.

We proudly offer our services to cities and communities across the Greater Seattle region, including the following locations:

• Ballard
• Bellevue
• Federal Way
• Fremont
• Greenwood
• Kent
• Lynnwood
• Queen Anne
• Renton
• Seattle
• Shoreline
• Tacoma
• West Seattle

Give us a call or reach out to us online anytime!.