Signs Of Sewer Line Damage

Your main sewer line is the largest drain in your home and is absolutely imperative to the functionality of your home’s plumbing system. Every other drain in your home leads to this one major drain, which will run underground from your house and connect to a city sewer system or a septic tank. Over time, problems can arise from this main sewer line, depending on age, shifting soil, and other reasons. If you suspect your main sewer line may be having troubles, there are several signs you can look for. If your main sewer line is damaged in some way, you will want to recruit the services of a professional plumber to handle repairs for you.

Damage to the Pipe

The main sewer line, like other pipes, can become damaged if it is jostled around too much. The pipe can crack, burst, or break altogether, resulting in leaks and flooding that you would much rather avoid, especially with the unpleasant odors that will no doubt be released. The main sewer line can even collapse if too much soil shifts around it, or if the ground is frozen in severe cold weather. Make sure you perform regular checks so you know the state of the pipe.

Clogs

Again, like other pipes, your main sewer line can become clogged or blocked due to a variety of different things. Clogs are caused by dumping the wrong things down the drain. These causes are the result of household waste, debris, grease, food, and other foreign objects. To avoid clogs, make sure you watch what goes down the drain. These clogs can build up over time, narrowing the gap in the pipe and creating weak points that are likely to break or crack at the slightest pressure. In most cases, it is better to not dump things down the drain at all.

Corrosion

Age affects everything eventually, and sewer lines are no different. Corrosion and leaky joints are the result of aging sewer lines, and make the pipe much more susceptible to breakages and cracking, not to mention weakened seals. If it has been a long time since your sewer line was examined for repairs, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber to double check everything for you. It is always better to know about these things beforehand so unpleasant surprises don’t greet you one day.