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Sewer line failure is becoming the new concern that many homeowners fear. These buried systems are key to waste handling, but people rarely think about sewer lines before something goes seriously wrong. A failed sewer line can cause irreparable damage, disrupt daily activity, and be costly, so it pays to know what’s causing increases in sewer line failures and find ways to shield your home against these costly, inconvenient problems.
Over the past few decades, sewer line failures have increased. While several contributing factors contribute to this issue, many key reasons explained below on why homeowners experience more sewer line problems today than in the past.
Many homes, especially those built before the 1970s, have sewer lines made of older materials like clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg fiber pipe. These materials were commonly used for sewer lines decades ago but were not designed to last.
They weakened, cracked, and corroded over time and are prone to breaks and blockages. Older neighborhoods experience an increased incidence of sewer line failures. Typically, the useful life of such pipes is 50 to 100 years. Hence, most of these old systems are reaching their end of life.
Another leading cause of failing sewer lines is tree roots. As everything biologically known alive tends to seek moisture, the pipes carrying wastewater represent the perfect source for trees. As time passes, tiny cracks or joints may serve as easy entry points through which the roots invade the pipes. Once inside, these roots keep growing, causing blockages, backups, and sometimes complete pipe ruptures.
The danger of root intrusion increases in the case of an urban setting with growing density and more plantations around the house. Such an issue might be more concerning in older areas with mature trees, but this does not discount the fact that newer homes and younger trees may still face similar problems.
Sewer lines are underground, hence exposed to moving ground conditions. Natural occurrences like soil erosion, earthquakes, or alteration of groundwater levels may make the ground move and, in turn, shift the sewer pipes.
Settling foundations in older homes can put enough stress on the sewer lines to cause cracks or misalignment. The problem is even worse in expansive clay soils, where the ground might drop precipitously in response to changes in moisture levels. Changes like this can affect the alignment of the pipe and lead to leaks or complete collapse.
Modern homes draw in more water than ever in history. The home’s plumbing system is under constant stress, from high-efficiency showers to good laundry machines and dishwashers. This increased water usage level puts undue stress on sewer lines in older homes. Improper disposal of items such as grease, diapers, wipes, or other non-flushable materials can also cause blockages, which can build up over time, causing severe backups.
Climate change causes nearly every aspect of life to be affected, and sewer lines do not escape this trend. Heavy rainfall, storms, and floods make the sewer systems overflow. Gradually, this leads to cracks in pipes, overflows, and increased pressure on the whole sewer infrastructure. More variable weather patterns increase the possibility of exposure of sewer lines to external forces.
While most sewer line failures are unavoidable, there is much that a homeowner can do to reduce the risk and protect their home from expensive repairs. Here are a few ways to prevent sewer line issues and keep their plumbing system healthy.
One of the most proactive steps homeowners can take is to schedule regular sewer line inspections. Catching potential issues early is a great way to have a professional plumber or technician inspect the condition of your pipes. Modern technology, such as video pipe inspection cameras, allows experts to inspect your sewer line from the inside, giving you a detailed look at the condition of the pipes. This can help identify tree root intrusion, cracks, or other damage signs before they become costly disasters.
If your house has developed trees close to your sewer line, you must regularly prune their root systems. Root systems can become deep and so wide that when they get close to sewer lines, they can cause severe damage. You can also consider installing root barriers and using root-killer chemicals if necessary. Ensure you do not plant new trees too close to your sewer lines to avoid potential root intrusion.
If you stay in an ancient home that uses aged sewer lines, it will quickly help prevent this risk. The reason is that modern pipes like PVC are more vigorous and resistant to corrosion, root intrusion, and cracking than old ones. Though replacing your sewer line can be pretty pricey at the outset, the long-run benefit compared with a much costlier repair from sewer line failure will save you from losing all of that.
Do not flush items such as wipes, paper towels, grease, and feminine hygiene products to avoid sewer line blockage. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Grease should always be disposed of in the trash, not down the drain. Keeping your sewer line clear of debris will ensure it functions properly and doesn’t clog over time.
Maintain proper drainage around your home to reduce the chances of shifting soil or water damage from accumulated water. Clean gutters regularly, and ensure downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation. A well-maintained landscape with proper grading can prevent excessive moisture from pooling near your sewer lines and help avoid damage from shifting soil or erosion.
Sewer line failures are a growing concern, but with the proper preventative measures, homeowners can reduce the risk and protect their homes from costly repairs. Regular inspections, proper tree root management, updating old pipes, and mindful waste disposal are all key steps in preserving the integrity of your home’s sewer system. This will prevent you from going through the trouble and cost of sewer line failure and keep you at peace that your home is protected.