4 Common Types of Sewer Problems and How to Fix Them

Blockages occur when solid materials build up in the pipes, preventing water from flowing freely. Common causes of blockages include toilet paper, grease, hair, and soap scum. To clear a blockage, plumbers will use one of the following methods:

• Jetting: This involves using a powerful jet of water to break up the offending material and flush it out of the system.

• Snaking: This involves using a long metal cable with a cutting head to pierce through the clog and clear the pipe.

• Chemical drain cleaners: These are liquids or powders that dissolve the clog by creating a chemical reaction. However, they can be harmful to the environment and the pipes if used excessively.



To prevent blockages, you should avoid flushing anything other than liquids and toilet paper down your drains. You should also dispose of grease, fats, and oils in the trash instead of pouring them down the sink.

2. Damage

Damage occurs when the sewer pipe is cracked, broken, collapsed, or misaligned due to various factors. Some common causes of damage include shifting soil around the pipe, corrosion within the pipe, construction near the line, heavy traffic above the sewer pipe, or tree roots that penetrate the pipe. To fix a damaged pipe, plumbers will either repair or replace it depending on the extent of the damage. Some common methods are:

• Repair: This involves patching up the crack or hole in the pipe using a resin or epoxy material. This can be done either internally or externally depending on the location and accessibility of the damage.



• Replacement: This involves digging up and removing the old pipe and installing a new one. This can be done either by trenching (digging a long trench along the pipe) or by trenchless methods (using a machine to pull or push a new pipe through the old one).

To prevent damage, you should inspect your sewer line regularly for any signs of wear and tear. You should also avoid planting trees near your sewer line or driving heavy vehicles over it.

3. Sagging

Sagging occurs when the sewer pipe loses its slope and forms a belly or a dip in the line. This can cause water and waste to pool in the low spot and create a blockage over time. Some common causes of sagging include soil erosion under the pipe or poor installation of the pipe. To fix a sagging pipe, plumbers will either reline or replace it depending on the severity of the sagging. Some common methods are:

• Relining: This involves inserting a flexible liner into the existing pipe and inflating it to form a new pipe within the old one. This can restore the proper slope and flow of the sewer line without digging.



• Replacement: This involves digging up and removing the old pipe and installing a new one with a proper slope and alignment. This can be done either by trenching or by trenchless methods.

To prevent sagging, you should ensure that your sewer line is installed with a proper slope and support. You should also avoid disturbing the soil around your sewer line.

4. Backflow

Backflow occurs when sewage flows back into your home instead of away from it. This can cause flooding, contamination, and health hazards. Some common causes of backflow include heavy rainfall that overwhelms the sewer system, clogged storm drains that prevent rainwater from draining away, or faulty backflow prevention devices that fail to stop sewage from entering your home. To fix backflow problems, plumbers will install or maintain backflow prevention devices on your sewer line. Some common types are:

• Check valves: These are one-way valves that allow sewage to flow out but not in. They are usually installed at each fixture that connects to the sewer line.



• Backwater valves: These are valves that automatically close when they detect sewage flowing back. They are usually installed at the main sewer line that exits your home.

To prevent backflow, you should install and maintain backflow prevention devices on your sewer line. You should also keep your storm drains clear of debris and avoid using water during heavy rainfall.

Conclusion

Sewer problems can be a nightmare for any homeowner, but they can be fixed with the help of a professional plumber. If you have any of the four common types of sewer problems discussed in this article, you should contact a reputable plumbing company as soon as possible. They will diagnose the problem, offer you the best solution, and restore your sewer system to its optimal condition.