Sewer problems are not only unpleasant, but they can also pose a serious health risk and damage your property. If you notice any signs of sewer issues, such as foul smells, slow drains, sewage backups, or wet spots in your yard, you should contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. In this article, we will discuss four common types of sewer problems, their causes, and how to fix them.
Type of Sewer Problem | Causes | Solutions |
---|---|---|
Blockage | Solid materials such as toilet paper, grease, hair, and soap scum | Jetting, snaking, or chemical drain cleaners |
Damage | Shifting soil, corrosion, construction, heavy traffic, or tree roots | Repair or replacement of the damaged pipe |
Sagging | Soil erosion or poor installation | Relining or replacement of the sagging pipe |
Backflow | Heavy rainfall, clogged storm drains, or faulty backflow prevention devices | Installation or maintenance of backflow prevention devices |
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
OUR RECENT POSTS:
QUICK LINKS
OUR SERVICES
CONTACT DETAILS
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Service Area:
Los Angeles and Orange County, California
Business Hours:
Mon-Fri: Open 24 Hours