As a homeowner, you want to make sure that your home’s sewer system is in tip-top shape so that you can avoid problems such as foul-smelling water, clogged pipes, and water damage. Unfortunately, there are many things that can cause damage to your sewer line, some of which you may not even be aware of. Here we will discuss common causes of sewer line damage and how you can prevent them.
Poor Maintenance
One of the most common causes of sewer line damage is poor maintenance. Since the sewer line is buried underground, it can be easy to forget about it. However, failing to regularly inspect and maintain your sewer line can lead to problems such as blockages and leaks.
To prevent sewer line damage due to poor maintenance, it is important to have your sewer line camera inspected by a professional every few years. This will help you catch potential problems before they become major issues.
Tree Root Intrusions
Another common cause of sewer line damage is tree root intrusions. Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients found in sewer lines, and will often grow into them in search of these resources. Once inside the sewer line, tree roots can cause blockages and even rupture the pipe.
To prevent sewer line damage from tree root intrusions, it is important to avoid planting trees and shrubs near your sewer line. If you already have trees near your sewer line, it may be necessary to have them removed or trimmed to prevent root intrusion.
Age of Pipes
As your home’s sewer line ages, it becomes more susceptible to damage. This is because older pipes are more likely to crack or break, which can lead to leaks and blockages.
To prevent sewer line damage due to aging pipes, it is important to have your sewer line inspected regularly by a professional. If your sewer line is older, you may also want to consider having it replaced with newer, more durable pipes.
It is important to only flush toilet paper down the toilet and avoid pouring anything down the drain that isn’t meant to go there.
Flushing Non-Degradable Items
Another common cause of sewer line damage is flushing non-degradable items down the toilet or pouring them down the drain. Items such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels can easily get stuck in the sewer line, causing blockages and potential leaks.
To prevent sewer line damage from flushing non-degradable items, it is important to only flush toilet paper down the toilet and avoid pouring anything down the drain that isn’t meant to go there.
Grease Buildup
Grease buildup is another common cause of sewer line damage. When grease is poured down the drain, it can solidify in the pipes and cause blockages.
To prevent sewer line damage from grease buildup, it is important to avoid pouring grease down the drain. Instead, you should dispose of it in the trash.
In Summary
Sewer line damage can be a major headache for homeowners. From foul-smelling water to clogged pipes, it can cause a variety of problems that can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. However, by understanding the common causes of sewer line damage and taking steps to prevent it, you can help keep your home’s sewer system in tip-top shape.
By having your sewer line camera inspected regularly, avoiding tree roots and non-degradable items, and properly disposing of grease, you can help ensure that your home is free from sewer line damage and avoid the need for a sewer line repair.