Signs You Need a New Sewer Line Installed

What does a sewer line do?

The sewer line is large piping that carries waste and wastewater from your home out to either a municipal sewer system or a septic tank. It’s an essential part of your plumbing system and makes sure that waste is efficiently and safely removed from your property.

Sewer lines are typically made from materials like cast iron, clay, or PVC. While these materials are durable, they are not immune to wear and tear over time. Factors like soil conditions, tree roots, and the age of the system all contribute to the degradation of the sewer line through the years.

Common sewer line problems to beware

Understanding common culprits in sewer line issues can help you not only tackle problems but avoid them in the first place. Here are some of the usual suspects:

• Tree roots are naturally drawn to the moisture and nutrients in sewer lines, especially if the trees are underwatered. Over time, roots can infiltrate the pipes and cause blockages, cracks, or even complete collapse.
• Older sewer lines, especially those made from cast iron or galvanized steel, can corrode over time. Corrosion weakens the pipe walls, making them susceptible to leaks or breaks.
• Changes in soil conditions, often caused by heavy rains, earthquakes, or nearby construction, can put pressure on sewer lines and cause them to crack, sag, or break.
• Grease, debris, and non-flushable items can build up in your sewer line. While minor clogs can often be cleared, severe blockages may indicate a larger issue with the pipe itself.

Signs it’s time to replace the sewer line

So how do you know when it’s time to replace your sewer line? Annual plumbing inspections are second-to-none, but there are also signs you can watch out for yourself:

• Frequent Drain Clogs or Backups
• Stubborn, Unpleasant Odors
• Slow Drainage
• Unusually Lush Patches of Grass or Vegetation
• Cracks or Settling in the Foundation
• Inexplicable Mold and Mildew Growth
• Rodent and Insect Infestations

It’s important to act quickly if you notice any of these warning signs. A professional plumber can perform a camera inspection of your sewer line to determine the extent of the damage and pave a path forward.

What if you have a septic tank?

Sewer lines are especially important if you have a septic system. Neglecting routine maintenance like septic tank pumping can lead to waste overflowing back into the inlet pipes or up into the outlet pipes. The result can be slow drainage, sewage backups, and even a system failure.

It’s important to keep contact with your local septic company like Septic Blue to stay on top of regular maintenance like septic tank cleaning in Saint Cloud. It’s not only about the septic tank. Overloaded tanks can end up damaging the sewer line as well.

Whether you need routine maintenance or an urgent septic tank repair, the professionals at Septic Blue are here to help. Call now to learn more about our services and pricing, schedule an appointment, or request emergency assistance.