Sewer

A sewer line backup or leak can be frustrating to deal with as a homeowner. Along with the unpleasant smell and messy cleanup of a broken sewer pipe, it can be difficult to pinpoint the root cause of your problem.

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To help prevent sewer line damage or mitigate an issue when it arises, it’s important to know how to spot the main causes of sewer line damage. Here are the common causes of a damaged sewer line, signs to look for, and how you can repair or replace your sewer system.

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Causes of Sewer Line Damage

From clogged pipes to normal wear and tear, here are a few causes of sewer line damage.

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Tree Roots

One of the most common causes of sewer line damage is tree roots. A tree’s roots follow sources of water as they grow. Since sewer lines carry liquid waste, roots are naturally attracted to the source. Particularly when there is already a small leak in the piping.

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Once in contact with a sewer pipe, tree roots begin to wrap around and break into pipes, clogging, weakening, and even breaking the structure. Clay sewer pipes, typically found in older homes, are the most susceptible to damage from tree roots.

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Corroded Pipes

Although pipes made of steel and cast iron are galvanized to prevent rusting, these pipes are at a high risk of corroding due to calcium and magnesium build-up from regular wear and tear. If corrosion is left untreated, it can leave the pipe susceptible to leaks and cracks.

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Clogged Pipes Due to Debris and Foreign Objects

Your home’s sewer lines are only equipped to handle human waste and toilet paper. Avoid flushing trash like wrappers, baby wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products and paper towels, as they’re unable to properly disintegrate and can cause blockages that drain cleaning agents can’t fix. In the kitchen, cooking oil and grease can also clog pipes if they’re poured into the sink. Pour these liquids into a container, let them cool, and then dispose of them in a trash can.