Sewer lines are the pipes that move waste from inside your home out and into either the city sewer or a septic tank. Sewer line pipes can be made of different materials, but all are designed to last. PVC pipes can last over 100 years, clay and cement pipes up to 100 years, and cast iron pipes between 75 and 100 years.
Despite being built to last a long time, however, sewer line pipes are not indestructible. Regardless of the material they are made from, sewer lines can suffer from the effects of aging or can be damaged.
Although you might not think about them unless they become a problem, your sewer lines comprise one of the most important elements in your home or business. Damaged or improperly functioning sewer lines can cause a host of problems that result in costly repairs or could even necessitate a complete sewer line replacement.
Here are a few signs that your sewer lines may be in need of repair:
- Slow draining or clogged sinks or drains
- Water backing up into the sink or tub
- Toilets making gurgling noises
- Water on the ground or lush patches along the path of the sewer line
- Foul smelling odors coming from drains
- An increase in pests like rats and mice
Causes of Sewer Line Damage
Because of the crucial role they play in carrying waste out of your home or business, sewer lines should be inspected and repaired at any sign of trouble. The expense of sewer line repair will be far less if any issues are spotted and addressed early than if a complete sewer line replacement becomes necessary later on.
As a homeowner or business owner, you may be wondering: What causes sewer line problems? There are many possible reasons, but here are some of the most common ones:
- Debris in the pipes. Sewage lines are designed to handle waste and toilet paper, not thicker or heavier things like paper towels or wipes. When inappropriate items get into sewer lines, they may not decompose, which can eventually lead to a blockage.
- Clogged pipes. Sewer line pipes can get clogged with things that don’t dissolve well, like cooking oil or grease from the kitchen.
- Corroded pipes. Some sewer pipes are made of galvanized metal, but even pipes made of material that is resistant to rust may become corroded over time, particularly in areas where the ground in which they are buried is consistently wet. Corrosion makes sewer line pipes susceptible to leaks and cracks.
- Tree roots. Tree roots are one of the most frequent causes of sewer line problems. Because sewer lines last a long time, a small tree planted nearby will mature well before the sewer line would need to be replaced. Because tree roots naturally gravitate toward water, even a small leak in a sewer line can attract them. As they grow, the roots can wrap around the pipes and eventually cause more damage or even breakage.
- Human or machine damage. Sewer pipes are buried, and many home- and business owners do not even know their location. However, digging around sewer pipes can cause damage, so it is important to know where any sewer lines on your property are located.
Sewer Repair Tips
The first step if you are facing sewer or drain repair is to diagnose what is causing the problem and identify the location of the issue. In many cases, both the cause and location will be challenging to identify unless you have both knowledge of sewer lines and the proper equipment to inspect them.
A sewer line inspection from a qualified professional may be necessary to pinpoint the exact issue and determine where in the sewer pipes it is. The sewer technician may use a camera to allow them to view the inside of the pipes. This has the added benefit that the assessment itself does not necessarily involve digging on the property.
Once the exact location and cause of the sewer line problem have been identified, plans for necessary repairs or replacement can be made. While some homeowners and business owners attempt the do it yourself approach to sewer repair, that can be challenging and often is unsuccessful. Except for very minor sewer line repairs, having the work done by a professional helps provide peace of mind that the job is done correctly and completely.
Trenchless Sewer Repair
Another advantage of working with a professional to resolve your sewer line problems is that they may be able to offer trenchless sewer repair depending on your specific situation. Trenchless sewer line repair can sometimes be an option if most of the original sewer pipe is still intact, even if there is damage like cracks or holes. Using the existing sewer line, the sewer professional will install a flexible tube or liner inside of it. The tube or liner will harden over time, which more or less creates a new pipe inside the old one. Because digging is not required, trenchless sewer repair ensures that the impact to your property is as minimal as possible.
Contact Your Lakeland Septic and Drainfield Experts Today
Septic and Drainfield Depot is proud to service septic systems in Lakeland and throughout Central Florida. We know exactly what to look for and how to diagnose problems and recommend solutions.
Our professionals have years of experience in construction, septic, and other service-based industries. We have been providing septic system and drainfield repairs and inspections in central Florida for years. Our services include:
- Septic installation, repair and inspection
- Drainfield installation, repair, and inspection
- Lift station installation, repair, and inspection
- Real estate septic system inspection
- Septic tank pumping and septic cleaning
Whether it is a simple residential inspection or an extensive commercial septic installation job,
we have the skills and knowledge to take on any project. You can trust us to tell you exactly what to do to keep your septic system and sewer line pipes in the best shape possible. Contact us today to get a free estimate on any service.
