What to Know About Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
Homeowners will most likely notice if a line breaks and starts leaking.
Identifying the cause of a sewer line breaks can be difficult for many homeowners. The repair process can also be complex, messy, and costly. If left unattended, sewer line issues may lead to damaged property, health risks, and environmental problems. Fortunately, there are secure ways for professionals to replace any damaged sewer line.
Here’s what homeowners need to know about sewer line repair and replacement:
Compromised sewer lines – the root cause
There are multiple reasons why sewer line damage can occur. For example, tree roots naturally look for water and grow toward sewer lines. As roots gravitate toward the pipes, they might become weaker. In the worst-case scenario, the tree roots wrap around the sewer line, eventually breaking it.
Extreme weather conditions and sewer lines
Sometimes, harsh temperatures can cause a sewer line to burst suddenly. Ice may expand around the pipes in colder climates, leading to ruptures. This isn’t as common in hot climates, but it can happen in these instances, too.
Mineral corrosion
Sewer pipes are usually made from cast iron and galvanized steel to prevent corrosion. However, minerals like magnesium and calcium can collect on the pipes, eventually making them rust and crack. This is a natural wear-and-tear process that is unavoidable.
Ground movement and sewer line issues
In certain cases, ground movement can also cause problems for sewer lines. This may be due to natural causes like earthquakes. It can also happen if construction projects or structurally compromised houses are nearby. Whichever the case, experts will need to come in to solve any damage.
A foul-smelling yard and flooding
Homeowners will most likely notice if a line breaks and starts leaking. These pipes are buried a few feet under the ground. Once ruptured, the water rises to the surface, causing flooding. Even if the flooding happens in small amounts, there will still most likely be a foul smell.
If homeowners notice this issue, it’s best to contact a professional as soon as possible. Other signals of sewer damage might include problems with drainage and water damage in the home.
Repairing and replacing sewer lines
Repairing sewer lines can be a complex process. Professionals will use different techniques to solve the problem depending on the damage levels.
Sewer lining involves inserting an inflatable epoxy tube in the pipe. The epoxy hardens over time and repairs the leak.
For more significant ruptures, professionals will use a cone-shaped tool to burst the sewer line open before replacing it with a new one.
For more severe sewer line damage, professionals may need to dig up the whole yard to identify and solve the problem. This method is more expensive, invasive, and used as a last resort.
Get expert sewage line repair and replacement
Homeowners should never attempt to fix broken sewage lines themselves. Instead, it’s best to contact a professional. Repairs and replacement require special tools, equipment, and experience. Regular maintenance by a professional is also crucial to prevent any severe sewer line issues from developing in the first place.
With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency service. We provide lasting general plumbing, water leak detection and repair, toilet repair, pipe repair, and water heater repair or replacement solutions. Call 602-883-2787 today!
