Few things are more unpleasant than dealing with a sewer line break. On top of bad smells, a leak or break in your sewer line can cause major damage that can be both inconvenient as well as potentially expensive to fix.
When it comes to sewer line failure, these four are common culprits:
1. Age – Sewer lines can degrade after years of use, and this doesn’t always mean a big blowout. Age-related sewer line damage often starts with small cracks that get worse as the pipes wear out over time. Routine inspections are a good idea, particularly for older sewer lines, as they can mitigate the need for an intensive sewer line repair.
2. Obsolete Materials – On older properties, sewer lines might not be up to current codes and standards. Homes built from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s may have been outfitted with polybutylene plumbing pipes, which are prone to breakage and are no longer used.
3. Tree Roots – A common cause of sewer line breaks is tree root damage. Many species of trees send out roots for several feet beyond the tree’s drip line. If there are trees on your property, consult your plumber about helping you monitor root activity.
4. Obstructions – Putting the wrong things down your drain can lead to a sewer line obstruction. This can cause a backup and even breakage along your sewer line.
Staying at Home During Sewer Line Repair
Depending on the severity of the damage to your sewer line, you may elect to stay somewhere else until the work is done. You won’t be able to run the water in your home until the repairs are completed. This is generally not too hard to work around if the repairs will only take a short time. You can store drinking water ahead of time and plan to shower beforehand, too. If you have young children and need constant access to running water, however, you might want to consider staying with friends or family or at a local hotel.
Choosing the Right Plumber for Sewer Line Repair
You will need to have your problem properly diagnosed by a professional who can give you repair or replacement options. An experienced plumber can also help you understand how much time the repairs will take and how much it will cost, which can be important in deciding whether or not you’ll need to vacate your home during repairs.
You may not have the luxury of planning your sewer line repair in advance. Emergencies happen, so be sure you have a good on-call plumber who can come at a moment’s notice. This isn’t the time you want to be guessing about whether you can trust your plumber to handle the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible.
For answers to your questions about sewer line repair and more, contact The Pink Plumber today.
