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Read below what are significant cost-effective facts to know about sewer lines
Sewer lines generally last for hundreds of years without causing any problem if they are properly maintained. To keep the sewer lines in good condition it is therefore important to take preventive measures and keep an eye out for any signs of trouble.
Causes Of Sewer Line Damage
Learning about the common causes of sewer line damage might help you take the necessary steps to prevent the problem from occurring in the future.
Cracked Pipes
- Sewer and waste will not be able to flow smoothly if the sewer pipe is damaged, cracked, or ruptured. Sewer pipes are susceptible to damage due to many reasons but the main reason is usually the age of the pipes. Old pipes lose their protective coating and hence become prone to damage.
One of the main signs of a damaged & leaky sewer pipe is the presence of a foul smell and a small puddle outside the house. A damaged sewer pipe needs to be replaced or fixed by a licensed and professional plumbing repair company.
Damage Caused By Sagging
- Sagging in the pipes is related to unfavorable environmental and soil conditions. It affects the position of the pipes thereby affecting the flow of sewage. Sagged sewer lines can result in sewer pipe damage.
If left unchecked, this can lead to a host of other problems, causing the homeowners to pay thousands of dollars for sewer system repair.
Tree Root Damage
- The roots of trees and shrubs located outside a house can damage the sewer lines connecting to the sewer mains. The roots grow in search of water and can latch onto the sewer pipes. From there, they can break the pipes and cause sewer line damage.
This issue exists only in old sewer lines which were made up of porous materials. The newer lines are made up of PVC and are difficult to be damaged by the roots of trees and plants.
Ways To Prevent Clogging
Here are some ways to help you ensure your sewer lines are never clogged.
Avoid Dumping Grease
- When you pour grease down the drain, it cools down and solidifies. Over time, the amount of solidified grease in the sewer line increases enough to cause clogging. To prevent this problem from happening avoid pouring grease down the drain.
Use Bacterial Drain Cleaners
- Bacterial drain cleaners are widely available that are best suited for eliminating organic clogs in the sewer line. Organic clogs include hair, grease, and food.
Install A Lint Catcher
- Install a lint catcher at the end of the drain hose. This lint catcher is like a mesh trap that prevents fabric and lint from going down your sewer lines thereby reducing the risk of clogs.
Regular Maintenance
Having a regular maintenance routine in place can go a long way in the prevention of sewer line damage. Regular inspections from a trained, professional plumber are very effective at keeping the sewer line problems at bay.
Plumbers usually use high-pressure water to perform a deep cleaning of sewer pipes. This helps to completely clean out the pipes.
Repair Vs Replacement
- Whether you need to repair or replace your sewer pipes depends on the extent of the damage. If the damage is minor, repairing the damaged section can be effective. But if the crack is large replacement becomes inevitable. In either case, have a reliable plumber take a look at the damage and determine the right solution for your sewer line problems.
If you believe you have a sewer line issue, then give us a call at 832-772-5501. We, at Proline Plumbing, are plumbing and sewer line specialists operating in Houston Texas. We will inspect your plumbing and give you the best solution.
