Sewer problems can be a real nightmare.
From clogs to leaks, they can cause big issues.
Don’t worry—here’s a quick guide to the five most common types of sewer problems and how to fix them.
Get your plumbing back on track!
Key Takeaways
- Clogged drains are often caused by grease, hair, and food scraps blocking water flow.
- Tree roots can enter sewer pipes through cracks and cause clogs or backups.
- Sewer line leaks can result in high water bills, wet spots in your yard, and bad odors.
- A bellied pipe sags, causing water to collect and create blockages.
- Sewage backups happen when wastewater flows back into your home due to blockages.
- Regular maintenance and quick action can prevent most sewer issues.
- Calling a professional plumber is often the best way to fix serious sewer problems safely.
Top 5 Most Common Types Of Sewer Problems And How To Fix Them
Sewer problems can be a hassle, but knowing what to look for can help you fix them quickly.
Here are the top five most common sewer issues and simple tips on fixing them.
Look at what you can do to keep your pipes in good shape.
1. Clogged Drains
A clogged drain happens when something blocks the water flow in your pipes.
This stops the water from draining properly.
The most common causes are:
- Grease buildup
- Hair
- Soap scum
- Food scraps
- Other small objects that accidentally fall into the drain.
Over time, these materials collect and create a blockage.
Signs Of Clogged Drains
If you notice water draining slowly, it could mean a clog is forming.
Other signs include gurgling sounds from the drain and a bad odor.
If water starts backing up or not draining, that’s a clear sign you have a blockage.
Here’s how to fix it:
You can often fix minor clogs yourself.
A plunger works well for sinks, tubs, and toilets.
Just create a seal over the drain and push it up and down quickly.
A drain snake (a long, flexible tool) can help break up the blockage if the clog is deeper.
You can also pour hot water, vinegar, and baking soda down the drain to break up grease and buildup.
If these methods don’t work or the clog keeps returning, it’s time to call a plumber.
A professional can clear the drain properly and prevent damage to your pipes.
Contact us at Drain Cleaning Services for excellent and high-quality services.
2. Tree Root Intrusion (Entry)
Tree roots can enter sewer lines because they are naturally attracted to moisture.
As trees grow, their roots look for water.
They can get into sewer pipes if there are cracks and weak spots.
Over time, these roots can grow large, block, and even break the pipe.
Signs Of Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots could cause frequent clogs, slow drainage, and sewage backups.
Another sign is wet or moist patches in your yard, especially where the sewer line runs.
This happens because the roots may cause leaks and backups in the pipe.
Here’s how to fix it:
Installing a root barrier is the best way to prevent tree roots from invading your pipes.
This can be a physical block that keeps roots away from the pipes.
If roots are already inside your pipes, you may need a professional plumber to remove them.
One common method is hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water to blast the roots out.
Sometimes, pipe relining involves installing a new liner inside the old pipe.
This can prevent future root growth and fix any damage caused by the roots.
3. Sewer Line Leaks
Sewer line leaks occur when water or waste escapes from cracked and broken pipes.
This can happen because of old pipes, shifting soil, and tree root intrusion.
Pipes can corrode over time, or ground movement can cause them to crack or shift, leading to leaks.
Signs Of Sewer Line Leaks
One of the first signs of a sewer line leak is an unusually high water bill, as you may be losing water from the system.
You may also notice wet spots and areas in your yard, especially near the sewer line.
A foul odor from the ground is another warning sign.
It happens when sewage leaks out of the pipe and causes an unpleasant smell.
Here’s how to fix it:
Plumbers often perform camera inspections to find the leak.
This involves sending a small camera through the pipes.
It helps locate the leak without digging up your yard.
Depending on the leak’s size and location, repairs can vary.
They include replacing a section of the pipe or using advanced methods like trenchless pipe replacement.
It requires less digging.
4. Bellied (Sag) Pipe
A bellied pipe is when a section of the pipe sags and dips in the middle, creating a “belly.”
This happens due to shifting soil, poor installation, and ground movement.
The dip creates a low point where water and waste can collect, causing blockages and backups.
Signs Of A Bellied Pipe
If you have a bellied pipe, you may see frequent clogs or slow drainage.
You might also notice pooling water in your yard above the pipe.
These signs happen because water collects in the low spot.
This slows the flow and causes debris to build up over time.
Here’s how to fix it:
Fixing a bellied pipe usually requires digging to replace and repair the sagging section.
Sometimes, the ground underneath the pipe must be balanced to prevent further sagging.
In some cases, trenchless pipe repair methods can be used.
These methods replace and reline the pipe without digging up your entire yard.
5. Sewage Backups
A sewage backup happens when wastewater flows back into your home instead of going through the sewer system.
This can happen due to heavy rainfall, a blocked main sewer line, or problems with your plumbing.
If the sewer line is blocked, waste can’t flow properly, causing it to return to sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.
Signs Of Sewage Backups
Signs of a sewage backup are obvious.
Toilets and sinks may back up with dirty water, and you might notice unpleasant odors in your home.
You may also hear gurgling sounds coming from the drains.
If you see any of these signs, taking action immediately is important.
Here’s how to fix it:
If you experience a sewage backup, the first thing you should do is stop using water.
Don’t flush toilets and run water from sinks, worsening the problem.
It’s also a good idea to contain the area to prevent pollution.
Call a professional plumber quickly to clear the blockage and clean the area.
Contact us at Sewer Repair Services for expert help.
Sewage backups can be messy and dangerous.
It’s best to leave the cleanup to experts with the right tools and experience.
Conclusion
This article discusses the top five types of sewer problems and how to fix them.
Whether it’s a clogged drain or a sewage backup, there are simple solutions for many issues.
If you’re unsure or the problem is big, always call a professional to help.
Keep your pipes in good shape, and you’ll avoid major headaches! Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for high-quality services and pro advice.