You’re sitting there, minding your own business, when suddenly you hear a loud noise from the bathroom. You rush in to find that the sewer has backed up, and your entire house is flooded with water. What happened? Was it something you did? Was it a natural disaster? The answer may surprise you.
Sewer systems are designed to move wastewater from homes and businesses away from those structures and into treatment plants. When the system fails, wastewater backs up into homes and businesses through sinks, toilets, showers, tubs, and other fixtures. Water damage caused by sewer backups can be devastating because it must be repaired or replaced before you can use those areas again (everything from drywall to flooring). The mess is not only inconvenient but also dangerous—sewage contains harmful bacteria that can pose serious health risks if people become exposed to it.
So what causes these failures? And how to fix the sewer line?
In this article, we’ll be exploring the causes of sewer damage restoration and how to fix those issues.
Let’s find out.
Types Of Sewer Pipes
Sewer pipes are the backbone of modern civilization. Without them, we’d be living in a world where our waste was just dumped out on the ground, and we had to deal with the consequences of that. The sewer pipes we have today are far more advanced than those of yesteryear. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most common types of sewer pipes:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is one of the most common types of pipe used today. It has many benefits, such as versatility, durability, and relatively inexpensive. However, it can be damaged by sunlight and doesn’t age well over time.
Cast Iron
This was one of the earliest kinds of pipe used for sewer systems in America, but it has largely been replaced by PVC and other materials due to its high cost and low flexibility. It is still sometimes used when there are issues with moisture or corrosion resistance needed for a particular application.
Clay
Clay pipes were commonly used in smaller cities because they were easy to transport at low cost and could withstand repeated freezing temperatures better than other types of pipe at that time period (before modern refrigeration). However, clay pipe is brittle and easily damaged during installation or use if not properly handled (such as by knocking).
Causes Of Sewer Line Damage
Sewer line damage is a common problem in many homes. The following are a few most common causes:
Tree Root Intrusion
Wondering can tree roots damage PVC sewer pipes? Yes, it can. The most common cause of sewer line damage is tree root intrusion. When a tree grows too close to a sewer line and roots get into the pipe, the tree root sewer damage the pipe and force it to cave in. This can lead to leaks or even complete collapse of the pipes themselves.
Ground Movement
Ground movement is another cause of sewer line damage that should be considered when looking for sewer repair. If there is a lot of rain or other weather events that cause flooding in your area, this can result in a lot of shifting around of soil on top of your sewer lines – which could also cause them to break down over time.
Aging Pipes
Aging pipes are another common cause of sewer line damage because they are made of materials that deteriorate over time due to exposure to water and other elements, such as oxygen or heat, from nearby appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. If your home has been around for more than 25 years or so, chances are good that some of your pipes need replacing soon–especially if you’ve noticed any signs of leakage (deterioration) within those pipes themselves!
Blockages and Clogs
When solid materials like food or paper get stuck in your pipes, it can cause significant blockage issues in your drain system. If the blockage is severe enough, it could direct to sewage backing up into your home. This can result in expensive repairs or even flooding!
Sewer Gas Odor
Sewer gas odor is another sign of something wrong with your plumbing system. Sewer gas is created when bacteria break down food waste in the sewer system, producing a noxious gas that can cause headaches if inhaled too much. If you notice this smell coming from your bathroom drains or toilets after they’ve been flushed, call a plumber immediately! It could be dangerous if left untreated.
Slow Drain
Another common reason that sewer lines can break is due to slow drains. If you notice that your drains are taking longer than usual, it may be because the pipes are clogged with debris or other materials, such as hair and soap scum. If your drain is slow, make sure to call a reputable plumber right away so they can unclog the pipes for you before they burst!
Mold Problem
Mold is often found in bathroom drains, which means that if you have mold in your bathroom drains, mold will also grow inside your pipes and drainage system. This will cause your sewer line to get clogged up with gunk and grime that can eventually block it entirely.
Cracks or Leaks
When a crack or leak in your sewer line occurs, it can cause damage to the piping and lead to more severe problems. While it may not seem like much of an issue at first, these cracks can lead to many other issues with your plumbing system. The good news is that there are ways to stop cracks from forming in the first place.
Rodent Problem
Rats and other rodents can wreak havoc on your sewer pipes if you don’t take precautions. These pests will chew through any pipe they can find, which can cause a lot of problems for homeowners. You should always keep your yard clean and free from debris so rats aren’t attracted to your home or yard!
Slow Water Flow
Another reason your toilet might not be draining properly is due to slow water flow through the pipes leading into the house. This can happen for many reasons—for example, if there’s sediment buildup in the pipes, then there won’t be enough water flowing through them to push everything through at once (and thus cause clogs).
Extra green and lush patches
If there’s a lot of greenery growing in your sewer line, it’s probably because there’s too much oxygen in your pipes. This can be caused by water standing in the pipes for too long or leaks. Either way, you need to call the professionals in Paso Robles, CA, to fix it!
Corrosion
Corrosion is basically rust on metal, and this can happen when the water has been sitting in your pipes for too long (even if it doesn’t have any oxygen). The water starts to break down the metal and make it weak. When this happens, you’ll see rust or brown residue coming out of your drains or toilets. If this happens to you, call our Paso Robles, CA specialists immediately!
Pouring Grease Down a Drain
It should go without saying that you should not pour grease down the drain or toilet, but we’ll say it anyway: don’t pour grease down the drain or toilet. If you do this, you will have to deal with the consequences—and those consequences include sewer line damage and clogs in your drain pipes.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Feminine hygiene products are a leading cause of sewer line damage. When you flush your tampon or sanitary napkin down the toilet, it gets stuck in the pipes and can’t flow out. It also expands as it absorbs water, which causes even more problems. If you’re thinking about flushing your tampon, don’t! Instead, wrap it up in some toilet paper and put it in a trash can.
What Can Happen When Your Sewer Line Is Damaged?
A few things can happen when your sewer line is damaged:
-You’ll get a nasty smell coming from your toilet.
-You’ll get a nasty smell coming from your sink or tub.
-You’ll notice that your water bill seems to be higher than normal, even though you haven’t changed how much water you use.
-The water in the toilet bowl will look like it’s moving faster than normal.
-Your home’s value will decrease if you have a bad odor coming from your drains or toilets.
-It can lead to serious health issues due to the presence of bacteria.
-You’ll have a hard time flushing when you need to use the bathroom because there’s too much stuff in there blocking the pipe (or because there’s been a break in the line).
-You’ll have to pay for high repair costs because you didn’t know how to properly maintain your system and keep it from breaking down.
How to Prevent Sewer Damage?
Sewer damage is one of the most difficult things to repair. It’s often caused by tree roots, and it can be a nightmare to fix because the pipes are underground in a hard-to-reach place.
But there are some things you can do to keep your sewer system from getting damaged in the first place. Here’s how to prevent your sewer lines from damage:
Get a Camera Inspection
A camera inspection is essential if you have any suspicion that there might be problems with your sewer system. The camera will tell you whether or not there are any cracks or breaks in the pipe or any tree roots growing into it—making it easier for them to cause damage later on.
Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
Trenchless sewer line repair is a newer option that’s gaining popularity for its low-impact nature. Instead of digging up your yard, we can access your sewer line through a small hole in the ground—no more than 3 feet wide! This approach allows you to make repairs without disturbing your landscaping or leaving behind any debris.
Traditional Sewer Line Repair or Replacement
If you have a traditional sewer line, consider getting it replaced or repaired by Paso Robles, CA, plumbers. This will ensure that it’s working properly and reducing the likelihood of damage in the future.
Keep Trees and Shrubs Trimmed
Make sure that all trees and shrubs around your property are pruned regularly so they don’t grow too close to your house or septic tank. If they grow close enough for their branches or trunks to touch either of these structures, they could break through them and cause severe damage. Trimming them regularly will help prevent this from happening!
Be Careful With What You Put
Don’t put anything in the toilet that isn’t toilet paper or human waste. This includes wet wipes, diapers, and tampons. These things can cause clogs and backups in your pipes, which leads to sewage in your home.
Maintain Septic Tank
If you have a septic tank instead of a city sewer service, make sure it’s maintained regularly by a professional sewer service. Sewerage systems need regular cleaning to keep them running smoothly and efficiently, so if yours is not getting cleaned out regularly and properly maintained, it could lead to serious problems down the line—like flooding or backups into other areas of your home or yard!
Sewer Line Repair and Replacement Services in Paso Robles!
When your sewer line is damaged, it can be a real headache. You don’t want to have to deal with the mess of a clogged drain or the expense of a plumber, especially if you’re on a tight budget. If this sounds like your situation, then call Rocksteady Plumbing!
We’re here to help with your plumbing needs. We are dedicated to providing you with professional, fast, and affordable service that won’t break your bank account. We care about our community and are proud to be locally owned and operated since 2008.
We’ll walk you through the entire process, from initial inspection to completion of your project, so that you have all the info you need to make an informed decision about what’s best for your home or business.
We can help you with all of your needs, including:
– Sewer line installation, repair, and replacement
– Drain cleaning and unclogging
– Water heater repair and installation
– Gas lines and gas piping installation
– Sump pumps and wells
If you need help fixing or replacing your sewer line in Paso Robles, call Rocksteady Plumbing today at 805-237-7625!
