From clogged toilets to a busted water heater, plumbing problems in your Bay Area home can come in all shapes and sizes. One problem that can affect your home’s entire plumbing system is a leaking or collapsed sewer line. Today we’re going talk about various things that can go wrong with your sewer line and help you identify when you need a sewer line replacement in your home!
What is your home’s sewer line?
Your home’s sewer line is the part of your plumbing system that’s buried under your property and carries waste water out of your home. All of the drains in your home eventually lead to your main sewer line, which is why problems with it can affect multiple parts of your home simultaneously.
When do sewer lines need replacement?
- Tree roots have penetrated your sewer line. As the roots from the trees in your yard search for water, they can run into your sewer line and break through the pipes.
- Your main sewer line has collapsed. In certain circumstances, soil movement or gradual erosion can cause your sewer line to collapse. This is especially true for older plumbing systems.
- Sewer line has developed cracks or leaks. Even if your sewer line doesn’t completely collapse, it can still develop cracks and leaks due to the reasons listed above or loose connections between pipe joints.
- Excessive clogging. If your sewer line develops a severe clog, water pressure can build up and eventually cause a pipe to burst.
What are the signs that you might need a sewer line replacement?
Because your sewer lines are buried underground, it can be difficult to know when a problem has developed. However, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for that might indicate the need for a sewer line replacement:
- Soggy patches in your yard. As a leak develops underground, it can create soggy patches in your yard. Sometimes these patches can be raised due to the buildup underneath.
- Sewage odors. If you notice sewage smells either in your yard or coming from your drains, there’s a good chance there’s a problem with your sewer line that might require a replacement.
- Slow drains. If your bathtub, sinks and/or showers seem to be draining slowly, there could be a leak or severe clog in your sewer line. As we mentioned above, all of your drains lead to the same sewer line, so a problem with your main line can affect multiple drains at once.
If you have any questions about a sewer line replacement, or if you’d like a plumbing system serviced or installed in your home, contact Cabrillo, your Bay Area plumbing, heating and air conditioning company.