Sewer line damage is a frustrating and often expensive experience that requires professional services to solve. There are many reasons that a sewer line can be damaged, but the vast majority fall under these major categories.
Aging
The majority of sewer lines that were installed during the 50s and 60s are made from clay or cast iron. With the passage of time these pipes tend to rust or crack.
Roots
Around 50% of sewer damage is caused by tree roots. Roots seek out the water inside pipes, and will infiltrate inside and around sewer pipes, causing damage. Root intrusions are most common in pipes that are already damaged and leaking, which makes them a serious form of secondary damage to pipes that are already in need of repair.
Calcification
Pipes can become encrusted with calcium over time. In areas with hard water this calcification can be even worse. However, newly manufactured epoxy piping is immune to calcification because the calcium cannot adhere to the advanced materials used.
Ground Movement
Small tremors and other seismic activity will cause cracks and other structural damage in sewer pipes, especially at the joints. Geographic areas with soft or sandy soils will also be prone to sewer damage from ground movement, as the ground settles around the pipes, especially in areas that have major roadwork or other construction taking place.
Warning Signs
While the causes of sewer line damage are important to know, it is even more important to know the warning signs that indicate the various possible causes. Below is a list of the various warning signs for sewer damage and the most likely causes associated with each sign.
? Slow Drains: A slow drain can indicate various problems, including a clog, calcified pipes, intruding roots or sewer line collapse.
? Multiple Clogs: If more than a single toilet, sink or tub is clogged, then you probably have major damage from intruding roots or a collapsed pipe.
? Foul Odor: Regular sewer odors from a drain is a sign of major sewer damage, usually caused by either root intrusion or line collapse.
? Water Flooding: Probably the worst problem from sewer line damage is backup, which is usually caused by root intrusion.
? Lawn Indentations: A noticeable indentation in your lawn is usually the sign of a collapsed sewer pipe underneath the area. Even a number of small indentations can indicate the beginning of a problem.
? Concentrations of Lush Grass on Your Lawn: Dense and lush patches of grass on your lawn are another indicator that is common in the case of sewer line damage. Lush grass may be more prevalent in indentations that are caused by collapsed sections of pipe, but may be caused simply by leaks as well.
? Damp Spots in and around the Property: Damp spots in and around the property are usually the result of leaks and cracks in your sewer line. The most common forms are stains on walls, persistent wet spots in corners and damp areas of carpet. Another common sign is a wet and swampy area around one or more parts of your property?s foundation.