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Has your home been experiencing sewer line problems recently? Dealing with backups, overflows, or strange gurgling noises coming from your pipes? Don’t panic – these issues are common and often easy to repair when you understand what’s causing them.Read along as a company that offers sewer line repair Kansas City-based walks through some of the most frequent culprits of sewer damage, so you can get your plumbing back in working order.
Tree Roots are the #1 Culprit
The pipes that make up your sewer line create a perfect little shelter for tree roots to grow into. Even tiny hair-like roots can squeeze their way through microscopic cracks or loose joints in the line. Once inside, they thrive in the warm, moist environment – and continue growing larger. Over time, this leads to full-on root masses that clog pipes, often around bends. If you have large trees near your home, be proactive and scope the line every year or two to nip intruding roots early. Catching them small makes removing roots much simpler.
Rocky Soil Can Shift Pipe Alignment
In areas with rocky or clay soil, the ground is prone to small shifts and settles. This movement places stress on buried sewer pipes, causing joints to come apart over the years. Gaps let soil, debris, and even tree roots infiltrate the line much easier. Make it a habit to check the ground around cleanouts for soggy spots or sink holes forming – these signal broken pipes underneath. Addressing alignment issues quickly prevents further damage and clogging down the road.
Old Pipes Succumb to Wear and Tear
Let’s face it: pipes don’t last forever. The average lifespan of clay or concrete sewer lines is around 60 years. Age degradation causes cracks, breaks, crushed spots, and other defects even without root or soil complications. If your home’s piping hasn’t been inspected or replaced in over 50 years, consider having it assessed no matter what. You might discover more extensive deterioration than expected. Replacing sewers proactively can avoid major headaches later.
Improper Drainage Leads to Early Failure
Sewer pipes are designed to carry waste downhill using gravity flow. Flat runs or slight uphill sections easily overwhelm older piping over decades of use. Without enough slope, flow velocity slows, and solids settle out. This leaves thick layers of gritty buildup that erodes pipe walls faster. Possible trouble signs include constant drain clogs, water pooling around cleanouts, and excessive odor. A drain cleaning company can run a camera inspection to check functionality. If drainage is poor, a re-route or re-pipe might be your best option.
Heavy Storms Flood Systems
Extreme rainfall events are occurring more often, causing wet weather chaos. When homes and streets flood, water inevitably enters sewer lines through drain connections and defective pipe segments. Too much volume at once overwhelms the system, leading to overflows and backups. Sewage and rain mixing also corrodes infrastructure faster while hiding other defects. Make sure your homeowner’s insurance covers sewer line repairs in case a big storm causes expensive damage. Being prepared helps you recover faster.
Home Additions & Landscaping Change Drainage
As life changes happen, so do alterations to your property’s drainage. Building additions changes roof runoff direction and volume sent to pipes. Patios, retaining walls, and re-grading the yard also impacts underground flow paths. Such modifications seem harmless initially but can overwhelm older sewer lines over time. Also, watch for new bacterial sources like dog runs or compost piles placed too close to drain lines. Think twice about drainage effects before taking on big outdoor projects to avoid self-induced sewer woes.
Dealing with sewer line repairs is never fun, but arming yourself with knowledge helps ease the pain. Now that you know the major troublemakers, you can proactively monitor for problems and make repairs on your schedule rather than as an emergency. With some attentiveness and routine maintenance, your pipes should keep flowing smoothly for years to come. Reach out to sewer specialists if issues pop up for professional diagnosis and repair options. Stay ahead of the game, and save yourself major headaches down the road.