Sewer issues can become more than a headache. In some cases, they can expose your family to harmful bacteria that can make them sick. While sewer components are relatively simple, multiple issues can occur, making it challenging to diagnose the problem. Absolute Services wants you to know about these potential problems and how to handle them. It is always best to rely on professional plumbers when handling sewer line leaks, clogs, and damage.
Drain Clogs
Your home’s drains send wastewater to the sewer line, which transports it to the municipal facility for treatment. Grease, food, hair, soap, and hard minerals can cause drain clogs.
Grease and food most often clog kitchen drains, while soap and hair are problems in bathroom drains. You may notice slow drainage, gurgling sounds, and foul odors coming from the drain.
You can avoid clogged drains by being careful about what you send down them. Grease and food particles can cause buildup, and corrosive drain cleaners can damage them if overused. Rely on our professional drain cleaning services to remove the clogs and free your drains. If multiple drains have become clogged, you likely have a main sewer line clog.
Invasive Tree Roots
The beautiful shade trees around your home could be causing more trouble than you realize. Tree roots can invade your sewer lines because they run under the ground. These roots can enter small cracks or weak areas and begin to grow throughout your line, causing blockages. The problem can sometimes become so severe that it causes a break in the line.
Signs of tree root invasion in the pipes include gurgling toilets, slow drains, and toilet and drain backups. Our hydro-jetting services can help remove invasive tree roots, clearing the line so it flows normally again. You should have your lines professionally cleaned every two to three years. Sewer line cleaning services protect the normal function of your sewer system and prolong its lifespan.
Sewer Line Blockages
Your home can experience a sewer line blockage for many reasons, including flushed foreign objects, too much toilet paper, and hygiene products, including flushable wipes.
When your sewer line becomes blocked, the waste has nowhere to go and can force its way into a secondary drain. In those cases, you may find raw sewage in your tub or shower or overflowing the toilet.
You may notice multiple drains and toilets having problems. Check your basement drain for signs of water. In severe cases, raw sewage may come out of this drain. You should immediately seek a professional plumber for sewer line service because the problem will only worsen.
Use careful habits to protect your drains. Limit toilet paper usage, and never flush foreign objects. Monitor small children’s bathroom habits. Regular sewer line inspections can help us find minor issues before they become clogs.
Sewer Line Corrosion
Corrosion can occur depending on the sewer line material. It may affect your cast iron lines, typically found in homes built in the 1970s or earlier. PVC is corrosion-resistant. If you have sewer line corrosion, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new material.
Sewer line corrosion can happen when sewer line pipes come into contact with chemicals like drain openers. As corrosion occurs, the pipes become more porous and brittle. Eventually, they can crack or collapse under pressure.
You may notice signs like rusty water, low water pressure, or increased water bills. Depending on the severity of the damage, it is essential to seek sewer line repair or, if it can’t be fixed, professional sewer line replacement. We can send a camera device down the sewer line to check for any signs of corrosion.
Sewer Line Leaks
Sewer line leaks can allow wastewater to seep into the ground around your home. Leaks are caused by shifting ground under the sewer lines or pipe damage.
One of the most common signs of sewer line leaks is foul odors. These odors usually smell more strongly in your yard but can also enter your home. Sewer leaks can lead to foundation damage, sinkholes, and pooling wastewater. Leaks can also attract unwanted pests and expose your family to bacteria and parasites.
In addition to foul odors around your yard, you may notice a dark patch of lush grass growth. If you see signs of a leak, it is essential to contact one of our expert plumbers at Absolute Services. We will inspect your sewer lines and make any necessary repairs so the leak is no longer a problem.
Sagging Sewer Lines
Sagging sewer lines occur when the ground shifts underneath a section of pipe. A sagging section typically happens when soil conditions are poor, or you have improperly installed lines.
We can find sagging lines without tearing up your landscape. We will send cameras into the sewer line and check it from end to end for signs of sagging or damage.
You may have a sagging line if you notice frequent clogs, slow drains, or foul smells. Sagging sewer lines can eventually lead to blockages because they create a low point in the line where debris can become trapped.
Heavy Rain Backups
Heavy rain can suddenly overwhelm your sewer system, especially if it has cracks. When the ground becomes saturated with rain, it can enter small cracks and damaged areas. You might notice rainwater entering your home through the toilets or drains.
Installing a backwater valve is the most effective way to prevent backups during heavy rains. It is also important to seek regular sewer line inspections and maintenance to keep your lines flowing properly.
Broken Sewer Lines
Older sewer lines, like clay and cast iron, are more likely to break than PVC. Erosion, temperature changes, and nearby construction sites can cause soil settling that can place too much pressure on the lines and cause them to break. Even small breaks should concern homeowners because they can lead to more significant problems as soil and tree roots invade the pipes. Your sewer lines are more likely to break if they are older because wear and tear occur.
Expert Sewer Services
Absolute Services is a full-service plumber serving the needs of our neighbors in central Kentucky. We offer a wide range of plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and garage door services.
We opened our doors in 2008 to exceed customer expectations and stand behind our work 100%. Our team believes in honesty, transparency, and expert service solutions to keep our customers happy.
When you call our office, we will match you with an expert plumber to help solve your sewer issues. We will schedule an appointment that is convenient for you and arrive on time and ready to diagnose the issue.
We use the industry’s most advanced tools and equipment to help us diagnose sewer issues without tearing into your landscape or basement. Our plumbers will give you the full details of our findings and offer upfront pricing so you know the cost of repairs or replacement. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand the process.
Absolute Services is proud of our many five-star customer reviews and winning Angie’s List Super Service Award for seven years in a row.
Call our expert plumbers at Absolute Services if you need professional sewer services.