When you use the sink, toilet, or shower, you likely don’t pay any mind to where the water and waste go once it has traveled down the drain. However, your sewer lines deserve more attention than they receive. These pipes play a crucial role in your plumbing system’s overall health and function. If these pipes become damaged or malfunction, this can lead to a wide variety of problems.
A video inspection is one of the best ways to diagnose and fix sewer system issues. But what are the most common sewer line problems that plumbers find during an inspection? Here are five types of sewer line issues that are often encountered.
1. Corroding Pipes
Corrosion is one of the most common sewer line problems for those with metal sewer pipes. This issue typically occurs over a long period, as the sewer line continuously comes in contact with the sewage it’s transporting. Pipe corrosion can lead to several issues with your plumbing system, including leaks, frequent clogs, and foul odors.
2. Damaged Pipes
When discussing types of sewer line issues, we can’t ignore wear and tear. Much like with corrosion, your sewer lines can become damaged over time. Some of the most common types of damage are cracks and collapses.
Pipe freezing can also lead to unexpected damage, including burst pipes. At the first sign of a frozen pipe, get in touch with a local plumber for assistance.
3. Tree Root Intrusions
While there are many types of sewer line issues, one of the most unexpected is tree root intrusions. Overall, this is one of the most common sewer line problems. However, you likely won’t realize the issue is present until you schedule a sewer line inspection or encounter the inconvenient effects of tree root intrusion first-hand.
Signs of tree root intrusion can include slow-draining sinks, sewage backups, and overly green patches of grass. You will need to schedule a sewer repair or replacement to fix the issue.
4. Pipe Clogs
One of the most common types of sewer line issues is pipe clogs. While tree roots are a common culprit in sewer line blockages, there are other clog-causing items you should be aware of. Feminine hygiene products, flushable wipes, grease, and even damaged pipes can lead to clogs.
You can keep your sewer pipes clean by properly disposing of these items in a trash can. However, rest assured that a Toronto drain cleaning expert can help remove any blockages that have already formed.
5. Pipe Shifting
There are some unfortunate instances where the soil around your sewage pipes can start to shift. This shifting soil can result in damaged, misshapen, or misaligned pipes. When your lines experience these types of damage, several sewage issues can occur, including leaks and clogs.
Although pipe shifting is one of the most common sewer line problems, it isn’t an issue that should be ignored. Addressing the problem as soon as possible can potentially help you avoid an extensive replacement.
Restore Your Sewer Lines With the Professionals
While we’ve discussed some of the most common sewer line problems, you might still feel unsure what to do if you encounter them. A professional camera inspection is the best way to fix these common sewer line issues. Same Day Plumbing offers comprehensive plumbing services, including inspections, to accurately diagnose and fix the problem. Contact us to learn more about our Toronto sewer pipe repairs!
