Sewer lines refer to the plumbing pipes that extend from your home to the city waste connection or to your private septic tank. It accepts all sewage and wastewater draining from your plumbing fixtures and household appliances and helps to keep your home safe and sanitary. Septic lines are an essential component of your home’s plumbing system and require ongoing maintenance to ensure optimal functioning.

Common Issues

Sewer lines are built to withstand heavy usage and are designed to last up to 100 years with proper care. However, there are conditions that place stress on a sewer line and cause it to malfunction. A clogged sewer line is a common problem and can create a leaking or in worse case scenarios a burst pipe. Clogs can form in sewer lines as hair, soap scum, and oily bath products are introduced to bathroom drains.  Grease and food particles combine in the kitchen drain to form blockages causing sinks to back up or stop draining entirely. 

Tree roots are another common culprit requiring sewer line repair. As trees mature so do their root systems that are constantly seeking water. If the sewer line has even a pinhole leak the wastewater escaping will attract tree roots that can eventually take over the sewer line creating serious plumbing issues.

Signs Of A Sewer Problem

Because sewer lines are hidden from view it is difficult to detect problems but there are some telltale signs that your sewer line may be under duress. Slow-moving drains are a sign of a sewer line problem. If only one sink is affected it probably indicates a clog in the sink’s drainpipe. If multiple appliances or fixtures are simultaneously draining slowly then you are right to assume the problem is in the sewer line. Another indicator of a malfunctioning sewer line is the smell of sewage permeating your home. Sewage and wastewater cannot exit the property and sit stagnant in the drain pipes and sewer lines causing a terrible smell you cannot ignore. A third and very serious indicator is the backing up of raw sewage into your sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures. This can be a dangerous situation and health hazard requiring immediate professional attention.

Traditional Repair 

Once a sewer line issue is diagnosed a professional sewer line expert will assess the situation and determine the best course of action. The traditional method of repairing a sewer line is to excavate the soil around the sewer line to access the pipe. This method requires excessive labor costs and the need to bring in heavy equipment. Problems arise when sewer lines are installed under driveways or below extensive and expensive landscaping and accessing the line would not be cost-effective. In these situations, other less invasive measures may be considered.

Trenchless Technology

Trenchless sewer repair technology is a method of repairing damaged sections or replacing an entire sewer line without digging. This method is far less invasive than traditional repair and oftentimes more cost-effective. There are several options when using trenchless repair methods. Pipe bursting is a repair method that allows the breaking up of the old pipe by forcing it outward while simultaneously replacing it with a new high-density polyethylene pipe. Cured in place is another trenchless technique used to repair or replace damaged sewer lines. A liner filled with a resin material is blown or pulled through the damaged pipe’s interior where it cures creating a new seamless pipe with a life expectancy of more than 50 years. Trenchless technology offers many benefits such as fewer disruptions to homeowners, minimal environmental impact as it does not disturb the landscaping or other natural features, and it boasts a lower overall cost. 

Conclusion

Sewer lines are an essential feature of a well-functioning home and deserve ongoing maintenance to ensure it is operating optimally. When problems arise a professional sewer line repair or replacement expert can quickly assess the situation and determine the best course of action for either repair or replacement options. They will manage the process from start to finish identifying and correcting the cause of the sewer line problem while ensuring the least amount of disruption for the homeowner. Sewer line repair requires the experience and expertise of a licensed and insured professional who can responsibly guide the homeowner through the repair process. 

Looking For Sewer Line Plumber In Orange County?

At Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Orange County, we’ve been helping homeowners repair broken and clogged sewer lines for many years. Our team is well-versed in diagnosing sewer issues and resolving them promptly. Contact us today to inquire about our services.

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