Slow drains, gurgling toilets, a soggy lawn, foundation cracks – all of these are signs of a possible sewer line break. While not a pleasant thing to deal with, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. If you find that your sewer line is broken, or want to know what to do in case it does, you’ll want to keep reading. Below you’ll discover more behind why sewer lines break and some helpful tips to keep in mind if yours does.
What is a Sewer Line?
A sewer line is the main pipe in your sewer system that not only helps to remove sewage away from your home, but wastewater as well.
What Causes the Sewer Line to Break?
The sewer line can break depending on a few different things. One of the main reasons is that the line is clogged because it hasn’t been emptied for a while. If the line is clogged, it will create pressure in it which could cause the line to burst.
Other common causes of a broken sewer line include rusted pipes, poor installation, environmental conditions, and punctures.
Tips for When Your Sewer Line Breaks
There are a few things to keep in mind if your sewer line breaks.
Call a Sewer Professional
One of the best things to do if you find your sewer line is broken is to call a sewer professional. They will be able to do an evaluation of the system and determine why it’s leaking. Once they do this, they can then work on fixing the problem.
Check Where the Leak Is
When your sewer line breaks, it’s a good idea to try to find where the leak is located. Once you do, you can work on sealing the pipe, such as with plumbing tape, to prevent further damage.
Remove Any Obstructions Around the Line
If your sewer line is broken due to an obstruction, try to remove it. This could include sawing away any tree roots wrapped around it or removing debris and rusted pipe pieces. If you find that tree roots have grown into the pipe, you can flush a special root-killing foam down your sewer line which will dissolve the roots in a few hours.
Your home’s sewer line is an important system that needs to be well maintained. If you suspect you might have problems with your sewer or want to give it a quick check-up, contact X. They are trained in treating numerous types of sewer issues and can help create preventive steps to stop your sewer line from breaking in the future.