- Tree Roots:
Trees and other shrubbery are always looking for additional moisture and will often burrow their roots into pipes through cracks or joints. If they do, the roots will block the flow of water and cause it to backup to the septic or town sewer system.
- Broken or Collapsed Pipes:
If your pipes are made of clay, they can erode or even collapse over time. If this happens, water won’t be able to flow out of your home and can begin to back up. - Corrosion:
Pipes made of cast iron can start to rust and corrode after being in use for several years. This can cause the pipes to crack and cause water to leak either out of them or back into your home. - Clogs and Blockage:
When all the drains in your home begin to clog up at once, the problem is likely due to a clog forming deep in the sewer line. Sometimes sewer pipes will sag as they age and debris will clog up at the point where the curvature resides.
There are a few ways to determine if you need to totally replace the sewer line on your property. Since this task can be fairly intensive, it is important to be confident that it is the best choice for your situation. Here are the major reasons that a sewer line needs to be replaced:
- Older property: If your home has passed the 50 year mark, your sewer system is probably at its maximum lifespan.
- Tree roots: Sometimes a rooter service will be sufficient to clear out roots from your lines. It depends on how much damage your pipes have sustained.
- Foundation Shifting: If you have had foundation repairs on your home, there is a chance that your pipes have been damaged.
- Improper Use: Sewers can break from flushing and draining solid items that will not break down in the pipes.