What Causes a Broken Sewer Line?

Sewer line problems, whether minor or serious, require prompt professional attention to prevent emergency plumbing problems. One of these issues is a broken sewer line. Some signs of a broken line include clogs, foul odors coming from the drains, and standing water in your yard. The Plumbing Doc shares the most common causes of a broken sewer line below:

Settling Soil

Over time, the soil underneath your sewer line may settle. This can be due to increased traffic above the area or using heavy equipment. Sometimes, the type of soil you have will cause an area of the pipe to sag. Any of these can cause the need for sewer line repair, especially in older homes or newer homes where the ground has not yet settled completely.

Corrosion

In older houses, pipes were often made of iron, which rusts over time. If the corrosion builds up enough, it can cause weak spots in the pipe and the need for sewer pipe line repair. Many newer homes use PVC pipes, but if your home is older, rust could be the issue. Sometimes, the solution is to replace the pipe, but trenchless pipe lining can often solve the problem.

Leaking Joints

Some sewer lines have bends, curves, or joints where two pieces of pipe fit together. The sealant in this area can degrade over time. In some cases, one of the pipes can shift, causing the need for sewer line replacement or trenchless pipe repair.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are another common culprit in broken sewer lines. The roots wrap themselves around the pipes in search of water. Eventually, they can break the pipe, causing a clog from the roots and debris.

If you have a broken sewer line, turn to The Plumbing Doc for professional sewer repair services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.