A sewer circulates wastewater as its primary purpose, but it is a complex system. The sewer system is an essential part of urban infrastructure because it maintains the health and safety of the environment. This prevents flooding and helps prevent the spread of water-borne diseases by transporting wastewater away from the environment. In this case, a sewage backup could be alarming in your home. Here are some possible causes of sewer backups and 5 signs it’s time to call PR Plumbing for your sewer damage.
1- Movement
If your sewer line is jostled too much by moving soil, it can crack and break, resulting in leaks, flooding, unpleasant odors and even contamination of your water. If it freezes during a particularly bad winter or if there is too much movement, the oversized pipe may even collapse.
2- Tree Roots
Your sewer lines can be affected by tree roots, one of the leading external causes. Tree roots can cause sewer lines to completely burst or crush. Even if you don’t have trees in your own yard, a neighbor’s can cause you plumbing problems.
3- Rodents
Sewer lines are frequently attacked by burrowing rodents. Using pipes to nest and multiply, they loosen joints, create cracks, and enlarge small cracks. A rodent infestation is never a good thing.
4- Rust
Rust begins to appear in sewer lines as a result of constant contact with water after some time. It can hamper the drainage of water through the pipes. It can also feed on the exterior of the pipe, which results in crack and leaks. Hire an experienced plumber to conduct a sewer line system inspection once a year.
5- Time
Truth be told, time heals all wounds. Sadly, time also destroys all sewer lines. Even if the other things don’t damage your sewer line, wear and tear will, eventually.
Signs that You May Have Sewer Damage
1- Gas Odour
Except for vent stacks on your roof, a sanitary sewer should be airtight everywhere but should allow sewage to move downhill. You would never smell sewer odour unless there were cracks or openings in the sewer lines.
2- Moldy Areas
You may also notice wet spots on your ceilings, walls, or floors if a sewer line collapses or water pipes break. Mold and mildew spread rapidly from water that infiltrates from a sewer or water line if it goes unchecked.
3- Lush Lawn Or Sinkholes
Some areas of grass may be greener or lusher than others. Your house and the street may also be connected by a stretch of lush grass. It is not unusual for sinkholes to develop in your yard without warning, but often there are warning signs. Pavement cracks may also form near the area of a developing sinkhole.
4- Your Drains Are Backing Up Or You Have Slow Drains
If you experience frequent backups, your sewer line is either deteriorating or broken. Drains that constantly back up could be the result of a broken sewer line. A slow drain pipe may be a sign of a blockage that will eventually result in a backup.
5- Cracks Forming in the Pavement and/or Your Foundation
Hopefully, the situation will never worsen to this point, but since the water coming from a busted pipe is softening up the earth so much, you shouldn’t be surprised if your home’s foundation weakens. However difficult and inconvenient it is to fix that issue, think of how much you will need to spend if you severely damage your home’s foundation.
