Common Sewer Line Problems and Repairs (2024)

Your home’s sewer line is an essential component of your plumbing system, responsible for carrying wastewater away from your property. Unfortunately, sewer lines are prone to problems that can cause significant disruptions. When your system isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to flooding, overflow, deterioration of pipes, and overallcorrosion.

It’s important to understand how your sewer line functions and how to address potential issues. So, in this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common sewer line problems andrepairs:

• Clogged sewer line
• Cracked sewer line
• Offset sewer line pipes
• Sewer line collapse
• Tree root growth inside sewer lines

Problem #1: Clogged SewerLine

One of the most common signs of sewer line issues is when your toilets won’t flush and you’ve got wastewater coming up from other drains, like your sinks and showers. Unlike slow-draining pipe clogs that cause temporary standing water, sewer line clogs create alternating water backups when you try to remove the clog. For example, you might plunge aclogged kitchen sink and be relieved to see the water drain. But then, wastewater backs up somewhere else, such as your bathroom sink orbathtub.

In addition to backed-up drains, other signs of aclogged sewer lineinclude:

If you notice any of the above, contact aprofessional plumber straight away. While at-home fixes like plungers and drain snakes can help unclog atemporary issue, sewer line clogs cause persistent issues. You may need hydro-jetting, which utilizes high-pressure water to dislodge debris and clear your sewer pipes.

Problem #2: Cracked SewerLine

If you notice distinct patches of thick, green grass growing in your yard, you may have acracked sewer line leaking into the ground below. Wastewater is rich in nutrients that can transform normal grass into beautifully verdant grass. In this instance, that’s not agood thing!

Cracks in sewer lines can occur due to various factors, including age, ground shifting, tree root infiltration, or external pressure. When left untreated, cracks can lead to further blockages, including the need for afull sewer line replacement.

Sewer line cracks can be repaired through traditional excavation, where the affected section of the sewer line is excavated and replaced with anew pipe. However, excavation can be disruptive and time-consuming, requiring significant digging and restoration work. For this reason, trenchless repair methods like pipelining or pipe coating have become increasingly common. Trenchless sewer repairs are often substantially more affordable than traditional alternatives that require digging up your lawn. They only require access points at the beginning and end of adamaged pipe section, which reduces the need for extensive excavation. In Colorado, trenchless sewer line and drain repairs can cost anywhere from $3,800 to $10,000, with the average repair costing around $7,200.

To learn more, check out our blog, ​“How Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Work?”

Problem #3: Offset Sewer LinePipes

Offset sewer pipes is another common sewer line problem, which can happen due to shifting ground. When the connection between two sections of the sewer line are misaligned, it can lead to avariety of problems. First, it disrupts the smooth flow of wastewater, causing blockages, slow drainage, backups, and even sewage spills. Additionally, offset sewer pipes can lead to leaks, as the misaligned sections create gaps where wastewater can escape into the surrounding soil or groundwater, causing potential contamination.

To fix offset sewer pipes, acommon solution is to use atechnique called pipe lining. In this process, aflexible liner coated with aresin is inserted into the affected section and inflated to adhere to the interior of the pipe, creating anew, seamless pipe within the old one. This effectively realigns the offset sections and restores proper flow. Another solution is to perform traditional excavation and physically realign or replace the offset pipe sections. This method is more invasive and disruptive but may be necessary for severe cases or if the offset isextensive.

To schedule asewer line diagnostic, contact Cooper Heating &Cooling. Our highly-trained and experienced plumbers use state-of-the-art sewer cameras that can pinpoint the exact location of damage. This way, we can provide the most efficient and cost-effective repairsolution.

You can also check out our blog, ​“How Much Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Cost in Colorado?”

Problem #4: Sewer LineCollapse

If your sewer line has collapsed, you’ll notice signs of it immediately. In addition to multiple backed up drains throughout your home, collapsed sewer lines can cause sinkholes, foul odors, and sewage leaks that pose health and environmental hazards.

Sewer lines can collapse due to various reasons,including:

Fixing collapsed sewer lines often involves excavation to access and replace the damaged section. This process requires digging atrench, removing the collapsed pipe, and installing anew pipe or making repairs. Alternatively, trenchless repair methods like pipe bursting or pipe lining can be employed, but it depends on your situation. You’ll need to have aqualified plumbing company come out and assess the damage in person, in order to provide the most appropriate solution.

At Cooper Heating and Cooling, we know that disruptions to sewer service are amajor inconvenience to your household’s daily routines and comfort. That’s why we’re proud to offer emergency plumbing services. Day or night, just give us acall and we’ll have aqualified plumber at your door in notime!

Problem #5: Tree Root Growth Inside the SewerLine

Tree root intrusion is acommon cause of sewer line problems. Tree roots are naturally drawn to sources of moisture, including the water and nutrients within sewer lines. As roots grow, they can penetrate small cracks or gaps in the sewer pipe, causing blockages and restricting the flow of wastewater. Over time, the root intrusion can lead to complete blockages, pipe damage, or even pipecollapse.

The most effective repair solution for tree intrusion is hydro-jetting, which utilizes high-pressure water to clear out the roots and debris from the pipe. Additionally, chemical treatments may be used to inhibit root growth and prevent future intrusion. For severe cases or extensive damage, excavation and pipe replacement may benecessary.