Sewer Line Damage Is A Serious Problem

How Does A Murrieta Plumber Repair Sewer Line Damage?

One of the major contributors to sewer line damage is when homeowners begin landscaping projects and strike a sewer line in the process of digging.Sewer Line DamageOne of the main causes of sewer line damage is roots that grow through cracked lines. The number one priority for you if you have sewer line damage is to determine the extent and nature of the damage to the sewer line.

Sewer line damage is a serious problem because wastewater contains microorganisms that can be harmful to humans. Waking up to find that the bathroom, basement, or back yard covered in sewage due to sewer line damage is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. If your sewer line damage is extensive, or if your sewer line has not been replaced in a few decades, your plumber will probably advise you to replace it. Sewer line damage can often be caused by tree roots growing into the sewer line, creating damage and leaks that will require immediate repair.

Do I Really Need to Replace My Sewer Line?

Tree roots often invade and clog broken sewer lines. Experts say copper sulfate, available from plumbers and garden centers, repels roots. While this may only be a temporary fix, it can buy time before extensive work is required. The Indianapolis Department of Public Works recommends this process, once in spring and again in fall:

• Pour 2 pounds of medium-sized copper sulfate into toilet bowl, a half cup at a time.

• Flush toilet after each addition.

• Leave the last half cup of copper sulfate in toilet bowl overnight before flushing.

Sooner or later, local experts say, most Indianapolis-area homes, especially those built in the 1970s or earlier, will require sewer line repair or replacement – and the responsibility to pay for it most often falls on the homeowner. Sewer pipes, or laterals, in older homes are usually made of clay tiles that can crack or break apart, allowing tree roots to infiltrate and create clogs. Other problems result from settling or collapsed pipe sections.

Traditionally, sewer replacements required a contractor to dig a trench in a homeowner’s yard along the length of the lateral. In Indianapolis, that method’s still used in more than 95 percent of residential sewer replacement jobs, says Dan Considine, spokesman for Citizens Energy Group, which in late August took over the city’s sewer and water utilities. Read more here.

One other main cause of sewer line damage are the roots of grass, shrubs, and trees that make their way into the joints and crannies of the pipes.

How to Keep Roots From Wrecking Your Sewer Line

Determine Where Sewer Lines Are Located

Homeowners can call their local public works department or the national 811 “Call Before You Dig” number to find the location of underground utilities. It’s always a good idea to know where cables, lines, and pipes are buried before doing any landscaping or planting.

Create a Barrier Between Trees and Sewer Lines

Several types of barriers are available to discourage root growth into sewer lines. Slow-release chemicals, such as copper sulfate and potassium hydroxide, are commonly used in residential settings. Spread these growth inhibitors near the sewer line to prevent root growth into the area. Metal or wood barriers buried 6 to 12 inches deeper than the pipe and running vertically next to sewer lines will also stop roots from getting at the pipes.

Plant “Sewer-Safe” Trees and Shrubs

Being smart about how you plan landscaping is the best way to avoid problems and expensive repair bills. Limit the amount of plants you place close to sewer lines. Plant larger trees far enough away from sewer lines so the roots are not within reach of the pipes. If you do plant near sewer lines, select slow-growing trees with a small root ball. See more here.

An annual cleaning can help keep your sewer line clear of debris and anything else that could cause a serious clog and damage.

Preventing Sewer Line Damage

Properly managing landscaping near sewer lines is important. Water-seeking trees should be replaced every eight to ten years before they can grow into pipes and plumbing lines. This helps limit the distance that roots grow beneath the soil and shortens the time they have to infiltrate sewer line cracks, foundations, sidewalks and other elements in your yard.

Steps to Prevent Tree Root Damage

According to agricultural experts at the University of Tennessee, following these steps can help prevent tree root damage to your home’s sewer lines:

• Plant only small, slow-growing trees near sewer lines.
• If you must plant fast-growing species, plan to replace them every ten years or so.
• Even slow-growing trees can damage sewer lines, so be aware that these trees must also be replaced periodically.
• When building new sewer lines or upgrading existing ones, consider landscaping plans carefully and do whatever is necessary to avoid root infiltration from trees and robust shrubs.

There are no “safe” trees when it comes to sewer lines, but UT recommends planting small, slow-growing species such as Amur maple, dogwood, redbud, Japanese maple, or fringetree. Read full article here.

Sewer Line Damage Can Be A Frustrating Problem To Deal With

Sewer line damage can lead to serious issues such as leaks and backups that expose your property and its occupants to untreated wastewater. Caused by anything from tree roots to harmful chemicals to aging, storm and sewer line damage can be a costly and inconvenient problem without the right plumbers to get your system back in working order. Sewer line damage can cause major damage to the foundation or basement of your home, which can mean you may have to spend major bucks! Cleaning up quickly after wastewater and sewage have damaged your home is important. You can ensure you will avoid further damages and prevent disease by eliminating unsanitary conditions.

Because sewer line damage can cause serious leaking issues in your home, once the damage is detected repair or replacement can save you from the total loss of your home. Sewer line damage can damage a well-designed landscape by causing a yard to become damp and soggy with raw sewage, it can also cause bad odors, clogged drains, clogged toilets and it can even pose a health threat. In the worst cases, a home’s entire sewer system can become backed up, a problem that often requires the services of a professional plumber. Sewer repair is needed when your sewer is backed up or starts leaking, for more information don’t hesitate to call your local Murrieta CA plumbing professionals at Your Murrieta Plumber: (951) 319-2353.

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