A sewer line backup or leak can be frustrating to deal with as a homeowner. Along with the unpleasant smell and messy cleanup of a compromised sewer pipe, it can be difficult to pinpoint the root cause of your sewage problem. Here at Gene’s Water & Sewer, we’ve seen it all when it comes to sewer pipes. We specialize in sewer line repair for Minneapolis and the surrounding areas and will work to get your sewer line functioning as it should again.
But first, in order to prevent sewer line damage in the first place or mitigate an issue when it arises, it’s important to know how to spot the main causes of sewer line damage. Here are the common causes of a damaged sewer line and how you can repair or replace your sewer system when needed.
One of the most common causes of sewer line damage is tree roots. A tree’s roots follow sources of water as they grow. Since sewer lines carry liquid waste, roots are naturally attracted to the source particularly when there is already a small leak in the piping.
Once in contact with a sewer pipe, tree roots begin to wrap around and break into pipes, clogging, weakening, and even breaking the structure. Clay sewer pipes, typically found in older homes, are the most susceptible to damage from tree roots.
Although pipes made of steel and cast iron are galvanized to prevent rusting, these pipes are at a high risk of corroding due to calcium and magnesium build-up from regular wear and tear. If corrosion is left untreated, it can leave the pipe susceptible to leaks and cracks.
Your home’s sewage lines are only equipped to handle human waste and toilet paper. Avoid flushing trash like wrappers and paper towels, as they’re unable to properly disintegrate and can cause blockages that drain cleaning agents can’t fix.
During extreme temperature and cold weather, frozen pipes can bust as a result of the expanding ice. However, it’s not just cold weather that can cause pipes to rupture—though unlikely, extreme heat can burst pipes, too.
No matter the cause, it is important to address any issues with your sewer line as soon as possible. To prevent further damage, it’s important to know the signs of a damaged sewer system so that you can take immediate action and contact an experienced service technician. Draining issues, flooded lawn, foul smell and water damage are all signs your home is in need of sewer line repair.
If your sewer line springs a leak or breaks and needs to be repaired, you have two options: Dig a trench around the sewer pipe or use trenchless sewer line repairs. A trenchless sewer repair is time and cost-effective while requiring little to no digging.
To learn more about what type of sewer line repair is best for your Minneapolis home, give us a call at Gene’s Water & Sewer at 612-781-3737 or contact us to get a Free Estimate