In a perfect world, your sewer system would never encounter problems or force you to consider the flow of waste away from your home. The reality of home ownership is that sewer lines do occasionally malfunction, and require the same level of maintenance as every other part of your property. There are also common causes of sewer back-up, some of which are relatively easy for a professional to repair.
Tree Root Interference
The same beautiful, mature trees responsible for boosting your property value and providing money-saving shade can also wreak a bit of havoc with your sewer lines if their roots become an interference.
Collapsed or Damaged Lines
Older homes have a charm and character all their own, but they may also come equipped with old, outdated sewer pipes. Aging pipes may begin to crack or even collapse altogether, causing serious problems on your property. Thankfully, new technological advances mean you may not have to face digging and the destruction of your landscaping plan, as no-dig and trenchless repair systems become more common.
Drain Blockage
The single most common cause of sewer line problems and water back-up into the home is a simple drain blockage. Most clogs stem from simple user error, or improper use of drains. Make sure you never flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet, and are careful about what you pour into your drains.
A licensed and reputable sewer and septic professional can diagnose and correct these common problems, most of which are simply to complex for the average homeowner to tackle as a DIY project. Contact a sewer and septic specialist in your area to discuss any sewer problems, and to make arrangements for necessary repairs before relatively minor problems become worse over time.
Posted on behalf of Chuck Seagraves, Seagraves Plumbing
