A sewer line problem is never a fun surprise. Since sewer pipes are located underground, it can be an issue that sneaks up on you, slowly becoming a big problem. But what exactly is going on underground? If you are noticing that your drains are slow to dispel water or your toilet backs up, there is an issue, but what? The two most common issues are sewer line clogs and broken pipes, so which is causing your sewer backup problem?
Clogged Sewer Pipes
If you have a major clog in a sewer line, it is usually a gradual issue that slowly becomes worse. You may notice that your bathtub or kitchen sink seem to take longer to drain, becoming slower and slower. There may be a nasty odor coming from your drains as wastewater sits in the pipes in your home. Fats, oil, paper, inorganic objects and even tree roots can cause clogs that continue to close the inside of your sewer lines, eventually causing a backup into your home.
Broken Sewer Pipes
A broken sewer line can also cause a backup, but it is usually more sudden than a clog. Also, if a pipe has broken, it is most likely leaking out wastewater into the ground. You may see an area in your yard that is wet or sunken above the broken pipe. There also could be an odor in your yard, alerting you to a sewer leak below the surface.
If you have noticed any of these issues, you need to call your local sewer service company to inspect your sewer lines. They can quickly find out whether it is a clog or a broken pipe and offer a repair solution.
Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441
