One of the most common drain repairs that contractors encounter is a clogged drain line that runs from the commercial or residential structure to the main sewer line. These blockages occur between the structure and the point where the main sewer line discharges sewage into a public sewer system or a private sewage system. Often they are frustrating to the property owner because often they will re-appear; even after they are cleared out! In most cases, the recurring backup is a result of either a broken pipe or a pipe that has a low spot in it.
Broken drain pipes are pretty common and usually are the result of the bottom of the pipe not being supported properly or machinery running over the pipe that is not protected by a sufficient amount of ground cover. In both cases the pipe is either cracked or crushed. Often dirt and roots, from nearby vegetation or trees, will find its way into the pipe in search of water.
All drain lines are required to have fall on them, as gravity is the key factor in sewer systems working. In many cases of a recurring sewer blockage, the pipe is either flat or has a dip in it, which allows solids to build up in the flat or low spot. This keeps the sewage from flowing in the pipe as the system was designed.
Although the blockage can be removed using a variety of techniques, a sewer line repair service contractor will recommend a video inspection of all sanitary drains experiencing recurring blockages. Using a lighted camera inserted into the drain, the technician will be able to determine the cause and make the appropriate recommendation on how to properly repair the pipe to eliminate recurring blockages.
Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing
