We don’t see sewer system lines because they are in our yards or under our homes. They carry all of our wastewater from toilets, sinks, and showers. We hardly ever think about them until common sewer system problems start causing trouble.
Sewer line issues can make your home a health hazard. White Star Sewer and Drain Services is here to answer,“What are common sewer system problems?” because failure to take prompt action results in structural damage, which may be costly.
Identifying What Are Common Sewer System Problems
If you know the warning symptoms, you can avoid having your entire system fail. Many homeowners see indicators, but they don’t know the causes of sewer backup, so they just ignore them.
If you are also wondering, “What are common sewer system problems?”, Here is a list:
- Slow Drains:
If several sinks and tubs are draining slowly, there is an issue with a common mainline.
- Foul Odors:
If the smell of sewage is strong in or around your yard, gas has leaked out.
- Gurgling Sounds:
Toilets that make bubbling noises when the sink point is turned on are caused by trapped air.
- Soggy Lawns:
Sewer backup causes abnormally bright spots of wet grass that are usually an indication of broken underground pipes.
| Common Warning Sign | The Approximate Location of The Problem | Urgency Level | What To Do? |
| One slow sink drain | Localized branch pipe | Low | DIY cleaning |
| Multiple backup drains | Main sewer line connection | High | Call an expert |
| Areas with sewage standing in the yard | Main exterior underground pipe | Critical | Immediate action |
What Causes Sewer Line Issues and Backups
After you figure out the problem, you need to determine the root causes of the failure. Different pipe materials and habits result in different problems.
Common Sewer Backup Causes:
- Tree Root Intrusion:
Roots grow into cracks and holes in pipes.
- Flushing Trash:
Wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products block water flow.
- Fat Buildup:
Fat from cooking cools inside a pipe and forms a clog.
- Sagging Lines:
Sections of pipe sag due to soil movement, collecting debris.
Types of Sewer Pipe Damage: The Three C’s
- Corrosion:
Rusting of old cast iron pipes occurs internally and causes reduced flow.
- Cracking:
Clay and plastic pipes crack due to ground movement or freezing temperatures.
- Collapse:
The soil weight causes the lines of clay to collapse completely.
| Type of Blockage | Primary Culprit | Best Correction Method |
| Organic Blockage | Tree roots, thick mud | Beneath the water and using root cutting methods. |
| Physical Obstruction | Wet wipes, hardened grease | Mechanical snaking or routing. |
| Structural Break | Cracked or broken pipe | Trenchless pipe relining |
Common Sewer Solutions and System Maintenance
The last step is to hire a professional to unclog a blocked sewer. These stressful disasters are prevented by long-term care.
Professional Restoration Methods
Professionals don’t just start digging. They use tested methods to unclog your system.
- Waterproof Video Camera Inspections:
Plumbers run a waterproof video camera line to locate the exact breakage.
- Hydro-Jetting:
High-pressure water blasting removes heavy grease and soft roots without harm.
- Pipe Relining:
A trenchless method used to insert epoxy liners into the old pipes.
- Traditional Excavation:
Professionals dig up the yard to replace completely collapsed sections.
Sewer System Maintenance Tips:
Here are some of the most important sewer system maintenance tips for your home.
- Watch Your Drains:
Don’t pour cooking oil or fat down kitchen drains.
- Throw Away Wipes:
Only throw any cleaning wipes in the trash bin.
- Schedule Inspections:
Schedule an inspection by an expert every 2 years.
- Keep Trees Away:
Avoid planting deep-rooted trees near underground sewer markers
Final Thoughts:
A sewer line problem can have a devastating impact on your entire home in a matter of minutes. Identifying the signs of a clogged sewer drain will help you take action before a flood.
By knowing the common sewer system problems, you can make maintaining your pipes easier. Your sewer lines can stay clean, operational, and safe to use for years to come if you handle the sewer issues promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a main sewer line clog?
It is a clog in the main line that carries the water from your house to the city sewer line. It allows wastewater to back up in all drains of a house.
What are the common causes of sewer backups?
Common causes include tree roots, flushed baby wipes, kitchen grease, and older pipes that have collapsed.
Can a heavy rain clog a sewer drain?
Absolutely, large amounts of rain can overwhelm the local municipal sewer systems. This extra water causes backups into homes’ basements and drains.
How to fix underground water damage in sewer pipes?
There are several methods used to repair damaged sewer lines. Plumbers use video cameras to locate the damage first. Then they repair it by employing high-pressure water jets or trenchless epoxy relining.
How often should sewer system maintenance be conducted?
It is recommended that homeowners get a sewer camera inspection every 18-24 months. An annual inspection of older properties that have large trees should be done.