By A broken sewer line can be a real hassle. Not only is it a major inconvenience, but it can also be expensive to repair.
In this blog post, Assainissement île de France lists the signs that you may have a broken sewer line, the possible causes, and what to do if you think you have one. So, if you’re concerned that your home may have a broken sewer line, read on for more information!
Contents
What is a sewer line?
To properly know if something’s wrong with your sewer line, you must first know what it is. A sewer line is the piping that carries wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer system.
It’s usually made of PVC or other durable materials and is buried underground. The main sewer line typically runs from your home to the street, connecting to the city’s main sewer system.
Let’s look at it this way. Wastewater starts at your home’s fixtures, like toilets, showers, and sinks. That water then flows through the sewer line to the main sewer system. From there, it goes to a wastewater treatment plant, where it is treated and released into the environment.
Now that we know what a sewer line is, let’s discuss some signs that yours may be broken.
Signs of a Broken Sewer Line
There are several signs that you may have a broken sewer line. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call a professional for help:
Water backup in your home
This is perhaps the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your sewer line. If wastewater is backing up into your home, it’s a sure sign of a blockage or break somewhere in the line.
Water backup can happen in multiple fixtures, or you may notice it happening in just one. Either way, it indicates something is wrong and must be fixed as soon as possible.
Contact CANALISATION BOUCHÉ professionals to inspect if you just have a mild blockage.
Slow drains
The next time you shower, pay attention to how quickly the water drains. If it seems draining slower than usual, it could signal a problem with your sewer line.
Grease and other debris can build up in the line and cause a blockage, leading to slow drains and water backup. If you notice your drains are slow, it’s best to call a professional to take a look.
Bad odors
It could signify a broken sewer line if you notice bad odors from your drains or around your home.
When sewage leaks from the line, it can cause an unpleasant smell that will linger until the problem is fixed. If you notice any bad odors, be sure to call a professional right away.
Soggy lawn
A soggy or persistently wet lawn is another sign of a broken sewer line. If you notice water pooling in your yard or sewage spilling out, it’s a sure sign that something is wrong with your sewer line.
Sinkholes
If you encounter a sinkhole in your yard, it could be a sign of a broken sewer line. Sewer lines are buried underground, and a break or blockage can cause the ground to collapse, creating a sinkhole.
Sinkholes are one of the most serious signs of a broken sewer line and should be addressed immediately.
If you notice any of these signs, you must call for expert help immediately. A broken sewer line is a serious problem that must be fixed as soon as possible.
What Causes a Broken Sewer Line?
So, what causes a broken sewer line? Several factors can contribute, including:
Corrosion
Over time, the pipes that make up your sewer line can break down and corrode. This is especially true if they’re made of metal; since metal pipes are susceptible to corrosion.
Age
Like anything else, sewer lines don’t last forever. Over time, they can break down and develop leaks or blockages. If you live in an older home, it’s important to have your sewer line regularly inspected to ensure it’s in good condition.
Tree roots
You might not think tree roots could cause problems for your sewer line, but they actually can. Tree roots can grow into the pipes and cause blockages or breaks.
If you have trees on your property, be sure to have your sewer line regularly inspected to ensure there aren’t any problems. Some services also offer tree root removal to prevent them from causing damage in the future.
Ground movement
The ground around your sewer line is constantly shifting and moving. This can cause the pipes to break or leak over time.
If you live in an area with a lot of seismic activity, having your sewer line inspected for any damage is especially important.
As you can see, several potential causes of a broken sewer line exist. You mustn’t waste time calling a professional to take a look if you notice any of the signs listed above.
What Should You Do If You Have a Broken Sewer Line?
If you have a broken sewer line, you should first call a CURAGE CANALISATION professional. They’ll be able to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for fixing it.
The process typically involves excavating the area around the broken pipe and replacing it with a new one. In some cases, the entire sewer line may need to be replaced.
Once the repair or replacement is complete, the area will be filled back in, and you’ll have a working sewer line again.
Can You Repair or Fix a Broken Sewer Line?
While leaving it to the pros is the best course of action, some homeowners may be tempted to try and repair or fix a broken sewer line themselves.
However, this is not recommended. Sewer lines are complex systems that require special tools and training to fix properly.
Trying to repair or replace a sewer line yourself can actually make the problem worse and lead to costly repairs down the road. For example, you could hit another pipe while excavating, which would cause even more damage or flooding.
So, unless you’re a professional, it’s best to leave sewer line repairs to the experts.
How much does it cost to fix a broken sewer line?
The cost of fixing a broken sewer line varies depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repair or replacement needed. It also depends on where you are located.
You can expect to pay several thousand dollars to have a broken sewer line. However, the cost could depend more or less on the specific circumstances.
For example, if only a small section of pipe is damaged, the repair will likely be less expensive than if the entire sewer line needs to be replaced.
Additionally, if tree roots cause the damage, you may need to pay for tree root removal in addition to repairing or replacing the sewer line.
Ask for a quotation from a professional to get a better idea of how much it will cost to fix your broken sewer line.
Conclusion
A broken sewer line is no laughing matter. Leaving it unrepaired can cause major damage to your home and lead to costly repairs.
So if you think you might have a broken sewer line, don’t hesitate to call n the experts. They’ll be able to assess the damage properly and determine the best course of action for fixing it.
