The sewer system is among the most important parts of your plumbing system, perhaps only behind the main water supply system. It’s responsible for collecting all wastewater (including solids) from your home and channeling everything down the municipal sewer system or your septic tank.

Therefore, any issues with the system can be highly inconvenient. Unfortunately, sewer system problems are fairly common. Some of them lead to messy situations that are expensive to fix. In this post, the most experienced plumber in Havertown, PA, covers some of the most common sewer system problems and their signs.

1. Blockages and Clogs

This is undoubtedly one of the most common sewer system problems. Many people will experience it multiple times over their lifespan. Blockages occur when waste materials accumulate within pipes, stopping the flow of waste products through the sewer system. Some of the most common causes of blockages and clogs in sewer systems include:

  • Grease. Grease from your kitchen (or anywhere else) will harden as it cools along the walls of your sewer pipes, reducing their diameter. Grease also traps solids, leading to clogs over time.
  • Foreign objects. Flushing toys, feminine hygiene products, and wipes can also cause sewer system problems, such as blockages. Depending on the size of the product flushed down, the blockage can be instantaneous or show up after a few days or weeks.
  • Hair. If you’re in the habit of shaving yourself or your pet in the bathroom, you’re risking a blockage in your sewer system. Hair can clump together over time, trapping debris within the sewer line.
  • Overuse of toilet paper. Toilet paper is soluble and should break down in water. However, using too much of it or other paper products is a sure way to cause clogs.

Blockages and clogs are hard to miss. If your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets drain slowly, you clearly need professional drain cleaning to address the blockage in the system. Other signs include gurgling sounds and foul odors coming from the drains. In severe situations, sewage backup in drains and toilets might follow.

2. Broken, Collapsed, or Cracked Pipes

Sewer pipes are highly durable but not indestructible. Over time, they will break down. Some of the most common causes of sewer pipe deterioration include the following:

  • Old age. Cast iron or clay pipes are likely to crack after a few decades in the soil.
  • Ground shifting. The soil around the sewer pipes in your Havertown, PA, home moving due to freezing and thawing, settling, or construction work can put significant pressure on the pipes, causing them to crack, misalign, or even collapse.
  • Tree roots. Tree roots are constantly seeking out water sources. Therefore, your sewer pipes are highly attractive to them. Depending on the pipe material, tree roots can grow into the sewer pipes, causing blockages and cracks.

Some of the clearest signs of a collapsed or cracked pipe include uneven patches of lush green grass around the sewer line, pools of sewage around your yard, and frequent blockages that may require immediate sewer repair to prevent further damage.

3. Sewer Line Corrosion

Older metal pipes are likely to corrode as they age. The corrosion will happen faster in homes with mineral-heavy water. As pipes corrode, their diameter will shrink, making it harder for the wastewater to escape faster.

If the corrosion progresses, leaks and breaks will almost certainly follow. Fortunately, technological advancements have made sensing pipe corrosion a bit easier.

4. Leaking Joints

Sewer pipes always have joints connecting different sections of the pipe work. Plumbers seal these joints tightly, but over time, the seals will deteriorate and cause leaks to develop. Leaking joints will present the same symptoms as broken pipes so you can expect musty odors and wet spots around your yard.

However, the often heavier flow of wastewater can cause other problems, such as foundation damage.

5. Bellied Pipes

This sewer problem occurs when a section of the sewer pipe sags, creating low spots where waste collects in the middle of the line. This problem often points to poor installation work. However, weakness around the surrounding soil can also lead to bellied pipes.

The depression of a segment of the pipe will lead to slow drains and frequent backups.

Get Expert Help with Your Sewer System Problems in Havertown, PA

Are you wondering, “Can a plumber fix a gas leak?” or are you currently experiencing any of the above sewer problems? Are you looking for an experienced company you can trust to help you resolve them? You’ve found the best one.

Call MVP Plumbing in Havertown, PA, today at (484) 904-8411 to schedule a consultation.