Challenges of A Sewer Line
A home's sewer line is one of the essential components of the plumbing system.
A home's sewer line is one of the essential components of the plumbing system. It is responsible for transporting all the home's wastewater to the city's main sewer line located underneath the street in front of the house. Sewer pipes are the last thing on a homeowner's mind, until an issue surface. Problems with the sewer pipes are not only inconvenient and troublesome but also quite expensive. Therefore, it is essential for every homeowner not to ignore any warning signs, and ensure that the pipes are in good condition through regular examination and upkeep by a sewer and drain expert.
Sewer lines have been around for centuries and have evolved considerably over time. Depending on the house's age, and when the sewer lines were installed, you can determine the types of materials used in the sewer pipe running underneath the yard. Understanding the age of the sewer line and the materials it is made of can help assess the conditions of the pipes, and how long they will last. It will also help in deciding the right time to replace the sewer line.
The most common materials used in making sewer pipes are clay, cast iron, Orangeburg (fiber conduit), and plastic (ABS, PVC). In older homes, you are likely to find clay, iron, or Orangeburg. Since the 1970s, plastic has been the go-to choice for newer sewer line installations. Though all the sewer line materials are built to last, some have an extended lifespan than others. The life of Orangeburg pipes was around 50 years, clay pipes could last between 50-60 years, cast iron can last 75-100 years, and the most commonly used PVC pipes these days have a life of over 100 years. These pipes can last longer with proper maintenance. However, certain outside elements can damage the sewer line, and you will have to replace it sooner.
Common challenges of a sewer line
A sewer line goes through a lot and is not free from difficulties. Some of the common problems that plumbers find during a sewer pipe inspection are:
Blockages - Dirt, debris, and mineral deposits build-up over time can lead to clogs and damaged pipes that can affect its functioning. To prevent this, avoid misuse of the home's plumbing system and stop flushing everything down the kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.
Tree root intrusion is a common sewer line issue that is more common in clay and cast-iron pipes. Tree roots can make their way into the sewer line through a crack, and if not checked on time, can damage the plumbing system.
Offset pipes - Ground settling due to certain environmental factors can cause pipe misalignment.
Sewer line replacement
If the sewer line is old, has persistent clogs and tree intrusion, making odd sounds, or is severely damaged beyond repair, call a sewer and drain expert. He will inspect the pipes through a sewer camera to confirm if it needs replacement. Modern plumbers use a new drain pipe replacement option known as trenchless sewer replacement, which does not involve digging up the whole yard.
Water Wise Plumbing is a local, full-service residential plumbing company serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise, Boulder City, Pahrump, and North Las Vegas. We provide Tankless water heater service, water softeners, water heater flush, leak detection and repair, water line rerouting, pipe installation, hydro-jetting, sewer services, and more. We are family-owned and operated, certified, and insured. We offer flat rate pricing and 24-hour emergency service.Call us today at (702) 605 - 6408.
