Reasons for main sewer clogs
Each pipe, drain, and plumbing fixture connects with the most essential piece of plumbing in every home, which is the sewer line. There can be a main sewer clog due to improper usage of all these pipes, fixtures, and drains. This can result in the need for serious replacement and repair. To help you know more about these, we will talk about the causes, warning signs, and replacement options for main sewer clogs.
Causes of main sewer clogs
1. Plumbing connection
Main sewer clogs can occur due to poor plumbing connections. To prevent this, you require a certified, experienced, and qualified plumber. This will make sure that all the plumbing projects are done properly.
Always hire plumbers from reputable and large plumbing companies. This will help you get the best plumbing fix possible.
2. Tree roots
Tree roots have a lot of strength, so they can form root balls and penetrate sewer lines that cause main sewer clogs. Also, tree roots can even wrap around the drain line and crush it.
You can use some chemicals to kill the roots and separate them from the pipes. You can also remove the trees that are present near or above the sewer line.
3. Weak sewer lines
When the sewer pipes become old, they collapse, break, and crack easily. This can cause severe problems in sewers. So, if there are old pipes, you can avoid these problems by replacing them. It will prevent blockages and make the sewer line efficient.
4. Debris in the toilet
It is significant to protect the health of your sewer line by knowing what not to do and what to flush down the toilet. If you treat your toilet like your trash can, it can cause severe damage to your main sewer line. So, while using the toilet, do not flush down things that it is not intended to flush.
5. Loose-fitting sewer line
A homeowner does not have control over a saggy sewer line, but it can occur over some time. This usually happens when a certain section of your pipe has sunk because of soil or ground conditions. The spot that is low on the line can then begin collecting waste and paper, leading to repeated blockages.
6. Damage of the pipe
When the sewer pipes are ruptured or broken, it will not drain properly via the system, which leads to frequent and immediate backups. The damage in sewer pipes can take place due to corrosion of the older pipe, causing a collapse or a break, leaking joints that allow sewage and water to escape, and due to the usage of heavy equipment on the ground above.
7. Greasy substances in the drain
Do not pour butter, oil, fatty items, and grease in the drain. If you want to dispose of these, pour them into a can or a jar. When it becomes solid at room temperature, you can throw all of it away. Washing grease with some hot water will ruin the purpose, and it will eventually stick, harden, and cool off, making your sewer lines clog.
Warning Signs
1. Alterations in the surface of the lawn
Main sewer lines normally run from the house and under the lawn before they join the street. In case you have a close look at the lawn, you can see a depressed spot where a pipe has been ruptured or broken. If the weather is dry, you will also notice some soggy patches where the sewage will flow out from the pipe underground.
2. Regular backing up of the drains
Backing up the drain regularly can be a warning sign. This must be taken notice of most when it happens in the lower levels of the home. Do not hope for the best by pouring unblocking fluids down the drain. It is because the substance can be abrasive and cause damage.
3. Plumbing malfunction and gurgling toilets
If you notice something strange in your plumbing fixtures, it can be a sign that the main sewer has a definite problem. Apart from the unusual noises that come during the flushing, you can also keep an eye out for water bubbling or rising from the back of the drain.
4. Multiple clogs in the drain
In case there are multiple plumbing appliances that have been affected in your house, it is a sign that there is some problem with your main sewer line rather than with the individual pipe.
Replacement and repair options
1. Repair of Trenchless Sewer Line
It is a new systematic option and consists of making a few small access holes in the start of the ruptured pipe. A replacement pipe can enter through all of the access holes and get pulled up with the help of some of the existing pipes, making the old pipe fall away and rupture. If you want to minimize the damage to your driveway and yard, it can be a feasible option.
2. Traditional Sewer Line Replacement and Repair
The traditional approach uses a backhoe to dig up the area surrounding the line, allowing easier access to the problematic pipeline. Once there is complete repair, the backhoe will fill the trench.
Conclusion
It is essential to know how to take care of your main sewer line and prevent main sewer clogs. For this, all you need to do is to know the main causes behind the clogging of the main sewer line. Tree roots, debris, and grease can be a major concern, so cutting down trees near and above the ground of your sewer line will increase its longevity. Also, avoid flushing down and debris or pouring grease, as it can clog your sewer line.
You can look out for some warning signs, such as multiple clogs in the drain, regular backing up of the drain, changes in the surface of the lawn, and gurgling toilets, along with a plumbing malfunction. If there is a main sewer clog, you can check out the repair and replacement options.
Besthomewatertreatmentsystems.com will help you remove your main sewer clog and solve your plumbing problems.
