Common Causes of Sewer Line Breaks

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• Diagnose the problem with your plumbing system
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Your main sewer line is a crucial component of your home’s plumbing system. The large pipe carries wastewater from your sinks, toilets, showers, and other drains. It moves this waste out of your house and into the municipal sewer system or your septic tank. When this line is functioning properly, you likely don’t give it a second thought. However, a problem with your main sewer line can lead to significant issues.

How Sewer Lines Can Break and Their Causes

Main sewer lines are durable, but they are not impervious to damage. Several factors can lead to a break or blockage in your sewer line:

• Tree Root Intrusion: This is one of the most common causes of sewer line damage. Tree roots are naturally drawn to the moisture and nutrients found within sewer pipes. Even small cracks or loose joints can let roots enter the pipe. The roots then grow and expand. This can block the flow of wastewater or even cause more cracks in the pipe.
• Shifting Soil and Ground Movement: Earthquakes, nearby construction, and long dry spells followed by heavy rain can make the soil around your sewer line shift. This movement can put stress on the pipes, leading to cracks, dislodged sections, or complete breaks.
• Corrosion and Aging Pipes: Older sewer lines, especially those made of cast iron or clay, can corrode and break down over time. As these materials age, they can become brittle and more prone to cracking, crumbling, or collapsing.
• Poor Installation: If the sewer line was not installed correctly in the first place, it could be more vulnerable to issues. This might include improper grading, insufficient bedding, or weak connections.
• Blockages and Pressure: Severe blockages can create a lot of pressure on pipe walls. This is especially true if the blockage is large or lasts a long time. This increased pressure can exacerbate existing weaknesses or lead to new cracks.
• Heavy Loads: Driving or parking heavy vehicles over the area where your sewer line is buried can harm the pipe. This can happen if the line is not buried deep enough or is made of old, weak material.

What a Main Sewer Line Repair Entails

The process of repairing a main sewer line can vary depending on the nature and location of the damage. Generally, it involves:

1. Diagnosis: Our technicians will use advanced tools. They will use sewer cameras to find the exact location and cause of the break or blockage.
2. Access: Depending on the repair method, excavation may be necessary to access the damaged portion of the pipe. In some cases, trenchless repair methods can be used, which minimize the need for extensive digging.
3. Repair/Replacement:
   • Spot Repair: For small, localized breaks, a section of the pipe may be replaced.
   • Pipe Relining: This is a trenchless method. A new, strong liner is pulled or blown into the damaged pipe. This creates a new pipe inside the old one.
   • Pipe Bursting: This is a trenchless method. A new pipe is pulled through the old one. At the same time, the old pipe breaks apart.
   • Full Replacement: If the damage is severe or the pipes are very old, you may need to replace the entire sewer line.
4. Restoration: Once the repair is complete, any excavated areas will be refilled and restored.