Sewer Line RepairÂ
Your home’s main sewer line carries all wastewater from your drains out to the municipal sewer or septic system. When it’s damaged or blocked, the effects show up quickly inside the house. This page explains the warning signs, what typically causes them, and how these problems are repaired.
Signs of a Sewer Line Problem
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Foul odors coming from drains or in your yard
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Gurgling sounds in your pipes
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Wastewater backing up into sinks, tubs, or floor drains
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Slow drains throughout the house, or soggy or sunken areas in your lawn
These symptoms often indicate a break, collapse, or blockage in the main line. A single slow drain is usually a local clog, but problems in several fixtures at once suggest the main line.
Tree root intrusion at joints, then expand and block or break the pipe.
Tree root intrusion at joints, then expand and block or break the pipe.
Old pipe with heavy mineral buildup
How Sewer Line Problems Are Diagnosed and Repaired
The first step is determining the location and severity of the damage. [A sewer camera inspection lets a technician see inside the pipe and identify the problem without digging.]
The right repair depends on what that inspection shows:
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Spot repair: Used when only one section is damaged. Just that portion of the line is repaired or replaced.
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Pipe relining (trenchless): A liner is installed inside the existing pipe to seal cracks and reinforce it. This requires little or no excavation, so landscaping and hardscaping are mostly undisturbed.
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Full excavation and replacement: Used when the pipe has collapsed or is too deteriorated to line. The old section is dug up and replaced with new pipe.
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Before any access points are closed, the line is cleared of debris and tested to confirm wastewater flows properly.
Using a sewer camera on a cleanout on the side of a building
Common Causes
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Tree root intrusion: Roots grow toward moisture and can enter through small cracks or joints, then expand and block or break the pipe.
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Shifting soil: Ground movement, settling, or erosion can crack, separate, or collapse sections of pipe.
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Aging or deteriorated pipe: Older materials such as clay or cast iron wear down over time.
What to Do If You Suspect a Problem
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Limit water use (laundry, dishwasher, long showers) until the line is checked, since more water can worsen a backup.
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Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which rarely clear a main line problem and can damage pipes.
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Have the line inspected to confirm the cause before deciding on a repair.