Your sewer line is the main pipe that brings wastewater from all the toilets and drains in your home to the public sewer system. It runs from your home through your yard to the main sewer pipe, which is usually under the roadway. While it is partly protected by being underground, it is still vulnerable to damage, and you may need a plumbing service to replace it. Here are the main causes of sewer line damage.

When Should I Get a New Sewer Line?

1. Cracked Pipes

Because they’re underground, sewer lines are vulnerable to tree roots. If a tree or a large shrub is close enough, the roots will grow around and into the pipes in search of water, and their slow growth can both clog and crack the plumbing. You may notice that a tree looks especially green and healthy compared to other plants on the property, or drains throughout your house may back up due to the clogs in the sewer line. A plumber may also identify roots in the pipe by inspecting it with a camera.

Natural disasters like earthquakes can also break your pipes, and they may be damaged if a heavy object like a vehicle sits on the ground above them. This can result in leaks, which can cause mud or standing water in your yard, along with unpleasant smells.

2. Sagging

To keep waste flowing in the correct direction, your sewer line is slanted slightly downward toward the main sewer. Over time, the soil under the pipe can shift and settle, removing support. When this happens, the middle of the pipe can sag and end up lower than the far end. 

This dip in the middle of the pipe traps waste and can lead to clogs and backflow. You can tell a clog in the main sewer line apart from a clog higher up in the pipes because it will affect all the drains in the house. When this happens, the line needs repairs or replacement to make sure it flows correctly again.

3. Age

Over time, plumbing materials deteriorate. While PVC pipes will last indefinitely if they’re not cracked, other materials corrode over time. Corrosion can cause buildup on the inside of the pipe that blocks water from flowing, and can also eat through the metal and cause leaks. Because of this, they may have a lifespan as short as 20 years.

You can tell how close your pipes are to the end of their lifespan by checking when they were last replaced, then identifying the material they're made from. Cast iron is expected to last 75 to 100 years as a rule of thumb, brass lasts 40 to 70 years, galvanized steel lasts 20 to 50, and copper lasts 50 years or more. If you aren’t sure what your pipes are made of, ask your plumbing service what they are and how long they’ll last.

If you believe your pipes may be damaged and need replacement, make a drain line inspection appointment with Cartright’s Plumbing and Septic Service in Checotah, OK. Serving McIntosh County, this family-owned septic service has over 20 years of industry experience. They use the latest equipment to ensure quick, effective service. Call (918) 894-0902 or visit their website to schedule.