Common Problems that Can Afflict Sewer Lines as They Age

Over time, a variety of issues can compromise your plumbing lines, increasing your long-term maintenance and sewer repair costs. Below is an overview of some of the most common sewage line problems.

 























Oily Build-Up

• Everything from flushed waste to leftover foods contains some amount of oily deposits, and these materials can harden and build up in the plumbing lines over time. Normal plunging typically will not suffice for deep clogs, but a plumbing specialist can provide water jetting services to remove buildup and clean sewage pipes.

Clogs

• Flushing or washing away any insoluble materials can accelerate the process of oily buildups and create a large clog deep in your plumbing lines. Some of the most common items to avoid flushing include diapers, cat litter, cigarette butts, and hair.

Root Infiltration

• Tree roots are notorious for digging into plumbing lines through even the tiniest cracks and splitting the PVC pipes. Even if the roots don’t split the line, they create tiny pinhole leaks which can leak thousands of gallons of water into the surrounding soil. Some tree root systems can extend as two to four times the diameter of the tree crown (the section including the branches and leaves) and can cause problems up to seven years after the tree itself is removed.

Sewer Line Collapse

• If one or more of the above issues places too much strain on the sewer lines, the pipes can collapse entirely and result in costly repairs. Older homes built before the 1970s may use pipes made out of ceramic and iron, which have a much lower life expectancy than newer PVC materials.

To receive award-winning service for your plumbing or home appliance problems in the Seattle area, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363 today. We offer affordable plumbing and drain cleaning services and emergency response 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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