Why a Sewer Line Belly or Sag Requires Immediate Attention

A bathtub filled with dirty water due to a clogged sewer pipe.
The Plumbing Problems Caused by Sewer Line Bellies

If a plumbing professional spots a sag or belly in your sewer line, it is imperative to act without delay. Though this issue may not seem like an immediate cause for concern, sagging pipes can eventually lead to standing water and sediment collecting inside the sewer line.

Saggy pipes or bellies can cause a variety of serious problems including:

Seeking professional plumbing repair as soon as possible can help prevent these issues from occurring in your home or business. This blog post will outline why you should fix a belly or sag in your sewer pipe immediately and what repair methods are available.

What Causes Sagging Pipes?

A sagging pipe typically occurs when the soil beneath the piping begins to erode, causing the pipe to sink and form a belly or sag. This dip in the piping can cause standing water and sediment to collect inside the sewer line, leading to major blockages, backups, leaks, and flooding.

Other common causes of sagging pipes include:

  • Drastic temperature changes (causing expansion and contraction)
  • Excessive rain and poor soil compaction
  • Poor, uneven plumbing construction
  • Invasive tree roots pushing the soil down and applying stress on the sewer pipe

Sewer line bellies are especially a problem in older homes with clay pipes. Our team will inspect the situation and investigate the factors contributing to your sagging sewer line. Knowing the underlying cause is imperative for long-term repairs.

Telltale Signs of a Sewer Line Belly

Clogged Plumbing

A clogged drain or sewer line is one of the first signs of a sewer line belly. This scenario occurs when solid waste becomes trapped in the low-lying area of the pipe. If left unattended, solids can build up until your line is completely clogged. Clogs can be tricky to remove, so it's best to address them as soon as possible.

Backed Up Sewer Lines

Another sign that you may have a sewer line belly is backed-up sewage emerging from the drains in your home. The risk of a sewage disaster rises exponentially when low spots in piping aren't draining properly. This nasty scenario is unwelcoming for any homeowner. Avoid letting nasty bacteria invade your property by treating your sewer line proactively!

Sewage Leaks

Finally, sagging sewer lines may also crack over time due to underground pressure and soil compaction. When this happens, there's a possibility wastewater will leak into your yard or property. You'll need to have any cracks repaired immediately to prevent further damage or contamination.

The Importance of a Video Inspection

If you’re alarmed about a possible sagging sewer line, it is important to contact professional plumbing services right away. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Southeast Georgia, we can identify if you have a sagging pipe by performing a video inspection. This inspection will provide our elite plumbers with an up-close view of the pipe without destroying your yard by digging up the ground. With the access granted by our hi-tech equipment, we can determine if there are any sags, bellies, or obstructions quickly and non-invasively.

Popular Repair Methods for Sagging Sewer Lines

The dig-and-replace method is the traditional technique for replacing a sagging sewer line. This method involves digging down into your property until the sagging section of piping is exposed so that it can be removed and replaced with new piping material. It gets the job done, but it can be time-consuming and expensive as it requires excavation equipment and materials for replacement piping.

Two modern, trenchless plumbing methods for repairing a saggy sewer line include in-line expansion and relining. Trenchless in-line expansion involves inserting an inflatable bladder into the existing pipeline that uses air pressure to expand damaged sections while restoring them to their original shape without requiring excavation or replacement pipes.

Relining involves inserting an epoxy-saturated liner into existing pipes. The epoxy hardens within minutes, creating a brand-new lining inside the old piping. These repair techniques allow our team to reinforce sagging pipe sections and remove the belly without digging a trench. By avoiding this labor-intensive step, we can save you both time and money spent on extensive excavation work or replacement pipes.

Sagging Sewer Lines Are No Joke – Hire a Professional Right Away

Belly or sags in your sewer lines should not be taken lightly. These issues can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Property owners should be aware of warning signs indicating a possible sewer line belly. Clogged lines, backed-up sewage, and sewage leaks are common signs your piping system needs professional attention.

Take immediate action by contacting an experienced plumber with the equipment necessary to handle the task. Fortunately, you can count on Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Southeast Georgia to get the job done right! We have the tools, experience, and expertise to troubleshoot and rectify this unfortunate scenario seamlessly and cost-effectively. Our plumbing specialists will assess the situation and recommend necessary steps to avoid a plumbing emergency down the line.

Are you seeking professional plumbing assistance? Call us today or request your service online.