Sewer lines may be buried deep underground, but they’re still vulnerable to damage from multiple sources in and around them. Tree roots, soil movement, and other factors can all lead to issues with your sewer line. When problems arise, they can wreak havoc on your entire plumbing system. Sewer line issues can affect your household toilets, sinks, drains, bathtubs, and showers. Below, we've outlined some of the most frequent causes of sewer line damage:
- Faulty installation, poor design, or improper sewer line layout
- Intrusion of tree roots into cracks or joints in the sewer line
- Blockages from grease, hair, debris, toilet paper, or other materials
- Overflow caused by issues in the city’s main sewer system
- Freezing conditions that harden the ground (not a common situation in Texarkana)
- Wear and tear over time due to aging infrastructure
- Ground movement from earthquakes, nearby construction, or shifting soil
Signs Your Sewer Line Is Broken or Damaged
A damaged sewage line can disrupt your entire home’s plumbing, making it essential to address issues as soon as possible to avoid worsening and spreading damage and dysfunction. Small sewer line problems are often fixable. However, if you leave these issues unchecked, they can escalate into significant damage, requiring a full replacement. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Texarkana, we offer competitive pricing for residential sewer line replacements. You should know that replacing a sewer line is always more costly than repairing minor issues early on. By recognizing the warning signs of a damaged sewer line, you can save yourself both time and money. Here are a few common indicators that your sewer line may need attention:
- Reduced water levels in your toilet bowl
- Wastewater backing up into your drains
- Drains in sinks, showers, or bathtubs emptying slower than usual
- Unexplained yard flooding, even in dry weather
- Patches of unusually lush grass above your sewer line (from your house to the public sewer main)
- A foul sewage odor near your drains, basement, or in your yard