Common Sewer Pipe Problems & How to Prevent Them

Sewer pipe problems can be annoying, and if left unattended can lead to costly repairs, and even health risks.

In this article, we’ll discuss five common sewer pipe problems, and things you can do to prevent them from occurring in your home or commercial building.

Clogged Sewer Pipe

Clogs are the most common sewer pipe problem experienced by homeowners and commercial property owners. Clogs typically occur when paper products, food scraps and other materials are introduced in large quantities over a short period of time.

To prevent this problem from occurring, you should ensure that the pressure is high enough push these materials through the pipes. Another common cause of clogged sewer pipes is tree roots. Older, clay sewer pipes are especially susceptible to this type of problem. Chemical tree root removers, like RootX can be effective, provided the problem hasn’t progressed too far. If it has, your options include using a mechanical auger or hydro-jet to remove the roots. Click here for more information about removing tree roots from your sewer pipes.

Misaligned Sewer Pipe

Misaligned sewer pipes can also cause problems in your drainage system. Misaligned sewer pipes can cause leaks and clogs and can only be fixed by digging up and properly aligning the pipe sections. Once the pipe sections are properly aligned, be sure that they are properly joined to each other to prevent leaks and future misalignment problems. Although this job can be undertaken by a handy do-it-yourselfer, it can be a very dirty and time consuming task, which is why most homeowners hire a reputable sewer pipe service provider to do it.

Old Sewer Pipe

Like just about everything else, sewer pipes tend to break down with age. Older homes and commercial buildings built prior to the 1950s often have clay sewer pipes. Newer buildings typically have cast iron or PVC sewer pipes. Regardless of the material, all sewer pipes tend deteriorate and collect build-up or “scale” that can result in clogs and leaks over time. Clay sewer pipes are also especially prone to tree root intrusion. Depending on the age and condition of your sewer pipes, you may be better off replacing the entire system than repairing only the affected sections.

Cracked Sewer Pipe

Cracked sewer pipes can cause problems with your entire drainage system. Even a small crack can lead to big problems. Leakage from a cracked sewer pipe can accumulate in your basement or lawn, resulting in foul odors and environmental and health risks. To prevent this from happening, you should check for cracks regularly, and replace any bad sections with new pipes.

If you’re having any of these problems, call us at (401) 320-4624 to schedule a service call, or learn more about our sewer pipe services.

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