The Most Common Causes of Sewer Pipe Failure

Sewer pipe failure can be a major inconvenience and can cause severe damage to your home or business. It is essential to be informed of the common causes of sewer pipe failure so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening. When you have a dedicated like Countryside Plumbing Sewer and Septic, you wouldn’t have to face these common sewer pipe failures, but below are a few you should be aware of.

Most Common Causes of Sewer Pipe Failure

Tree Roots: Tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer pipe failure. The roots of trees and other plants can grow into sewer pipes, causing them to become clogged and damaged. It is prevalent in older lines with cracks or other weaknesses that the roots can exploit.

Corrosion: Over time, the materials used to make sewer pipes can corrode and wear down. This can lead to holes and cracks in the pipes, which can cause them to fail. Corrosion is more common in pipes made of iron or steel, but it can also occur in lines made of other materials like plastic.

Improper Installation: Sewer pipes that are correctly installed can also fail. It happens due to various factors, such as incorrect positioning of the lines, use of inadequate materials, or incorrect grading.

Age: As pipes age, they become more prone to failure, which is more common for pipes over 50 years old. As pipes age, they can become weakened and more susceptible to damage from tree roots and other factors.

Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items: Flushing non-biodegradable items, such as feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, and paper towels, can cause sewer pipes to become clogged and fail. It is essential only to flush toilet paper and human waste to avoid this issue.

Blockages: Sewer pipes can become blocked by various materials, including grease, soap scum, and sediment. These blockages can cause the pipes to become clogged and eventually fail.

Preventing Sewer Pipe Failure

There are a few steps you can take to prevent sewer pipe failure:

1. Plant trees and other plants at least 10 feet away from the sewer pipes to prevent their roots from growing into the lines.
2. Ensure your sewer pipes get inspected regularly to identify any possible issues before they become serious problems.
3. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet.
4. Use a drain cover to catch hair and debris that can cause blockages.
5. Repair any cracks or holes in the pipes as soon as you discover them to prevent further damage.
6. Use a pipe lining or pipe bursting technique to repair or replace damaged pipes without digging up the entire pipe.

In conclusion, sewer pipe failure can be caused by various factors. If you experience sewer pipe failure, acting quickly to minimize the damage is vital.

Contact a plumbing professional here at Countryside Plumbing Sewer and Septic as soon as possible to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. We are experts at determining the cause of the failure and recommending the best solution.