The sewer is not something that most people want to think about. There are thousands of miles of sewer pipes and they all serve one purpose, to remove waste from your home and take it to the treatment plant. It can then be processed and clean water piped back into your home.
Of course, when you have a sewer problem you’re suddenly aware of your sewer pipes and the need to get professional help. After all, if you don’t deal with it there’s a good chance the sewage could end up coming inside your home, that’s not something you want to deal with.
The good news is that there is generally a solution, either drain rods can clear the pipe or you can dig up the affected area and replace the clogged or broken section. To do this you’ll need to find a good quality sewer camera for sale, it’s the easiest way to locate the issue.
To help you be prepared it’s a good idea to be aware of the most common sewer problems.
Tree Roots
One surprisingly common issue is tree roots. These can spread a significant distance from the tree and damage the sewer pipes. The result is that the root blocks the pipe or it destroys it and prevents the sewage from going where it should.
Broken Pipes
Tree roots can break pipes but so can old age and, sometimes they can be broken by too much weight on the ground above them.
You’ll also find that anything that makes the ground shift or freeze can affect the pipes, causing them to break and prevent the sewage from leaving your home.
Joint Issues
This doesn’t usually cause a blockage but it will create a smell and potentially a visible problem in your yard. Leaking joints occur as the adhesive wears, often due to old age. This can also be caused by insects.
The leaking joint allows your liquid waste to go into the soil. It is unlikely to clog but the area by the joint will develop a distinctive aroma and you may notice that the plants and grass are more fertile in this area.
Waste
Potentially the most common cause of sewer problems is simply blockage. Human waste and toilet paper should be the only things that go down your toilet. However, wet wipes, sanitary products, and even kids’ toys often end up being flushed away.
These collect in the pipes and create a barrier that toilet paper sits against. Over time the clog builds and eventually blocks the pipes. You’ll have a warning that there is an issue because the drains will not work efficiently. In short, it will take a long time for the sink or toilet to drain.
Ultimately they’ll clog, leaving you needed a camera and drain rods to hopefully resolve the issue.
As always, prevention is better than cure. The best approach is to avoid putting anything down the drains that shouldn’t go down them. Combine that with good yard maintenance and you’ll reduce the likelihood of a sewer problem.
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