Sewer leaks can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but it is not uncommon for this kind of plumbing issue to arise in homes. However, there are effective ways to fix sewer leaks or, better still, prevent them from occurring in your plumbing fixtures. The good thing is, sewer leaks don’t just happen. They mostly occur as a build-up of underlying faults in your plumbing system.
Sewer leaks often result from severely clogged drains, cracks in the plumbing system, or terrible weather. This post explains how you can detect sewer leaks in your home, but just before we delve into that, let’s quickly look into what causes sewer leaks in the first place and how you can prevent them.
Causes of Leaks in Sewer Lines
Tree Roots
The invasion of tree roots is a major cause of sewer leaks. They usually penetrate the sewer line through the seams and joints of the drain pipes or the small cracks on the surface of the pipes. With professional underground leak detection, you can trace the entry points of the tree roots and eliminate them.
But a common preventive measure for tree roots intrusion in sewer lines (especially in residential areas) is to spread growth inhibitor chemicals near the sewer line to prevent root growth into the area. Creating barriers between the sewer lines can help you keep tree roots from wrecking your drain pipes without killing the trees.
Chronic Clogs in Sewer Pipes
Another common cause of sewer leaks is severely clogged drain pipes. If the clogs are trapped in the sewer line for too long, they will eventually find a means of escape as waste continues to build up. This often leads to cracks appearing in your drain pipes. There’s a broad spectrum of substances that can constitute drain clogs, some of which are food particles, grease and oil chemicals, food scraps, etc.
But as bad as it can get, drain clogs can also be prevented. With regular sewer line maintenance and water leak detection, homeowners and property managers can prevent clogged drains in their properties. If you suspect a clog in your sewer line, you need to act fast before it deteriorates into a big mess. Your best bet is often experienced local sewer and drain experts.
Are There Signs if You Have a Leaky Sewer Line?
Yes, there are symptoms that you can watch out for to be sure that you are dealing with a leaky sewer line in your home. Below are some of them. Do note also that these are not exclusive to sewer leaks and may occur due to other plumbing issues.
- Trickling water sound
- Standing water in your yard
- Damaged flooring
- Cracks in foundation or walls
- Terrible odor
- Unusual presence of rodents and insects
- Slow-moving drains
- Raw sewage seeping out unto your yard
If you notice any of these signs, do not hesitate to contact your local sewer and drain specialist to conduct an inspection of your property and tell you where the issue lies.
How Can You Fix a Leaking Sewer Pipe?
Your sewer contractor will most likely use any of the following methods to repair your leaking sewer line.
- Pipe Lining
- Spray Lining, or
- Pipe bursting
At N.W. Sewer & Drain, we have a well-trained and ready-to-move team on standby. We service Seattle and in surrounding cities , including Edmonds, Marysville, Everett, Arlington, Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor, Bellingham, Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Renton, Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, Auburn, etc, and other surrounding areas.
N.W. Sewer & Drain provides top-notch drain cleaning and sewer repair services in Seattle, and we’ve been in the business for more than 20 years. Contact us today at 206-931-7728 to schedule an inspection of your sewer line and pipes.