Most homeowners know that their sewer main is usually the largest pipe in the home. It is responsible for taking all of the water and waste from your home and sending it into the city’s system to be properly disposed and processed. As a general rule of thumb, the average sewer main line should last about 40-60 years without needing repair. There are of course exceptions to the rule and the environment that your sewer or drain line is exposed to can greatly reduce the expected lifespan. As a sewer repair company, we would like to take a moment to remind you of some of the most common signs that your drain pipes might be clogged or broken.

Sewer drain repair issues

1. Strange noises coming from your sink or toilet

This is especially true when you flush the toilet. It is caused by internal blockages that are not letting air properly escape the pipe. If you suspect there might be something wrong with your sewer drain listen for any percolating noises, similar to the sound a coffee pot makes when brewing.

2. The smell of sewer gas or other foul odors

Remember that your entire sanitary sewer line should be completely air tight. So if there is a foul odor present in your home or business it is usually a sure sign that your pipes have been compromised and repairs must be done.

3. Water or mold near drains

Regular inspection of your property is always going to be something that we highly recommend. During a normal inspection make sure that you keep an eye out for mold or water collecting, especially in your basement as this can also be a sign that your sewer main, or other drains have been cracked.

What causes problems with your sewer drains?

1. Old age and wear and tear

If your home is located in the historic Salt Lake City area, there is a decent chance that your sewer main or other internal piping was done using cast-iron pipes. Plastic piping has become the new standard because of its longer lifespan and ability to not decompose due to the elements.

2. Tree roots bursting through the pipes

Here is an image of what we are talking about, need we say more? This can be a common problem, especially on property that has a lot of larger trees around the home. If you are seeing any of the symptoms we listed above, you will want to call a master plumber to do a camera inspection of your sewer drains.

3. Heavy clogs and blockages

It is very important that we do not treat our toilets and disposals like garbage cans. Things like excess toilet paper, paper towels, grease down the sink, and even things like feminine hygiene products, diaper wipes, and dental floss can cause clogs in your sewer system.

Wrapping up sewer and drain repair 101
And there you have it. This is article is just a basic guide to help homeowners understand their sanitary sewer system a little more and cannot replace the benefits of an inspection done by a licensed plumber. Regular maintenance and inspection should help add years to the lifespan of your pipes. However should have any problems or concerns please remember that Plumbing Utah is one phone call away. 801-601-1298