Common Sewer Line Problems

Clogged sewer lines are one of the most common mishaps in sewer plumbing because they can occur quite easily.

If you take a visit to your local shopping centre, the gym, or even the community washrooms in your workplace, you will notice signs deterring individuals from putting solid items (feminine products, contraceptives, etc.). This is because items as such can easily clog the toilet or clog the sewers upon build-up. In fact, certain tissues, paper towels, and wipes can have this effect.

Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket to prevent clogs in this manner. Instead, dispose of waste in a respectable manner.

If you are unsure how to rid yourself of certain items, you can contact your local government for recommendations.

In addition to toilets, disposing of waste in kitchen and bathroom sinks can result in sewer clogging and this is often overlooked. For example, draining hot oil down the drain after cooking, washing your hair in sinks and tubs and rinsing dermatological or hygiene products in the sink can be sufficient enough, when done consistently, to clog sewer lines.

Common sewer line problems can be minimized with a little intention. Be militant about how and where you dispose of your waste.

Trees often mean a lot of fresh clean air above the surface of the land. However, for sewer lines, they may as well be scavengers.

According to the City of Edmonton, root growth is the most expensive maintenance experienced by local residents.

When roots grow in sewers, they can cause flooding and completely cripple the function of sewer pipes. The damage is so severe, that in some instances, a repair can range costs up to $5000.00.

Residents are encouraged to communicate with the city or retain a professional landscaper or plumber to find out the exact location of sewer lines prior to planting. If a tree is planted beside a sewer line, the roots may grow and completely fill the pipe with root masses. One of the best ways to combat root growth is the use of augers.

The reason sewer augering is relied upon is because it attacks the root of the tree to stunt or stop growth completely. Other methods such as cutting the roots can actually encourage new growth.

To ensure you do not fall into the trap of sewer line issues information is key.

Educate yourself on sewer line locations and note their proximity. Further, if you intend to build, renovate, plant, or conduct any work on your property that could potentially have a negative impact on the sewer line, contact your local city authority to obtain relevant information.

Sewer lines need to be cleaned and maintained as well.

If they are not frequently inspected and cleaned, the damage is inevitable especially from clogging. Beyond the inspection of sewer lines themselves, look for signs in your home that are telling of sewage problems. Signs include, but are not limited to: how slow your drain is, odour (some people will smell sewage gas), mould, especially close to pipes and water systems, sinkholes, cracks, and holes, and indentation in your lawn or pavement.

Sewer lines can be problematic, but they do not have to be. Keep a checklist and make maintenance a habit.