A house's sewer system is as integral to the well-being of a home as its foundation. Like a foundation, though, sewer systems are not usually the first thing on a homeowner's mind - until something goes horribly wrong.
A house's sewer system weaves underground as well as throughout the house itself, and because it is out of sight, it is usually also out of mind. Being proactive about your sewer system will help you to better maintain it and prevent future problems.
Nevertheless, if your house has fallen victim to any number of sewer problems, licensed sewer contractors or plumbers can provide you with a workable solution.
The more you know, the more prepared you can be. The following are a list of the three most common problems that affect a house's sewer system. If you notice that the sewer system in your house seems to fit the description, call a local, licensed professional to schedule an estimate.
Problems with a house's sewer system do not go away on their own, and they will not get better over time. The sooner you find the problem and call a professional, the better.
Top Three Sewer System Problems
Tree Roots
The number one source of all sewer problems is tree roots. Common primarily in older homes, tree roots continue to grow and spread out throughout the tree's life.
Therefore, even though the tree in your backyard might appear to be hundreds of feet away and have no chance of affecting your home, it's roots, like your home's sewer system, are buried deep beneath the ground. And when they met, it's the clash of the titans.
Unless you're outside and digging a very deep hole, you're unlikely to see the tree root itself. Nevertheless, if your toilets make gurgling noises or the flowing water in your drains seems to be moving at a slower rate than usual, these may be signs that tree roots have taken hold of your sewer system.
Clogs
The second most common sewer problem typically results from unintentional misuse. If you are noticing the same symptoms as the ones listed above but live in a newer home with no trees nearby, your sewer system may just be experiencing a serious clog.
Feminine hygiene products and thick toilet paper can build up in toilet drains over time. Remember to dispose of feminine hygiene products, tissues, makeup wipes, diapers, and any other larger, not degradable items in a waste bin rather than in your toilet.
Also, make sure to select toilet paper that is safe to flush; some thicker brands are more likely to clog your toilet drains than others. Moreover, hair and those incredibly popular "bath fizzing" products can build up in your bathtubs and cause a clog there as well. Make sure your clear the drain of your hair after each shower, and if you must use fizzing bath products, do so sparingly in order to prevent build up in the drains over time.
Finally, grease or large quantities of anything can lead to a severe clog in your garbage disposal. Dispose of grease into a jar or other container rather than washing it down the sink and always remember that the less you try to stuff into a garbage disposal, the less likely a clog is to occur in the near future.
Broken or Collapsed Sewer Lines
Whether it be from time or soil shifting, sewer lines collapse and become dislodged over time. Newer homes do not tend to have this problem because they are more often than not made with plastic.
Nevertheless, older homes with clay, cast iron, or other materials disintegrate and are more prone to the effects of soil erosion. A licensed plumber or sewer contractor can typically determine whether your sewer lines have broken or collapsed with ease.
If there is a problem with your house's sewer system, you will notice it first in either the kitchen, the bathroom, or the laundry room. Your sewer system runs under the ground and throughout your house, and as a result, sometimes the root of the problem can manifest in different or unexpected places.
If you start noticing something is wrong with any of the pipes in your house, do not panic. It is equally important to remember not to try to take on the role of plumber yourself.
More often than not, you will cause more damage to your house's sewer system than was already present. Never be afraid to consult with a professional prior to any any sewer replacement projects or repairs.