Sewer problems can be confusing for the average homeowner in Normal, IL. In some cases, issues related to the sewer can be misdiagnosed or misunderstood because of their complexity.
But worse is hiring an incompetent plumbing company that gives the wrong advice on fixing the defect. This incorrect diagnosis results in futile excavation work, and homeowners lose thousands of dollars without solving the real sewer problem.
You don’t have to be at the mercy of a plumbing contractor. In this blog post, you’ll learn about the common sewer problems you may encounter and the proper action to resolve such issues.
Problem #1 – Tree Roots
One of the most common causes of sewer blockage is tree roots. Attracted by the nutrients and moisture, tree roots intrude sewage pipes through cracks or loose joints. They increase the gaps or completely break and wrap themselves around the pipes.
The Solution
If your house has clay or iron pipes, a plumbing company will help you replace them with plastic ones. Sometimes it is better to place a new line that is not close to any trees. When planting trees, please keep in mind the placement of the pipes and avoid planting near them.
Some trees and shrubs have an invasive root system. If you intend to grow one, leave enough room for the roots to spread.
Problem #2 – Old Sewer Pipes
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 23,000 to 75,000 sewer overflows happen yearly due to blockages and system overload.
But old sewer systems are the leading cause of sewer issues. Some systems have been in place for decades; replacing them is costly and tedious.
Older homes with outdated plumbing fixtures, especially cracked pipes, may break over time. Also, these pipes have been exposed to corrosion from chemicals in the wastewater.
The Solution
In the case of an old home, a plumbing company might suggest a complete re-plumbing of the house. If the plumbing is relatively new, it might have been compromised by poor installation.
Also, if you have an old system, make sure that a professional plumber regularly checks it to avoid last-minute emergencies.
Problem #3 – Fats
Billions of dollars are spent each year unplugging or repairing pipes blocked by fats, oils, and grease. The liquid oil poured down the drain hardens as it cools and accumulates over time. This causes backup and blockages.
Grease sticking to the walls of septic tanks will cause them to fill up faster and necessitates the need for frequent pump-outs. Improperly disposing of fats doesn’t just affect your plumbing system but will travel along the sewer lines creating problems in your neighborhood and beyond.
The Solution
Don’t pour fats down your drain. Some communities collect hazardous household wastes, including fats. Check with your local plumbing company for fat disposal services in Normal, IL.
Problem #4 – Foundation Cracks
Any kinds of cracks in the structure of your house are a serious problem that should not be ignored. Undetected sewer line leaks create cavities underneath the foundation, causing it to crack, which in turn causes cracks in walls and other places.
Again, this is an issue more prevalent in older houses. Cracks in your home allow foul odors to get inside your house, posing a serious health hazard, especially for persons with asthma or other pulmonary illnesses.
The Solution
If you notice a crack in your foundation or walls, call a professional to assess the seriousness of the cracks. Have your local plumbing company regularly check and maintain and search for leaks.
Problem #5 – Backups and Blockages
Clogged toilets, foul smells around the house, or sinks that won’t drain could be signs of sewer line blockages. When blockages are severe, they cause backups in sinks and toilets. Apart from tree roots and greases, other materials can cause blockages.
The Solution
A plumbing company has professional tools to check your sewer lines and locate blockages. Depending on the cause, they might flush the system with a chemical cleaner or plumbing drain snake or wash it with a water jet.
When dealing with chemicals, make sure they do not corrode the pipes. Otherwise, you might be causing another problem instead of solving one. Ask a plumbing company to install a backflow prevention valve if your house doesn’t already have one.
Problem #6 – Pests
Are you constantly calling pest control to get rid of rats, flies, or cockroaches? A broken sewer line could be the problem. Rats live in sewers and can get in through tiny cracks in pipes. Flies and mosquitoes are attracted to damp, foul areas.
And who doesn’t jump at the sight of a cockroach? These pests are often only present because of a compromised sewer system. Not only are these creatures repulsive, but they also carry dangerous diseases. Children are especially vulnerable to infections.
The Solution
A plumbing company will conduct a video inspection of your sewer system to locate cracks that allow rodents and other pests to enter. Depending on damage or age, some pipes might not need an immediate replacement.
Covenant Plumbing: Your Preferred Plumber
Sewer waste problems can’t be completely avoided because we can’t control things like natural disasters. At Covenant Plumbing, our certified plumbers are trained to swiftly and efficiently deal with such emergencies. Environmental contamination by sewer problems is a major health risk, and we will do our utmost to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Apart from solving sewer problems, our plumbing company also deals with piping repairs, leak detection, drain cleaning, water heater service, installation of fixtures, and any other plumbing needs you may have. We offer different payment options and programs to serve anyone needing our services. Contact Covenant Plumbing today for the best plumbing service in Normal, IL.
