All homes have access to a sewer line, and this is where all the waste from toilets, showers, sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers goes. They’re not very pleasant, and if there is any damage to them, this can make them even less pleasant. However, just how harmful can damage to a sewer line be?

What Causes Damage to a Sewer Line?

Before looking at why the damage to a sewer line is harmful, it’s best to start by looking at what can cause damage to a sewer line because, if you know what can cause the damage, you can have a better idea of how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Potential damages to sewer lines include tree roots, severely clogged drains, and either a broken or dislodged pipe. The tree roots may surprise you; however, when the water from your household appliances runs through the pipes, this releases a vapor which is made from moisture, nutrients, and oxygen, and these are three of the key elements that a tree needs to grow. This then causes the roots to grow towards where the vapor is released, and if there is even the tiniest crack in the pipe, the roots will push through into the pipe and cause a blockage. 

Speaking of cracks in the pipes, if this crack is quite big or the pipe becomes dislodged somehow, this can cause major problems. Similarly, if the drains are clogged in some way, this can also cause a lot of problems. For example, pouring grease, oil, and fat down your drain may seem innocent, however, this causes quite a lot of damage. This is because they may appear as a liquid whilst hot, which is true; however, once they start to cool down, they gradually turn from a liquid to a solid, which causes blockages in the pipes. 

What Happens If the Damage Isn’t Repaired?

There can be many issues if a sewer line is damaged and no repairs are made. This can include leakage and even a backup of everything that is in the sewer line going into your home. If a backup occurs, this can then cause the sewer line to overflow, which can mean spillage going out onto the street. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it can also be quite expensive, and is also rather unpleasant.

This is where a sewer line repair will need to happen. This may take a variety of different formats, such as pipe repair and replacement, pipelining, and relining, lightray UV repair, and a pull-in-place method. The plumbers would have to assess the situation and decide what is the best way to repair the damaged sewer line. Some methods shouldn’t be that invasive, but there are others, such as the repair and replacement method, that can be particularly invasive. This is because it involves switching off your water supply, there will be lots of loud noise, and a lot of fumes coming from the pipes and around the area of your home. 

Therefore, getting your drains inspected regularly is important, as it should cost you less money in the long run, and means that any problems or potential problems can be sorted immediately.