Common sewer line drain problems and how to deal with them

In this YouTube era of DIY repair tutorials, homeowners are now able to learn to fix some of their own plumbing and sewer line problems without the help of a professional. There are certain repairs that an average homeowner can fix, but some problems are too big to fix with just the basic knowledge that you have. Knowing when to deal with the issue yourself and when to call an expert is pivotal.

Here, we’ve assembled a helpful guide with the most common sewer drain issues. In this blog, we’ll review how to settle the little ones yourself, and when to call a trusted professional at Wagner.

There are four common sewer line issues that you may experience. If you are a homeowner or property manager, it will be beneficial to know what you are dealing with and have a game plan on how to tackle the issues head-on.

1. Roots developing into a sewer line

One of the most widely recognized sewage issues that you will face as a homeowner is roots developing into a sewer pipe. This also occurs frequently with clay sewer pipes; however, they are more cost-effective. When owning a home, you are left with the decision to purchase the more expensive materials or going the cheaper route.

When dealing with the choice of sewer line piping—whether it’s new or a replacement line—sometimes it’s better to rely on the best materials for the job. Purchasing cast iron piping is definitely more expensive than a clay mainline, but a new cast iron sewer line is going to be less a lot less likely to succumb to any root infiltration that could occur in the future. This could save you thousands in repairs down the line.

2. Drain Line Issues

A drain line relies on the laws of gravity to function. So, in this case, the use of any man-made devices such as pumps to pump the water through the pipes is not needed. When the pipes are clogged, this is referred to as a back-pitched sewer line.

This can occur for two different reasons. The first is that there can be the collection of sediment in an area. Second, when the home was built, there wasn’t a sufficient amount of pitch for the sewage line when it was all installed as the house was being put together.

3. Sewer gas issue

Even though this issue can be the one that brings the most alarm to homeowners, it is also the issue that can be the most easily fixed. The reasons why a sewer gas smell may occur in the home is because of a house trap that has had its caps come loose, or perhaps the cover for the trap is missing. The function of the house trap is to essentially create a barrier that is going to stop any of the putrid gasses from going anywhere near the noses of any inhabitants in the home.

So, if there is a sewer gas smell lurking in your home simply check the house trap and make sure the cover is not missing and the caps are tightened.

Call us for help with plumbing or sewer lines

These types of sewer line problems that you will most likely face as a homeowner should be assessed by a highly skilled, authorized repair company such as Wagner. We’re Albuquerque’s professional plumbing company.

Call Wagner now! We are experts in diagnosing, fixing and or replacing your sewer line. Our team is ready for you 24/7.

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