Causes of Sewer Line Damage - Rayne Plumbing

Causes of Sewer Line Damage.

Causes of Sewer Line Failure

Sewer Camera to Diagnose Sewer Line Failures

To diagnose sewer line failures, we use a special sewer camera that lets us understand the severity of the problem. It’s important to work with a reputable company that has access to a sewer camera and other technology that can prevent unnecessary repair or replacement of pipes and fittings, and speed up the time in which the work can be completed. A camera also solves more mundane problems, like digging in the wrong place and uncovering the wrong section of pipe. Inserting the sewer camera lets us determine:

    • Where the problem is located along the sewer line
    • The depth of the sewer line where the problem occurs

With this information, we have a complete picture of the difficulty of your problem. We can accurately quote you the cost of repairs, or the cost of replacing the sewer line completely.

A common cause of sewer line failure that the sewer camera exposes is roots in the sewer line apparatus, but several other causes may also be to blame.

Sewer Problems – the 3 Common Causes:

    1. Roots are in the sewer line
    2. Sewer line pipes are offset from each other
    3. Sewer pipes and fittings are broken or are too old to work

Roots in Sewer Line

Roots in the sewer line are a major cause for sewer line failures.  Typically, a root infestation occurs in sewer lines made from either cast iron pipe and fittings, or clay pipe and fittings.   In California, daily seismic activity over many years helps loosen the couplings that join sewer lines securely.  As the couplings loosen, sewer lines begin to separate and roots, which typically are very aggressive,  enter the sewer lines and absorb the sewage moisture in the sewer lines.  As roots feed from the sewer lines, they tend to grow dramatically in size. Soon the roots clogg the sewer line, interfering with the flow of sewage.  At this point, excavation is necessary, and the roots must be pulled out of the sewer lines.

If you suspect that there may be roots in sewer line materials, give us a call and we’ll address your concern in a timely fashion. Contact Rayne Plumbing at:  (408) 283-0600.

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