Your home’s sewer line is an essential component of your plumbing system, responsible for carrying wastewater away from your property. Unfortunately, sewer lines are prone to problems that can cause significant disruptions. When your system isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to flooding, overflow, deterioration of pipes, and overall corrosion.
It’s important to understand how your sewer line functions and how to address potential issues. So, in this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common sewer line problems and repairs:
- Clogged sewer line
- Cracked sewer line
- Offset sewer line pipes
- Sewer line collapse
- Tree root growth inside sewer lines
Having sewer line troubles? Contact the Cooper Green Team for fast and reliable service!
Whether you’ve got a minor drain clog or have a major sewer line issue, Cooper’s expert plumbers are here to help. We’re proud to offer the industry’s most advanced trenchless sewer repair solutions, and we work hard to get the job done right the first time around. For convenient scheduling, honest prices, and some of the strongest labor protections in Colorado, contact the Cooper Green Team today.
Problem #1: Clogged Sewer Line
One of the most common signs of sewer line issues is when your toilets won’t flush and you’ve got wastewater coming up from other drains, like your sinks and showers. Unlike slow-draining pipe clogs that cause temporary standing water, sewer line clogs create alternating water backups when you try to remove the clog. For example, you might plunge a clogged kitchen sink and be relieved to see the water drain. But then, waste water backs up somewhere else, such as your bathroom sink or bathtub.
In addition to backed up drains, other signs of a clogged sewer line include:
- Toilets gurgling or bubbling when flushed
- Noticeable sewage odor inside or outside the home
- Mold or mildew growth around your plumbing fixtures
If you notice any of the above, contact a professional plumber straight away. While at-home fixes like plungers and drain snakes can help unclog a temporary issue, sewer line clogs cause persistent issues. You may need hydro-jetting, which utilizes high-pressure water to dislodge debris and clear your sewer pipes.
Problem #2: Cracked Sewer Line
If you notice distinct patches of thick, green grass growing in your yard, you may have a cracked sewer line leaking into the ground below. Wastewater is rich in nutrients that can transform normal grass into beautifully verdant grass. In this instance, that’s not a good thing!
Cracks in sewer lines can occur due to various factors, including age, ground shifting, tree root infiltration, or external pressure. When left untreated, cracks can lead to further blockages, including the need for a full sewer line replacement.
Sewer line cracks can be repaired through traditional excavation, where the affected section of the sewer line is excavated and replaced with a new pipe. However, excavation can be disruptive and time-consuming, requiring significant digging and restoration work. For this reason, trenchless repair methods like pipelining or pipe coating have become increasingly common. Trenchless sewer repairs are often substantially more affordable than traditional alternatives that require digging up your lawn. They only require access points at the beginning and end of a damaged pipe section, which reduces the need for extensive excavation. In Colorado, trenchless sewer line and drain repairs can cost anywhere from $3,800 to $10,000, with the average repair costing around $7,200.
To learn more, check out our blog, “How Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Work?”
Problem #3: Offset Sewer Line Pipes
Offset sewer pipes is another common sewer line problem, which can happen due to shifting ground. When the connection between two sections of the sewer line are misaligned, it can lead to a variety of problems. First, it disrupts the smooth flow of wastewater, causing blockages, slow drainage, backups, and even sewage spills. Additionally, offset sewer pipes can lead to leaks, as the misaligned sections create gaps where wastewater can escape into the surrounding soil or groundwater, causing potential contamination.
To fix offset sewer pipes, a common solution is to use a technique called pipe lining. In this process, a flexible liner coated with a resin is inserted into the affected section and inflated to adhere to the interior of the pipe, creating a new, seamless pipe within the old one. This effectively realigns the offset sections and restores proper flow. Another solution is to perform traditional excavation and physically realign or replace the offset pipe sections. This method is more invasive and disruptive but may be necessary for severe cases or if the offset is extensive.
To schedule a sewer line diagnostic, contact Cooper Heating & Cooling. Our highly-trained and experienced plumbers use state-of-the-art sewer cameras that can pinpoint the exact location of damage. This way we can provide the most efficient and cost-effective repair solution.
You can also check out our blog, “How Much Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Cost in Colorado?”
Problem #4: Sewer Line Collapse
If your sewer line has collapsed, you’ll notice signs of it immediately. In addition to multiple backed up drains throughout your home, collapsed sewer lines can cause sinkholes, foul odors, and sewage leaks that pose health and environmental hazards.
Sewer lines can collapse due to various reasons, including:
- Age
- Deterioration of pipes
- Ground shifting
- Excessive pressure
- Tree root intrusion
- And more…
Fixing collapsed sewer lines often involves excavation to access and replace the damaged section. This process requires digging a trench, removing the collapsed pipe, and installing a new pipe or making repairs. Alternatively, trenchless repair methods like pipe bursting or pipe lining can be employed, but it depends on your situation. You’ll need to have a qualified plumbing company come out and assess the damage in person, in order to provide the most appropriate solution.
At Cooper Heating and Cooling, we know that disruptions to sewer service are a major inconvenience to your household’s daily routines and comfort. That’s why we’re proud to offer emergency plumbing services. Day or night, just give us a call and we’ll have a qualified plumber at your door in no time!
Problem #5: Tree Root Growth Inside the Sewer Line
Tree root intrusion is a common cause of sewer line problems. Tree roots are naturally drawn to sources of moisture, including the water and nutrients within sewer lines. As roots grow, they can penetrate small cracks or gaps in the sewer pipe, causing blockages and restricting the flow of wastewater. Over time, the root intrusion can lead to complete blockages, pipe damage, or even pipe collapse.
The most effective repair solution for tree intrusion is hydro-jetting, which utilizes high-pressure water to clear out the roots and debris from the pipe. Additionally, chemical treatments may be used to inhibit root growth and prevent future intrusion. For severe cases or extensive damage, excavation and pipe replacement may be necessary.
Schedule a comprehensive sewer line diagnostic today.
If you’re experiencing any of the above signs, not to worry– the Cooper Green Team will accurately diagnose the problem and provide you with trustworthy repair solutions. With advanced trenchless repair methods, we’ll get your sewer line problems fixed quickly and cost-effectively.
For rock-solid labor warranties and a guarantee of 100% satisfaction, contact us today and see why we’ve earned thousands of 5-star ratings from happy Colorado homeowners!
Luke Cooper is the General Manager of the Cooper Green team and son of Gary Cooper, owner and CEO of Cooper HVAC. After years in the field, Luke took his talents to management and has helped thousands of Colorado homeowners during hot summers and frigid winters. His decade of experience in the field and guiding the company makes him one of the most knowledgeable individuals in Colorado on HVAC, plumbing, electrical and other home services.
