Your sewer lines operate under a simple principle. They take wastewater and, with the help of gravity, send it to your septic or sewer system. But problems crop up even in this simple system. Because your sewer line is so necessary to your home, it’s important that you recognize these problems and deal with them right away.

Corrosion in the Pipes

Since sewer pipes handle waste and are most often buried in the soil, these conditions lead to corrosion. Since the pipes are underground, it’s hard for a layperson to see that they’re in bad shape, though a plumber can use special tools to diagnose the problem. To check your sewer line, a plumber usually uses a special waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable. They feed this camera into your pipes to get a live video view of the inside to look for any problems, such as clogs or damage. Even so, there are signs that will let you know that corrosion is a problem. They include:

• Weird noises caused by air pockets
• Discolored fixtures
• Water that smells and/or tastes bad
• Leaks that may appear as puddles in your yard
• Reduced water pressure due to the buildup of rust

Some pipes, such as PVC sewer pipes, are less prone to corrosion than others. You might want to have a plumber install PVC pipes when you replace the ones that are corroded.

Pipes Clogged With Tree Roots

There are several reasons why you it’s not wise to plant trees and shrubs near your sewer pipes. One of those reasons is that trees send out feeder roots that can find the tiniest opening in your pipe and infiltrate it. Once inside, they can enjoy the nitrogen and other nutrients found in the wastewater. Eventually, tree roots can grow so thick that they not only clog the pipe but eventually cause it to burst. The snarl of roots left behind will be in the shape of the pipe. You can suspect that roots are clogging your sewer pipe because of:

• Slow drains
• Bad smells
• Toilets that back up
• Gurgling noises
• Sinkholes
• Low water pressure
• A wonderfully green and fertile yard

Your plumber can use a variety of tools to get rid of roots in your sewer line, including rooters, hydro jetting and cable machines. They can also replace damaged pipes with a type of pipe less prone to infiltration by tree roots.

If you’re noticing any of these signs in your home, it is highly likely that you have a problem with your sewer line. Don’t hesitate to call our plumbing professionals at E Dennis of Newnan, GA for plumbing services, including camera inspections.