If you own an older home, your sewer line may be susceptible to a wide range of issues. This is because the materials used decades ago have exceeded their expected lifespan. Unlike today’s PVC options, older pipes are much more likely to be affected by environmental factors and internal decay.

Common Reasons for Failure

Many older homes have sewer lines constructed from outdated materials. Clay pipes were typical before the 1970s. Unfortunately, these pipes are brittle and can crack or shatter easily, especially near joints. Cast iron pipes are durable, but they often experience internal corrosion. This narrows the pipe as it ages. That corrosion also traps debris, resulting in clogs. Orangeburg pipes were made from tar and wood pulp. These pipes are prone to flattening, and they can disintegrate over time. The result is a complete collapse.

Mature trees around older homes also pose a threat to aging sewer lines. These trees seek moisture. Their roots can find their way into the smallest cracks of an aging pipe. They fill the sewer line and create blockages.

Sections of the sewer line can sink as older homes settle. These sagging areas are called pipe bellies. Wastewater pools in these low spots, which eventually clog the line.

House traps were often added to homes built before 1989. A house trap is a U-shaped pipe that is used to block sewer gases. Now obsolete, they frequently clog, and they’re hard to clear.

Watch for Warning Signs

Warning signs indicating an issue with an older sewer line include multiple slow drains. When more than one fixture drains slowly, the problem is usually in the main sewer line rather than each individual fixture. Unpleasant and persistent odors are also a red flag. Rotten egg odors indicate a backup.

Once an aging sewer line develops a leak, you’ll find lush, green areas of grass in your yard. This is where escaping sewage acts as a fertilizer. Significant leaks will wash away soil and can damage your home’s foundation.

Today’s Modern Solutions

Your plumber can use a video camera inspection to accurately locate and diagnose your sewer line issue. Minimally disruptive, trenchless repairs are often used for older homes. Pipe lining is also a viable solution. A resin-coated tube is slid inside the aging sewer line. Once it hardens, it forms a new pipe inside the old one.

Your plumber will determine the best method for repairing your sewer line according to its age and condition. Call E Dennis AC Inc. to schedule your sewer line repair in Newnan, GA.