Common Signs of Sewer Line Problems

• Slow Drains – Slow-draining sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers are some of the first signs of a clogged pipe. When multiple fixtures are draining slowly it could be a sign of a sewer line failure.
• Clogs and Backups – Water backups in a sink or toilet are often a sign of obstructions or damage to a home’s drain and sewer pipes.

Common Causes Of Sewer Line Issues

• Debris - Material like baby wipes, and other non-flushable products can build up over time creating or contributing to sewer line backups.
• Grease deposits from food scraps, meat fat, and cooking oil can build up in your drainpipes. Grease deposits can cause slow drains, complete blockages, and eventually sewage back up in your home.
• Tree roots can grow into plumbing pipes in search of water. This is called root intrusion and old or cracked pipes are especially susceptible to it. When this happens tree roots can catch bathroom tissue and other solid waste creating a blockage. Left untreated tree roots may continue to grow and cause a sewer line collapse.
• Broken pipes - Older homes were built with clay, cast iron, and Orangeburg pipes that are prone to rust, crack, and complete failure. If you’re not sure what material your sewer line is made of, our team of experienced plumbers will review your sewer line and help you figure that out. 
• Offset pipes occur when two sections of connected pipes are no longer aligned. Offset pipes create a bottleneck in the pipe which prevents waste from flowing to the sewer main.
• Belly - Your home’s plumbing system depends on gravity. The pipe that carries waste away from your home was installed at a gradual, pitched angle. However, over time, soil may shift under the pipe causing the sewer line to sag downward and curve interrupting the flow of waste away from your home. Sewer systems that were improperly installed tend to experience this issue.