Many homeowners give little thought to their sewer lines because they are hidden away, and they take for granted that these essential lines will always do their job correctly and efficiently. However, like anything else, sewer lines don’t last forever. Their longevity depends on the materials used to construct them, along with other factors in the environment.

The Material Used to Make the Line Matters

Cast iron sewer lines, which you will typically find in homes built before the 1970s, can last a century or more. Homes that were constructed in the early part of the 20th century used clay pipes, which can last up to approximately 60 years. However, these can become brittle and crack under pressure. PVC piping is used to create modern sewer lines, and these will last even longer than cast iron. They do have one drawback, however, and this is that they will warp in hot temperatures.

Root Intrusion and Shifting Soil

If you have any trees planted near where your sewer line is located, root intrusion can be a major problem. Tree roots are always on the hunt for moisture and food sources, and they can find this easily when there are tiny cracks in your sewer line. Once the roots intrude, they can make these cracks wider, which can compromise the integrity of these pipes and cause blockages to occur.

Shifting soil can also pose issues. When the ground moves, this can cause portions of the sewer line pipe to move in different directions. This can cause cracks, leaks and even total collapse.

It is easy to dismiss signs of trouble in the beginning because they are not so obvious. But if multiple drains in your house start flowing slowly or if you notice strange odors, you must act quickly. These are signs that trouble is brewing beneath the surface. Ignoring these problems will only cause them to worsen. For instance, you could have to deal with a severe sewage backup that will cause tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.

Maintenance Can Help

Scheduling sewer line maintenance can help them last much longer. During a service call, plumbers will scope out your sewer line using a camera that is attached to a long and flexible tube. They will be able to spot problems and let you know about them so that you can collaborate to implement solutions quickly to keep trouble at bay.

If you have never had a sewer line inspection since you have been living in your home, there’s no time like the present. Call Turbo Plumbing & Rooter for sewer line maintenance to protect your Granada Hills, CA home.