What Does it Mean to Have a Belly in the Sewer Line?

For homeowners, it’s important to be mindful of potential plumbing issues, including problems that might affect the sewer line. Having basic awareness of these issues increases the odds of identifying and diagnosing them promptly, which can potentially make repairs less onerous and less expensive.

One such issue to be aware of is having a “belly” in your sewer line. Basically, this refers to a dip or a low point in your underground pipe, forming a U-shaped curve that stalls or disrupts the natural flow of wastewater and debris.

If you fear that you have a belly in your sewer line, make sure you contact a professional plumber right away. At Carter’s My Plumber, we are proud to be a leading source of sewer line repair in Indianapolis, IN. In this post, we’ll share some basic guidelines about identifying and addressing a sewer line belly.

What is a Sewer Line Belly?

First, let’s define the term a little bit more fully. Again, when we talk about having a belly in your sewer line, we’re talking about a U-shaped curve or crimp that affects your home piping, specifically the pipe that removed waste from your home.

These U-shaped curves are bad news because, over time, they may trap solid materials, cause clogs, or result in blockages. In extreme cases, a belly can make it difficult for solid waste to be transported out of your home, which can actually cause waste to backup into your home. Needless to say, this is undesirable.

Sewer line bellies can be caused by a number of factors, but the main ones include changing soil composition, soil erosion, or poor initial installation. Anything that can cause the ground around your pipes to shift or resettle can potentially be an impetus for a sewer pipe belly.

Having a sewer line belly is more common in some parts of the country than in others. It can be an especially big issue in areas that have loose, sandy soil conditions. Heavy rains can cause the soil to shift in a way that makes sewer line warping and deformation much more common. The risk of a sewer line belly is also heightened in areas where the sewer pipe is older or not as well-maintained.

How Do You Know When You Have a Sewer Line Belly?

Because a belly is always going to be underground, it may prove difficult to detect. However, there are a few warning signs that might suggest a problem, prompting you to call your local plumber for further investigation. Some of these signs include:

• Sluggish, slow-running drains throughout your home.
• Frequently clogs throughout your home.
• Difficulty flushing toilets.
• Foul odors wafting into your home.
• Gurgling sounds coming from your home plumbing.
• Wet patches in the back yard.
• Backups or overflows of sewage into your home.

If you notice any of these issues, consider calling a plumber right away.

What is the Method for Repairing a Sewer Line Belly?

Most of the time, the only way to address a sewer line belly is to have the entire line replaced. The process usually unfolds something like this:

• A sewer camera inspection, confirming that the problem is in fact a sewer belly.
• Excavation, which exposes the affected area of the sewer pipe.
• Repair (if possible) or replacement with a new section of sewer pipe.

Again, calling an experienced plumber is the best way to find solutions, and to learn more about possible replacement or repair methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a belly in a sewer line mean?

A belly is where there is water/sewage holding in a sewer line due to improper flow of the drain. A sewer line belly is caused because the pipe has settled in the ground and was not properly bedded in proper material.

What is the easiest way to clear a blockage in the sewer line?

There is no easy way to clear a drain blockage without the proper tools. Having the right drain machine with the proper cable is a must. In other words, this is a task where you will likely require the expertise of a professional plumbing company.

How do you fix a sag in the sewer line?

The only way to fix a sag in the line is to excavate the line and remove the old pipe, then re-bed the bottom of the ditch with stone or sand to create a compacted base for the pipe to lay on.

Can trenchless sewer repair fix a belly?

In some cases, where the belly is not too severe, trenchless sewer repair may be a viable option.

Does a sewer line need to be replaced if it has a belly?

In a vast majority of cases, a sewer line belly can only be addressed with a complete replacement.

What is the life expectancy of a sewer line?

On average a sewer line should last 20 plus years, assuming it’s installed properly.

How much does it cost to fix a belly in a sewer line?

Fixing a belly in a sewer line can cost between $3,500 and $8,500 on average. It may cost more if the entire line needs to be replaced.

Is a belly in the sewer line covered by insurance?

A belly in the sewer line may be covered by insurance, though it depends on the insurer and the type of policy you have. It is best to contact your provider to see if you have that coverage.