The Cost of Neglect: What Indianapolis Homeowners Need to Know About Sewer Repair

Most homeowners go about their lives giving very little thought to the underground sewer and drain system. When you use the bathroom, the sewer line safely and discreetly transports your waste away from the home, and that’s pretty much all you need to know.

But what happens when the sewer line stops functioning the way it’s supposed to? Ultimately, this is an issue that many homeowners will have to deal with, and neglecting to make the necessary repairs can only make matters worse.

What should homeowners know about sewer maintenance and repair? Consider a few of the basics from Carter’s My Plumber, widely considered to be the best plumbers in Indianapolis.

What are the Most Common Causes of Sewer Problems?

First of all, what are some of the factors that can cause your sewer line to lose proper function? There are a few common culprits to be aware of.

• Age. Sewer pipes are designed to be strong, but even the most robust pipes won’t last forever. The life expectancy for sewer pipes may last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. Exposure to elements or general underground degradation can shorten that timeline.
• Tree roots. Another factor that can imperil the integrity of your sewer pipes is the intrusion of tree roots. If you have perennials planted anywhere near your sewer line, be aware that those tree roots will go to any extent to facilitate ongoing growth.
• Clogs. As with any pipes, your sewer lines can get clogged. This is especially true if you or your family members flush non-flushable items, including things like hardened fats and oils that end up going down your kitchen drain.
• Ground shifting. Finally, be aware that major shifts in the terrain can rupture your sewer pipes. This is a bigger issue in earthquake-prone areas, so Indianapolis homeowners don’t need to be too worried, but it’s still something to keep in mind.

What are the Telltale Signs of Sewer Line Failure?

The next question that homeowners might ask is, what are the indicators that the sewer line is failing? Be on the alert for a few common red flags.

• Foul odors. If you have a ruptured sewer line, it will likely result in sewage seeping out into your home or lawn. As you might imagine, this can result in some unpleasant smells. If you catch a whiff of rotten eggs while you’re out in your yard, that could be an indicator of sewer line failure.
• Slow drains. If you have a sewer line issue, it will likely result in your household drains slowing down. A single slow-moving drain may be a more localized clog, whereas multiple slow-moving drains point to a more systemic issue. The latter is likely to be sewer-related.
• Sewage backups. There’s really nothing that homeowners want less than sewage backing up into their toilets or other household drains. But if you ever do experience this unwanted outcome, it’s a sure sign you need sewer line repair.
• Gurgling sounds. A final warning sign to be aware of is a gurgling sound emanating from your pipes and plumbing. These sounds may come from air bubbles vibrating against the side of the pipes, which often happens when a sewer line breaks.

What are the Options for Sewer Line Repair?

Needless to say, you don’t want to see any of these issues occur, much less leave them unaddressed so that they deepen and worsen. For homeowners who suspect sewer line problems, there are a few potential solutions. A trusted plumbing company can provide additional insight and recommendations.

Traditional Sewer Line Repair

One possibility is to excavate your sewer lines, identify the damaged areas, and replace them with brand new materials. This certainly fixes the problem, but of course it can also be quite messy, time-consuming, and pricey.

Trenchless Sewer Line Repair

Alternatively, homeowners might seek options to repair their sewer lines without the need for significant excavation. Trenchless options tend to be a little less intrusive and are generally a bit less expensive. There are a couple of specific routes that your plumbing company might recommend:

• With pipe relining, a flexible and waterproof tube is inserted just inside the existing pipe, which can help to fix small cracks and fissures without the need for any digging.
• For completely busted-up pipes, your plumber might recommend pipe bursting, which involves breaking up old pipes and replacing them with brand new ones. This method, too, calls for minimal excavation.

Don’t Put Off Sewer Line Repair

Sewer line repair is never fun, but attending to it promptly can help you avoid even more serious and costly repair needs. To find out more about sewer line repair in Indianapolis, IN, reach out to the Carter’s My Plumber team directly.