No one wants to come home to a house that smells like a sewer, with dirty water backed up in the tub. But plumbing work can be so expensive! You suspect there’s something wrong with your waste drains and want to try fixing the problem yourself. But if you don’t know the top causes of sewer damage before going DIY, you may make it even worse.

What are the signs of sewer line damage?

Suspect sewer damage if your sinks and tub drain slowly or you notice a foul, gassy odor in your home.

What causes sewer line damage?

Sewer damage can occur from several causes, including normal wear and tear and blockages.

The Top 3 Causes of Sewer Damage You Can Prevent

Reduce the chances of damaged sewer pipes by keeping these in mind:

1. Blockages

Clogs damage your waste pipes and sewer lines from the inside. Grease, soap scum, and sticky waste matter can clog and damage kitchen drains. Never pour oily substances down the drain. Have a garbage disposal unit installed for food scraps and use it regularly.

2. Obstacles

Items often get flushed down the toilet that you shouldn’t flush. Excess toilet tissue, paper towels, and sanitary products clogs the drains. This can cause a backup, cracking stressed sewer pipes. Homeowners have found towels, washcloths, toiletry bottles, and even small toys in their drain lines.

Ben Franklin Plumbing in Pleasantville offers sewer line cleaning to keep blockages and obstacles from becoming full-on sewer damage.

3. Tree Roots

Planting trees too close to your home can result in sewer damage. Tree roots wrap around the waste pipes to take advantage of extra moisture and fertilizer in waste pipes.

The Top 4 Causes of Sewer Damage That Requires a Professional

Unfortunately, some jobs need a professional plumber once the damage has occurred.

1. Normal Wear and Tear

Corrosion and buildup occur naturally over the years. The earth below your home can move and shift, displacing and cracking sewer lines.

2. City Sanitary Backups

When municipal sewer systems have a major blockage, sewage can back up into overloaded waste lines.

3. Poor or Outdated Installation

If a previous owner didn’t hire a professional, it may be the top cause of sewer damage in your home. The materials used may be obsolete, even if installed by a pro.

4. Heavy Equipment

Construction or landscaping work on your property isn't usually the cause of sewer damage. But sometimes, heavy machinery can crush the sewer pipes underground. This is especially true for PVC waste pipe.

Which of these Causes of Sewer Damage Do You Suspect

If you’ve got foul odors in your home or see wastewater backup in your drains, it’s time to call the professionals for an inspection.

Don’t go it alone when it comes to major repairs. Make an appointment today with your local plumbing pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Pleasantville.