Water and sewer lines are two of the most important, yet often overlooked, parts of your home. These lines are responsible for bringing clean water into your home and removing wastewater from your property. Over time, however, these lines can become damaged or even break completely. When this happens, it can lead to several problems, including water damage, flooding, and sewage backup.
Causes of water and sewer line repairs
Several different things can cause water and sewer lines to become damaged or broken. In this article, we’ll explore five of the most common repair causes and tips to avoid expensive water and sewer line repairs.
- Tree Roots
One of the most common causes of water and sewer line damage is tree roots. Unfortunately, trees tend to grow quickly and aggressively, often seeking out sources of water or moisture. As they grow into pipes or other sewer lines, they can break or weaken the line completely, leading to leaks and breaks over time.
- Advancing Age
As with most things in life, your water and sewer lines will eventually begin to show their age. Just like the rest of your home, these pipes can become weaker over time, particularly when exposed to freezing temperatures or other harsh conditions. This can lead to cracks and breaks that ultimately have to be repaired.
- Environmental Factors
In addition to freezing temperatures and tree roots, several environmental factors can lead to broken or damaged water and sewer lines. For example, shifting soil or groundwater contamination can weaken the pipes over time, eventually leading to breaks due to high pressure and wear.
- Construction Nearby
When major construction is being done near your home, it can put additional stress on your water and sewer lines. This is particularly true if the construction involves heavy machinery or excavating, as this can cause the ground to shift and put additional pressure on the pipes.
- Poor Maintenance
Finally, one of the most common causes of water and sewer line damage is simply poor maintenance. Over time, sediment and other debris can build up in the pipes, eventually leading to clogs or blockages. This can cause water pressure to build up, eventually leading to cracks and breaks.
Tips for preventing water and sewer line repairs
Water and sewer line repairs can be expensive, especially if they need to be done regularly. To avoid costly repairs in the future, it’s important to take steps to protect your pipes and keep them as healthy as possible. These are some tips for avoiding pricey water and sewer line repair bills:
- Take care of your pipes.
Just like any other type of plumbing in your home, your water and sewer lines need to be properly maintained to stay in good condition. Be sure to have regular inspections and cleanings done on your pipes to prevent buildup and blockages that could lead to repairs down the road.
- Watch what you put down your drains and toilets.
In addition to avoiding the buildup of debris in your pipes, it’s also important to refrain from putting certain items in your drains or toilets that can cause damage. For example, grease should never be poured down your kitchen sink, as this can lead to clogs and leaks over time. In bathrooms, only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet to avoid clogs and sewer line backups.
- Use water-saving fixtures.
Installing low-flow fixtures in your home is a great way to save water and money on your monthly utility bills. Low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets can all help reduce the amount of water you use, which can put less strain on your pipes and help prevent problems in the future.
- Fix leaks right away.
Even a small leak can cause big problems if it’s left unchecked. Be sure to repair any leaks in your water or sewer lines as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
- Know your property’s history.
If you’re buying a new home or commercial property, be sure to find out if there have been any previous water or sewer line issues. This information can help you determine whether the property is at risk for future problems and whether extra steps need to be taken to protect the pipes.
- Call a professional for repairs.
If you do end up needing to have water or sewer line repairs done, it’s best to leave the job to a plumber who has experience working with these types of pipes. This will help ensure that the repairs are done properly and can prevent future issues down the road.
At Curoso Plumbing, we understand the importance of properly maintained water and sewer lines. We offer a variety of services to help keep your pipes in good condition, including regular inspections, cleanings, and repairs. Contact us today at 707-545-5017 to learn more about how we can help you avoid costly water and sewer line repairs in the future.
