Sewer line problems can and do occur. Failure or damage in sewer lines is usually due to one of four factors:
- Aging sewer line materials degrading, e.g. cast iron pipes rusting out, leaking or bursting
- Sewer line pipe connections that become cracked or misaligned
- Impaction to sewer lines from tree roots, construction, etc.
- Solid waste disposal clogging sewer lines to point of bursting or breaking
- Extreme temperatures, particularly extreme cold, lead to burst pipes
What are some warning signs that your sewer line is failing or has broken?
- Wastewater backups or sanitary sewers backed up
- Bad odour, e.g. sewer gas etc.
- Flooding around the foundation or basement; or standing water on the property (does it smell?!)
worker inspects sewer line issues - Leaking pipes in your home or commercial facility
- Water draining slowly from toilets, tubs & sinks
- Mould in walls and/or ceilings
- Drop in water pressure (check toilet bowl levels)
- Water bill is much higher than normal
- Indentation or dip on lawn or driveway (above main sewer line)
If you are noticing some of these signs, you may have a broken or failing sewer line.