How Do I Know If I Need a Sewer Pipe Replacement?

What Causes Sewer Pipes to Fail or Break?

Several factors can cause sewer pipes to fail or break. To make things easier, we've put together a detailed list of the most common causes:

1. Age and Deterioration: Sewer pipes, especially those made from materials like clay or metal, naturally degrade over time. Constant exposure to wastewater, harsh chemicals, and environmental conditions leads to cracks, corrosion, and weakening of the pipes.
2. Root Intrusion: Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture and can invade sewer pipes through small cracks or joints. As these roots grow, they obstruct the flow of wastewater, causing blockages and, in some cases, completely breaking the pipes. Root intrusion is a significant issue, and if left unaddressed, it can cause extensive damage to the sewer system.
3. Shifting Soil and Ground Movement: Sewer pipes can be affected by soil shifts or ground movement caused by settling, extreme weather, or nearby construction. Such movements can misalign or collapse the pipes, leading to severe drainage issues.
4. Improper Installation: Sewer pipes that are improperly installed are at a higher risk of failure. Installation errors, such as poor alignment or inadequate support, can make the pipes more susceptible to damage from shifting soil or ground movement.
5. Blockages: Over time, grease, hair, and debris can accumulate inside sewer pipes, creating blockages that restrict the flow of wastewater. If these blockages are not cleared promptly, they can increase pressure inside the pipes, leading to cracks, leaks, or even complete pipe failure.

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What Are the Signs That My Sewer Pipe Needs Replacing?

A failing sewer pipe can manifest in various ways, and it's important to catch the signs early to prevent significant damage to your home and property:

• Frequent Blockages and Slow Drains: If multiple drains in your home clog or back up regularly, even after using a plunger or drain cleaner, your sewer line may be clogged or damaged.
• Foul Odours: Unpleasant smells from your drains or yard could indicate a cracked or leaking sewer pipe, allowing waste to escape.
• Damp or Soggy Yard: A persistently damp or soggy yard can be a telltale sign of a broken sewer pipe leaking water and waste into the soil, leading to pooling or foul-smelling areas.
• Gurgling Noises: Strange sounds from your drains, like gurgling, may be caused by trapped air or a blockage in the sewer line.



• Visible Structural Damage: Cracked or sinking floors inside your home, or cracks in your slab foundation, may signal serious sewer pipe issues.

If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to address them immediately to prevent severe damage to your property.

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How Can I Inspect My Sewer Line for Issues?

Inspecting your sewer line can help you detect problems before they escalate into major issues. While a professional can perform a more thorough inspection, there are some quick steps you can take on your own.

One of the easiest ways to identify a potential issue is by testing your home's drainage. Run water in multiple fixtures at the same time—such as flushing a toilet while using a sink. If you notice slow drainage or water backing up in different areas, this could indicate a blockage or damage in your sewer line.

If you suspect tree roots are invading your sewer pipes, look for unusual plant growth near your sewer line. While roots can be difficult to spot without professional help, excessive vegetation in your yard may indicate where the problem lies.

By being proactive and inspecting your sewer line, you can catch potential issues early and prevent costly repairs down the road.

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Can I Repair My Sewer Pipe Instead of Replacing It?

While minor sewer pipe issues, such as small cracks or localized blockages, might seem repairable, a full replacement is often the more reliable long-term solution.

If the damage is limited to a single section and the rest of the pipe is in good condition, a repair could temporarily restore function. However, in cases of severe corrosion, extensive tree root intrusion, or multiple cracks along the pipe, repairs may only serve as a short-term fix rather than a lasting solution.

Some homeowners consider pipe relining as an alternative to replacement. This method involves inserting a flexible liner into the existing pipe to create a new, smooth interior.

While relining can be less disruptive than replacing the pipe, it does not address the underlying issue of aging or deteriorating sewer lines. We have an article that breaks down everything you need to know about sewer relining and replacement.

At Repipe Specialists, we believe that a full sewer pipe replacement is the only permanent solution for outdated or failing pipes. Although we don't reline sewer or drain lines, we always recommend a complete repipe for outbound waste lines, typically using PVC unless local codes require ABS. This approach ensures the long-term reliability and durability of your home's sewer pipes.

If you're unsure whether your sewer pipes need replacement, feel free to contact us to have one of our local repipe consultants provide you with a consultation and quote, either in-home or remotely.

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Receive a Free Quote for Sewer Pipe Replacement

Here at Repipe Specialists, we've replaced the drains and sewer pipes in many homes across the States. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:

• Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
• Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
• Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
• Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
• Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
• Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.

Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.

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