A collapsed sewer line is one of the worst plumbing issues in your home. Sadly, this problem is often mistaken as a clogged or blocked sewer line because the two problems present similar symptoms. However, OKC Homes Management says, the impact of a collapsed sewer line is more damaging.
When a collapsed sewer line is misdiagnosed as a clogged sewer line, a homeowner might try to fix it with solutions meant for a blocked sewer line. Of course, these interventions do not have any effect on the problem, and instead of getting better, the issues in your home will get worse.
If your sewer line collapses and the problem is not detected and fixed promptly, it can expose your building to serious problems. Sewer line issues, in general, are a leading cause of foundation failure, but the risk of structural damage is even higher when the problem is a collapsed sewer line.
What causes sewer line collapse?
Below are some of the major causes of sewer line collapse:
- Clogs, leaks, and blockages
A cracked sewer line can discharge wastewater into the soil, making it unstable and causing the sewer line to sag or collapse. Sewer line clogs, especially grease buildup in metal pipes, can also lead to sewer line collapse.
- Tree root interference
By growing above and under the sewer line or wrapping itself around the pipe, tree roots can shift a sewer line out of place. Tree roots can also alter the structure of the soil around a sewer line and make the line unstable.
- Poor installation
Poor design will make a sewer line susceptible to collapse. Poorly compacted soil, misaligned joints, improper grading, and other construction errors can predispose a sewer line to collapse. Substandard materials will also cause a sewer line to collapse.
- Soil shifts
Soil movements caused by erosion, flooding, landslides, sinkholes, underground pipe leaks, and earthquakes can wash away the soil below the sewer line. If the sewer line loses its support in this way, it is only a matter of time before it collapses.
Signs that your sewer line has collapsed
How can you tell if your sewer line has collapsed? Many signs you see in your home when your sewer line is clogged will also show themselves when your sewer line has collapsed. However, the problems are more severe when caused by a collapsed sewer line.
- Multiple clogged drains in your home
If several drains in the house are clogged at the same time, the cause can usually be found deep inside the sewer system. That occurs because the collapsed section blocks the sewer line, preventing the flow of wastewater.
- Bubbling sounds from the toilet
A collapsed sewer line will form a low point where wastewater and debris will collect. This blocked section of the pipe can force trapped sewer gases to back up inside the sewer line until they escape through your toilet bowl.
- Foul odors inside your home
As explained above, a collapsed sewer line will trap wastewater and sewer gases. Under pressure from inflowing wastewater, these trapped (foul-smelling) gases can flow backward inside the pipes until they exit your home.
- Sinkholes and an uneven yard
A collapsed sewer line may discharge water into the soil and cause sections of your yard to sink. In the beginning, this problem only causes a slight depression in the soil surface. But with time, it can develop into a sinkhole.
- Soggy and lush green yard
A collapsed sewer line will often leak water into your lawn, causing the area above the damaged pipe to be chronically wet. You may also find that a part of your lawn is unusually green due to the extra water and nutrients it is getting.
- Increased pest activity
A collapsed sewer line will draw pests to your property. Roaches, rats, and mosquitoes will want to take advantage of the abundant food and water supply from the damaged pipe. Animals may invade your home to prey on these pests.
How to fix a collapsed sewer line
To know if your sewer line has collapsed, you must do a sewer camera inspection.
Sewer camera inspection
This process uses a specialized waterproof high-resolution camera inserted into the sewer line. As the camera travels through the line, it sends a real-time video of the pipe channel to an above-ground monitor viewed by a professional plumber.
If the inspection confirms your suspicions that your sewer line has collapsed, the next step is to choose a repair option. You will choose between traditional pipe repair and modern (non-invasive) repair methods. The method you choose depends on many factors.
When trying to fix a collapsed sewer line, it is essential to only use professionals with a track record of successfully solving problems of this nature. Working with a reliable and experienced sewer line repair company will save you money now and in the future.