Sometimes it’s possible to fix a plumbing problem with drain cleaning and proper maintenance. Other times, you may need to do something more drastic to prevent serious damage. Sewer replacement can be expensive, but when the sewer lines have deteriorated, it could be your only option.
If you’re not sure when to replace a sewer line, take a look below at a few reasons it might be time to start thinking about it.
Your Pipes Are Just Getting Old
Do you know when your home was built? Is it 50 years old? 100? If you live in an older home, chances are pretty good that your sewer system is old, too. As sewer pipes age, they are more prone to failure. Furthermore, the materials that people used for sewage systems back in the day tend to be more likely to leak from corrosion—in many cases, older homes have cast iron or galvanized steel piping. If you have never scheduled a sewer replacement and you live in a home built before the 1970s, it’s probably time to talk to a professional.
Your Pipes Are Constantly Clogging
It’s no secret that sometimes pipes clog. Toilets and sinks and shower drains often clog from the buildup of gunk and materials that pass through them. Sometimes they clog because people let the wrong things go down the drain. But if you haven’t been abusing your plumbing by flushing things you shouldn’t and you still experience frequent clogs at multiple locations of your home, the problem could be much bigger.
It’s possible that all you need to do is schedule a drain cleaning service, so you don’t need to worry just yet.
You Notice Bad Smells or Weird Sounds
Bad odors and strange sounds could also indicate that sewer replacement is in your future.
If you notice any bad smells emanating from a drain, it could mean that your p-trap is dry. The p-trap is the u-shaped pipe that prevents gases from emerging from the sewers while still allowing liquids and solids to pass through. When the p-trap runs dry, the gases can pass freely and stink up your home. Try running the water for a bit to refill it, and then monitor the drain in question to see if the odor persists. If, however, more than one drain in your home smells bad, this is a sign of sewer line problems.
You have probably also noticed that your plumbing system isn’t entirely quiet. While that is to be expected, if you ever hear any gurgling sounds or see air bubbles in the toilet, you could have a sewer problem on your hands
What Should I Do Before Scheduling Sewer Replacement Services?
If you notice any of the above signs, you should speak to a professional plumber. At Custom Plumbing of Arizona, we will take a look at your plumbing problems and tell you what the best course of action is. We will make sure that we exhaust every possibility before recommending the replacement of your sewer system.