The Causes, Warning Signs, and Replacement Options for Main Sewer Clogs- Bethlehem, PA 

All of the plumbing fixtures drains, and pipes in your Bethlehem, PA home are connected to the main sewer line, which is the largest (and most important) piece of plumbing in your home.

The main sewer line can take a beating over time due to improper use of these fixtures, drains, and pipes, as well as a variety of other external factors. The main sewer line can eventually become clogged (or even collapse), necessitating serious repair or even replacement. This wear and tear can become a headache you don't need!

Knowing what causes sewer lines to clog and what to look for as warning signs can help you avoid having to deal with a major repair or replacement.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF A CLOGGED SEWER LINE?

Almost every homeowner has experienced the frustration of a clogged drain, a slow-running sink, or a bathtub. While a single clog can be inconvenient, it's usually simple to clear.

What happens, however, if all of your drains back up at the same time?

It could be a clogged sewer drain. When drain-clearing efforts fail, an entire sewer line (or even just a section) may need to be repaired or replaced. The following are the most common signs that a repair or replacement procedure is required:

Severe Pipe Damage- When sewer pipes break or rupture, sewage cannot flow freely through the system, resulting in immediate and frequent backups. Sewer pipe damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Shifting soil, settling, increased traffic on the ground above, or the use of heavy construction equipment above ground can all cause sewer pipe rupture.
• An older pipe has corroded, causing it to break or collapse.
• Water and sewage can leak from joints where the seals between sections of pipe have broken, allowing water and sewage to escape.

A Sagging Sewer Line- Sagging sewer lines happen over time and are out of a homeowner's control. When a section of a pipe sinks due to ground or soil conditions, it is known as a "bellied" pipe. The low point in the line will begin to collect paper and waste, causing blockages to occur again and again.

Tree Root Infiltration- Clay or other porous materials were sometimes used to construct older sewer lines. Furthermore, the connections between pipe sections were not as tight as they are today with PVC pipes. The roots of trees and shrubs seek out water sources as they grow. If they latch onto a sewer pipe, they will grow into it to gain access to the water within. The line may break as the roots grow larger over time.

Flushing Debris Down the Toilet- It's critical to understand what you can and can't flush down your toilet for the sake of your plumbing system's health. Using your toilet as a trash can will clog your sewer line. The most important thing to remember when flushing the toilet is to ensure that only human waste and toilet paper are flushed.

Pouring Grease Down the Drain- When it comes to clogging lines, grease, fats, and oil are some of the most common culprits. Pouring grease, oil, or other fats down the drain is never a good idea. Pour hot grease into a coffee can or jar at all times. You can throw it away once it has solidified. When pouring grease down a drain, many people believe that running hot water will help wash it away. This isn't the case at all. Grease will harden and stick to your pipes as it cools, resulting in sewer line clogs.

WARNING SIGNS YOU MIGHT HAVE A SEWER LINE ISSUE

• Drains or sewer lines continue to clog
• Several plumbing fixtures are clogged
• When using plumbing fixtures, strange sounds accrue 
• Your lawn begins to change

If your home has a sewage leak or break do not attempt to clean this yourself. Contact Restoration 1 of LHV and let us take care of the problem for you.