4 Common Sewer Problems in the Sacramento Area
How to Avoid Them
Sacramento homeowners deal with various home maintenance challenges.
One of these challenges is sewer problems.
Sewer lines are easy to forget until something goes wrong.
Sacramento’s climate, soil, and old infrastructure can cause sewer problems.
These issues often lead to backups, slow drains, and sewer line leaks resulting in expensive repairs.
Homeowners in Sacramento should be aware of these four common sewer line issues.
Causes of Sewer Problems in Sacramento and Surrounding Areas
1. Tree Root Intrusion
Root intrusion is one of the leading causes of sewer breaks and backups in Sacramento.
During dry periods, trees in search of water send their roots deep into the soil.
Unfortunately, those roots can find their way into your sewer lines through tiny cracks or joints.
Once inside, the roots grow, expanding and causing significant damage to the pipes.
When roots infiltrate your sewer line, they can block the flow of wastewater.
This leads to slow drains, backups, and, eventually, more severe breaks in the line.
Root intrusion can be a problem in older homes.
This is especially true with clay pipes, since they’re more likely to crack.
How to Spot Root Intrusion
- Slow drains throughout your home
- Gurgling sounds from your toilet or drains
- Frequent backups, especially after a period of dry weather
Root Intrusion Prevention Tips
Regular sewer inspections and drain cleaning services can help prevent root intrusion from causing serious damage.
If you have big trees on your property, have a plumber check your sewer lines regularly.
2. Pipe Offsets
An offset happens when there’s a misalignment of the sewer pipe at a connection point.
Pipe offsets occur from poor installation or natural shifts in the soil that cause the pipes to move out of alignment.
When this happens, the pipes no longer connect properly.
This leads to gaps where wastewater can escape or where debris can collect and cause blockages.
Offsets are common in places with unstable soil.
They often happen when the ground moves a lot, like after heavy rains or during droughts.
In Sacramento, where soil conditions can vary, offsets can become a significant issue over time.
How to Spot Pipe Offsets
- Constant backups or clogs in the same drain
- Wastewater pooling in your yard or around your home
- Unpleasant odors coming from your drains or yard
Pipe Offset Prevention Tips
Having a professional plumber perform a camera inspection of your sewer line can help detect offsets early.
If your home is prone to ground movement, it’s important to stay on top of regular plumbing maintenance.
3. Pipe Belly
A pipe belly occurs when a section of the sewer pipe begins to sag or dip, forming a low spot that traps wastewater.
This sagging happens from improper installation or natural ground shifts that occur over time.
The trapped water causes pipe corrosion, eventually leading to cracks, holes, and even collapses.
The biggest issue with pipe bellies is that they disrupt the flow of wastewater.
Instead of flowing smoothly through the pipes, the waste collects in the belly, causing backups and slow drains.
Left unchecked, a pipe belly can lead to more serious plumbing issues, including leaks and complete sewer line failure.
How to Spot a Pipe Belly
- Frequent backups or clogs, especially after heavy water use
- Persistent foul odors near drains or outside your home
Pipe Belly Prevention Tips
Regular inspections are key to catching pipe bellies early.
If a plumber finds a pipe belly, they might suggest replacing the damaged section of pipe or the entire line.
4. Pipe Collapse
Sewer pipe collapse is a big problem.
It often happens in older homes with old pipe materials like clay or Orangeburg.
Orangeburg is a type of pipe made from tar paper and pressed wood.
People commonly used it in the mid-1900s, but it degrades over time.
Clay pipes, while more durable, can still break down after decades of use, especially if exposed to root intrusion or shifting soil.
It’s important to note that cast iron and ABS also collapse.
When a pipe collapses, it can lead to a complete blockage of your sewer line, preventing wastewater from draining out of your home.
In the worst cases, this can cause sewage or wastewater to back up into your home, leading to significant damage and expensive repairs.
How to Spot a Pipe Collapse
- Sudden, complete loss of drainage in your home
- Sewage or wastewater backing up into your sinks, tubs, or toilets
- Depressions or sinkholes forming in your yard
Pipe Collapse Prevention Tips
If you live in an older home with the original sewer plumbing, have a plumber check your sewer system.
If your pipes are showing signs of wear or collapse, trenchless pipe replacement methods provide a long-lasting solution without digging up your yard.
Protecting Your Sewer System in the Sacramento Area
Your sewer system is one of the most important parts of your home’s plumbing.
Ignoring these common problems can lead to costly repairs and serious damage.
If you’re experiencing frequent clogs, slow drains, or bad smells coming from your pipes, it may be time to have your sewer system inspected.
At Millennium Plumbing Specialist, we offer expert sewer repair and replacement services in Sacramento and surrounding areas.
If you have root intrusion, pipe offsets, pipe bellies, or a collapsed pipe, our expert plumbers can help.
We provide the right solutions to keep your plumbing system working well.
Contact us today to schedule a plumbing inspection to identify sewer problems before they become bigger issues.
