Common Causes of Sewer Pipe Problems

Posted on: August 19, 2013
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Plumbing

Sewer pipe problems can be caused by numerous factors, including corrosion and blockages. We’ve listed some of the most common causes of sewer pipe problems for your information below. If you live in the Houston area and think that your sewer system is not working properly, contact an experienced plumber right away.

Rust

Due to frequent contact with water and other materials, sewer pipes can start to rust over time, which is never good. In addition to making water drain through pipes more slowly, rust can eat away at the outside of the pipe, which can lead to cracks and leaks. In order to prevent rust from developing, homeowners should have a plumber come over to do a sewer system inspection at least once a year.

Tree Roots

A common cause of sewer pipe issues is tree root infiltration. During times of low rainfall, tree roots spread throughout the ground searching for water and sometimes break into sewer lines. In many cases, this causes plumbing clogs and severely damages sewer pipes, which can be costly to repair. Usually, the best way to avoid this problem is to not plant trees near pipes in the first place.

Grease Deposits

Grease is an item that should never be poured into sink or flushed down the toilet. While this food-waste product liquefies when heated, it solidifies when cooled off. As a result, grease can easily build up in a sewer pipe and create a serious blockage that may contribute to all sorts of problems, including flooding. To prevent this issue from occurring, grease should always be placed in a sealed container and thrown away in the trash.

At Abacus Plumbing & Air Conditioning in Houston, we can repair your sewer pipe problem quickly, whether it is being caused by rust or tree root invasion. For more information about our plumbing services, call our office today at (713) 812-7070 or visit our website.