Two Common Questions New Homeowners Have About Damaged Sewer Lines
ShareA functioning sewer line is one of the most important components of a modern home's plumbing system. This line is responsible for transporting wastewater away from the home. Yet, it is often relatively narrow, which may make it more vulnerable to developing clogs and other problems. Sadly, you may not know much about this part of your home, but learning the following two answers to common questions should help you to know how to proceed when you are suspect that your sewer line is damaged.
Why Does A Damaged Sewer Line Cause A Depression In The Yard?
One of the most common signs of problems with your sewer line is the sudden formation of deep depressions in your yard. These depressions will almost always form near the location of the problem with the line, and they are usually caused by a leak eroding soil.
However, it should be noted that the depression will not always form at the site of the problem. This can occur for numerous reasons, but it is often due to the fact that the soil near the damage is too rocky to easily be eroded. When this is the case, the water will flow to another area of the yard where it may erode the soil.
What Is The First Step In Diagnosing Sewer Line Damages?
Some homeowners may dread this type of work because they assume that much of their yard will have to be excavated to determine the exact location and cause of the problem. While this may have been true in the past, modern technology has made it possible for the cause of these problems to be diagnosed without having to excavate.
This is done by deploying a small camera into the main sewer line. The camera is connected to a high-definition monitor that allows the plumber to examine the interior walls of the pipe and search for clogs. This camera is usually sufficient for the initial diagnosis, but there may be times where it is unable to determine the cause of the problem. When this happens, it may be necessary for your plumber to use sonar-based systems to examine the soil around the sewer line for clues to the problem. While this may seem like an unnecessary step, it may be the best way to avoid extensive yard excavation.
A faulty sewer line has the potential to cause major problems for your home and your yard. However, homeowners are seldom highly informed or experienced about these problems. By knowing why depressions form in your yard and how the plumber will identify the source of the problem, you will strengthen your knowledge enough to make this type of repair less intimidating. If you're interested in finding out more, visit sites like http://robertbair.com.