Sewer lines, like most of the pipes in your home, are made of copper. This makes them sturdy, virtually immune to problems like rust, and very long-lived. With the right care and a bit of luck, copper sewer lines can last up to a hundred years. However, that doesn’t make them invincible. If you aren’t careful, sewer line problems can lead to you having to replace the pipe decades before its time. Take a look at these warning signs that you have a major sewer line problem.
Pools in the Yard
A major leak or rupture in the sewer line will cause the line to start venting sewage into the surrounding soil. Eventually, this sewage can make its way up to the surface and form pools. If you have pools of disgusting water forming in your yard, and they seem to be spreading, it is an almost certain sign that you have a sewer line problem somewhere. It is best to call for repairs as soon as you notice this issue, since a ruptured sewer line can cause quite the biohazard in a short period of time.
Backups
If your drains are backing up, especially if it is multiple drains at once, it could mean that you have a clog in your sewer line. Often, this is just the result of waste buildup in the line. Hydro jetting can quickly get rid of the clog and return the line to its normal function. However, more serious issues like lime scale and tree roots getting into the pipe will take some more involved effort. Either way, you are going to want to call for repairs as soon as you notice this problem.