Why Older Neighborhoods See More Sewer Line Problems

Materials From the Past

One of the biggest reasons you see sewer line failures in older neighborhoods is that the house still has the same materials that were used during its construction. Homes built after 1980 have an industry standard for residential sewer lines called PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Homes built before that had a range of different items used, including clay tile, cast iron, and even Orangeburg pipes. While they sound durable and long-lasting, cast iron eventually faces internal corrosion, which can snag any debris and lead to clogs. Clay tiles are durable but can leak moisture and act like a magnet for tree roots to attack them. Orangeburg pipes are made of wood pulp sealed with coal tar. These pipes are meant to last for fifty years, and most homes with these pipes now face a total collapse of their sewer system. So, if your home was built before the 1980s or doesn’t have the industry-standard PVC pipes, then you can expect to see more sewer line problems. Call a plumber in Killen, TX today to learn which type of pipes your home has.

The Earth Moves

Did you know that the earth beneath your home moves? When we talk about earth moving, we aren’t talking about earthquakes; we are talking about natural cases in which the movement is slow and silent. There are many causes for this movement, including the high clay content in soil, which swells when there is heavy rain and shrinks when there is a drought; the weight of the house, which pushes down on the earth; and the soil freezing and expanding upwards in cold climates. Pipes made from clay or cast iron are brittle, meaning a slight shift in the ground movement can cause cracks.

More Supply on Your Sewer Lines

Most of the sewer lines in older homes were designed to handle only a portion of the water that modern homes use. A typical household in older neighborhoods included one bathroom and only a few of the water-using appliances that we have today. However, modern life has completely transitioned this. We now have hot tubs, luxury showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and many more appliances that drain higher volumes of water in a house that was designed to only take a fraction of it. This leads to increased problems with the sewer line and eventually costly sewer repair services.

Stronger Trees, More Sewer Line Problems

Older neighborhoods have decades-old trees. These trees have strong root systems that have evolved over the years to hunt and fight for sunlight, water, and other nutrients. Sewer lines are a treasure for such trees. Not only is there water there, but there are also nutrients that are essential for a tree's survival. So, trees grow their roots in the direction of the sewer line, and their strength can easily pass through the pipes compared to newer and weaker trees.

Need Help? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today

Are you living in an old house and starting to experience sewer line problems? Contact a professional without delay. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is proud to be a locally owned and operated business offering residential plumbing services nationwide. Call us today to learn more about us and our services.