Winter And Your Sewer Line: 3 Sewer Line Issues To Watch Out For This Winter
The freezing winter weather can wreak havoc on your home's sewer line. Low temperatures either worsen existing sewer line issues or give rise to a host of problems. Thus, as the season approaches, it's vital to look out for the common faults that occur in sewer lines during the season. This way, you can fix them promptly and prevent mid-season emergencies. With this in mind, check out these common sewer line issues that occur during the winter.
Root Intrusion
Minor cracks in sewer lines act as magnets to tree roots during winter. As warm liquid waste flows through the piping, water vapor escapes into the soil around the broken sewer line. Since the rest of the ground is frozen, nearby tree roots grow towards the moist area near the sewer pipe in search of water and nutrients.
Over time, the roots penetrate the small cracks in the piping and extend them, leading to sewer leakage. Consequently, sewer leaks attract more tree roots and exacerbate the damage. To keep tree roots out of your sewer line during the winter, you need to fix all the minor cracks in the pipe.
Clogs in the Piping
If your household disposes of grease, fat, and oils into the drainage system, expect severe blockage in the sewer line during the cold season. In the summer, warm temperatures allow grease and fats to melt and flow into the sewer system together with the sludge. However, in winter, the cold temperatures cause grease, oil, and fat to freeze and stick to the inner lining of your sewer pipe.
This blockage attracts other forms of solid waste, such as hair and pet fur. The clogs block wastewater flow and cause sewer backups in the drains. You can prevent clogs by cleaning out existing clogs and lining the pipes with epoxy drain lining to facilitate smooth sludge flow.
Frozen and Cracked Piping
If you live in an area that experiences sub-zero winter temperatures, there's a high risk of your sewer line freezing. Since sludge is mainly composed of liquid waste, the wastewater can freeze and expand inside the piping. Consequently, the pipe may crack, especially if it is old or already has minor cracks. If your sewer line isn't insulated, insulate it with rubber or polyethylene foam. These materials wrap around the pipe to protect it from sub-zero temperatures and keep the liquid waste inside the pipe from freezing.
A damaged sewer line can cause wastewater leakage and backup in your drains, leading to a sewer emergency. Repair and insulate broken piping to facilitate proper wastewater flow throughout the cold season. For sewer line repairs, contact your plumbing contractor.