TOP 4 CAUSES OF SEWER DAMAGE

There’s no delicate way to talk about sewage. Sewage problems are just… gross. Ever smelled backed-up sewer pipes? Ugh. Worse yet: Ever had sewer water actually back up into your shower or spill out onto the floor? Barf. Without a proper waste disposal system, you can experience a whole host of issues: spreading diseases, mold outbreaks, and breathing problems. As your Tampa/St. Pete plumbers, we’re just as serious about helping your family stay healthy as we are about our own family.

G9 will come investigate any problem you might be having, but there are some issues we tend to hear about more often than others. Here are the top causes of sewer damage.

Sewer Damage Cause #1:

Tree Roots

Tree roots are one of the top external causes of problems with your sewer lines. Tree roots are attracted to the waste material in the sewer lines. As roots grow around your pipes trying to get at these nutrients, they create cracks big and small. Tree roots have been known to crush or fill whole sewer lines! Even if you don’t have trees in your yard, a neighbor’s tree could easily become your plumbing nightmare.

Sewer Damage Cause #2:

Old Cast Iron Pipes Built Before 1970

Time isn’t kind to your pipes. General corrosion and sediment build-up can create leaks and blockages. Natural soil movement over time causes sagging sewer lines, which can become a problem when the low spots create repeat blockages, ruptures, or leaks. Regular monitoring and maintenance can help, but ultimately sewer pipes have a shorter lifespan than your sewage needs.

Sewer Damage Cause #3:

Rodents

We wish sewer rats were more like Remy from Ratatouille than Ratigan from The Great Mouse Detective. (Unlocked some deep childhood memories there, huh?) Unfortunately, burrowing rodents are an archenemy of sewer lines. They loosen joints, turn small cracks into big cracks, and use pipes to nest and multiply. It’s never a good sign when rodents are involved.

Sewer Damage Cause #4:

Physical Obstructions

Clogs are one of the top internal causes of sewer damage. So repeat after us: “Your toilet is not a trash can.” We’ve pulled all sorts of things out of sewer pipes: garbage, toys, diapers, cooking grease, paper towels, menstrual products, even too much toilet paper at one time. All of these can lead to blockages or clogs in your sewer pipes. And even if you take care of your pipes, dirt, debris, and hair can create obstructions in your sewer lines over time.

“The Sunshine State” brings to mind beach days, carefree and fun. But if you live in a Florida home with cast iron pipes, all that sun and sea can add up to a huge unexpected expense: failing sewer and water lines. Nearly 40% of all Florida homes were built before 1975, a time when cast iron pipes were the preferred (and only) option available.

Homes built prior to the 1960’s often used cast iron

However, cast iron pipes were installed in many homes and businesses well into the 1970’s, in part because they were thought to last 80 to 100 years.

In fact, those longevity numbers may be true for many parts of the country, just not so for Florida. This is partially a result of our State’s saltwater and corrosive soil. The sad news is that many homes and businesses are experiencing corrosive pipes 50 or more years sooner than originally anticipated.

Common Symptoms of Cast Iron Pipe Damage May Include:

• Slow drains

• Clogs and/or backups

• Toilets flushing slower or needing multiple flushes

• Sewer fumes

• Roach/pest infestation

• Warped wood floors

• Loose, raised or broken floor tiles

• Health-related issues for persons living in the home

Insurance companies are seeing an increase in the number of water damage claims as a result of cast iron pipe corrosion. And, as you might expect, policyholders are seeing their claims denied and delayed as more and more insurance companies re-write new policies to exclude coverage of this problem.

Don’t Accept Your Insurance Company’s Claim Denial

The insurance company told my client her water damage was due to ‘wear and tear’ of cast iron pipes, which was not covered under her policy. This is not unusual. Often, insurance claim denials are written in such a way as to make you think there is nothing that can be done. And if your insurance company does pay, it is often far less than what is needed to make the repairs.