Unveiling Hidden Dangers – How Sewer Line Leaks Can Damage Your Foundation

Most homeowners attribute plumbing leaks to leaking water lines but a sewer line leak may be the problem. In fact, the more insidious and potentially damaging leaks often occur in sewer lines. These can lead to severe foundation damage if left unchecked, which is why timely detection and repair of sewer leaks are crucial to maintaining the integrity of your home.

 

Understanding Sewer Lines

Several types of materials are used in the construction of sewer lines:

• PVC: A white, thin-walled plastic commonly used in modern buildings.
• ABS: A similar material to PVC but is black in color.
• Cast-Iron: A thick metal line used in older buildings.
• Clay: A ceramic-based material also found in older structures.
• Orangeburg: A rare wood-fiber conduit, occasionally found in some properties.

If your home was built between 1945 and 1975, it’s likely that your sewer lines are made of cast iron or clay. With a lifespan of about 30 years, any such lines installed before 1990 should ideally be replaced with PVC lines. For those living in homes built after 1975, PVC – a rugged, corrosion-resistant plastic – is the standard, promising a near-indefinite lifespan.

 

Identifying Causes of Sewer Line Leaks

Sewer line leaks can happen due to various reasons:

1. Rust or Corrosion: Cast Iron and Clay sewer lines can deteriorate over time, leading to rusting or corrosion. Once this process begins, the lines may start to crumble, initiating small leaks that can gradually worsen.
2. Earth Movement: Variations in soil moisture levels can cause the ground to expand and contract. This movement can dislodge sewer lines, leading to leaks. Similarly, seismic activity can also compromise the integrity of your sewer lines.
3. Tree Roots: Trees always seek out moisture, and their roots can infiltrate sewer lines through holes or separations that develop over time. If this happens, the water leaking from the sewer line will increase.
4. Human Activities: Sometimes, the damage to sewer lines can be caused by homeowners themselves, especially when digging without knowledge of the exact locations of buried lines.

 

How Leaks Impact Your Foundation

Leaking sewer lines can lead to excessive moisture in the ground, causing the soil to swell. This can, in turn, lift your home, leading to significant foundation damage. Symptoms of this issue often include the formation of ridges or domes in your foundation. An elevation survey can help identify these signs early on.

If you suspect that you have a sewer line leak, it’s crucial to address it as soon as possible to prevent damaging your foundation.

 

Let Us Help You

Think your sewer line is leaking? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us at Arch for an inspection today. We’re committed to helping you maintain a solid foundation for your home.