When sewer lines collapse underground, it is often a matter of aging sewer systems, aggressive root intrusion, and Westmoreland County’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles. If your home’s plumbing is not operating the way it should, calling in sewer line pros sooner rather than later can help you avoid the need for a total sewer line replacement. Our experienced Westmoreland County sewer line specialists at American Sewer Specialist welcome the opportunity to help.
The Intrusion of Tree Roots
Tree root intrusion is a serious problem in Westmoreland County due to the area’s abundance of large and beautiful old trees and charming old houses. While this combination makes for inviting homes, it is also a recipe for the kind of serious root intrusion that can collapse underground sewer lines. Collapse occurs when tree roots infiltrate, expand, and ultimately exploit weaknesses in buried pipelines.
Westmoreland’s Harsh Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Pennsylvania’s long, hard winters cause the ground to freeze and thaw, and therefore to contract and expand. This ground movement puts considerable pressure on underground pipes, which can lead to cracks and misalignments that end in collapse.
Aging Sewer Lines are More Susceptible to Collapse
Many of the homes throughout Westmoreland are old and stately, but their sewer lines are also getting on in years. In fact, a significant number of sewer systems throughout the area have exceeded their life expectancy. Older pipe systems, like the following, come with their own brand of problems:
- Clay pipes become more brittle over time, which leaves them susceptible to cracking and collapse, especially in combination with shifting soil.
- Cast iron pipes can serve a home well for 75 to 100 years. They tend, however, to rust from the inside out, and as the metal thins, structural integrity weakens, which can lead to total collapse.
- Orangeburg pipes are common in post-WWII homes. They are made of what amounts to heavy-duty tar paper and are prone to deforming under the soil’s pressure, to softening with moisture, and collapsing over time.
When a Sewer Line Collapses
When a sewer line collapses, it leads to cascading problems like the following:
- Multisystem backups throughout the home, with the lowest fixtures being affected first
- Foul odors in the yard, home, or both
- Flooding in the yard
- Costly structural damage to the home
- An increase in pests around the home’s foundation
The bottom line is that sewer line concerns should be addressed head-on as soon as you realize there’s a problem. Don’t wait to call in seasoned sewer line professionals.
Our Experienced Westmoreland County Sewer Line Pros Can Help
Our knowledgeable Westmoreland County sewer line experts at American Sewer Specialist appreciate how disruptive and costly a collapsed sewer line can be, and we’re well prepared to help you keep your sewer line in excellent working condition. Learn more about everything we can do to help by reaching out and contacting us online or giving us a call at 724-879-8130 today.
