From blocked drains to invasive tree roots and regular wear and tear, there are a host of reasons why sewer repair and maintenance is required. It can be unpleasant when there is an overflow, a blockage, or even worse, flooding from the sewer main. Along with a difficult cleanup, finding the cause of the issue isn’t always straightforward.

With our plumber’s experience, they know how to identify the leading cause of sewer line damage. It’s not unusual for Canberra Plumbing to be called out because sewer lines being damaged or developing blockages by the following:

Tree Roots

Perhaps the most common cause of cracking and breakage in your sewer line is tree roots. The roots wrap around the pipes, causing them to clog, weaken, and break. Clay pipes are the most susceptible to this type of damage.

Blocked Drain

Foreign objects, debris, wet wipes, oil, and children’s toys can all cause a blocked drain and can also be the cause of cracking or breakage of your sewer pipe. Oil should never be poured down a sink, and toilets should only have toilet paper and waste flushed down them.

Whether your overflow relief gully is blocked, you have flooding on your property, or perhaps you’ve found broken sewage piping, never ignore the signs that you have blocked drains or they need repairing. 

Some of the sure signs there is a drain issue and you need repairs include:

A Smelly Yard & Flooding

If a stinky odour is present or your yard is flooded, you’re looking at a job requiring a plumber. While your sewer line isn’t usually at the surface of your yard, the visibility of water on the surface of the grass is a telltale sign of an issue.

Drainage Issues

You will now go from gurgling noises to clogged toilets whether you have a blocked drain or not. Some blockages are localised to your toilet or shower; others may have an issue with the sewer main.

Water Damage Inside Your Home

Another warning sign not to ignore is any leaks within your house or broken drain pipes. The obvious signs of this damage to your property and the certainty that you need plumbers to tend to your needs are mould and mildew.

While our crew of plumbers have the right tools and equipment to repair any blockages or damage to your property’s drain pipes, the most cost-effective way a property owner can manage such issues is to prevent them where possible. 

We recommend:

• Organising a sewer line inspection and drain cleaning once a year by a responsible and certified plumber
• Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper, water and bodily waste down the toilet.

While an annual clean is preferable to waiting for a problem to occur, most clients aren’t aware that their sewer line and drains must be cleaned regularly by a professional. As such, home and business owners choose not to seek chemical drain cleaning or a specialised device to clear their drains until they’re experiencing overflow. A blockage usually causes this after someone flushes foreign objects down the toilet, pours oil down the drain or other debris making its way through the system.

We know that without regular cleaning, you’re likely to experience blocked drains and require sewer repair. A good indication you’re experiencing issues would be the presence of one or more of the following:

• A consistent bad smell: often likened to a rotten egg odour, the water in your pipes has become stagnant, causing odours you cannot ignore.
• Frequent clogs: If your sink or toilet clogs more often than usual when you flush or use water, you need a plumbing solution.

• Gurgling noises: These noises are a sure sign that your pipes are struggling to drain correctly and need some help.

• Slow drainage: Often seen in your sinks, the bathtub or shower basin, water builds up and is quite slow to drain.