Your home plumbing system backing up can be a big inconvenience, especially when standard drain-clearing methods don’t work. In Boise, common causes of backups include tree root inclusions, overburdened city sewer lines due to heavy rain, or clogs in the main sewer line. But did you know sewer line belly is also a possibility?
Sewer line bellies are sags or u-shaped low areas in your pipe that hold water after the flow has stopped. Bellies create a problem because debris and solid materials collect in these sags and cause blockages. They also impede the efficient water and sewage flow, which leads to sewer backups.
What Causes a Sewer Line Belly?
Sewer line bellies are usually caused by geological events like soil erosion, foundation settlement, or earthquakes, which weaken the support underneath the pipe. Boise’s ever-changing climate exacerbates ground-shifting issues, especially during the soil’s freezing and thawing periods in the winter and spring. Occasionally, sewer bellies are caused by human error. For example, when poor soil compaction or faulty installation occurs, it results in disastrous pipe sags.
Express Plumbing’s sewer repair services include diagnostic work, repair, and replacement. We also offer emergency services, so don’t hesitate to call if you have a pressing sewage issue. Timely remediation can save you thousands of dollars in mold cleanup, landscaping destruction, or even structural damage to your home.
How to Identify a Sewer Line Belly: Signs & Symptoms
Some signs of a sewer line belly include the following:
- Foul odors: Foul sewage odors from drains in your home indicate trapped wastewater in your plumbing system.
- Slow drains: Slow drains or other functional problems when draining multiple fixtures in your home, like the toilet, kitchen sinks, and bathtub, are a common red flag for many sewer line issues.
- Gurgling sounds: Gurgling drains or bubbling sounds when water is running may indicate pooling or trapped water further down the line.
- Wet spots in the yard: Soggy spots in your yard happen when wastewater leaks underground. This water also causes unusually lush patches of grass to show up where it’s pooling.
- Frequent clogs: Frequently clogged plumbing without any discernible cause could mean you have a sewer belly or another problem in the sewer line.
- Backups in your house: In serious cases, sewage could overflow in your basement or lower-level fixtures. If this happens, call a professional for emergency sewer line repair.
In most cases, you’ll have some time to decide how to handle your sewer line belly. Often, a plumber will come to perform a camera inspection to find the issue, followed by their best recommendation on how to fix it.
The Dangers of a Bellied Sewer Line
Unfortunately, a bellied sewer line isn’t something you can ignore or put off. Along with causing odors, sewer bellies can create dangerous, unsanitary conditions and cause serious property damage to your yard and home. Sewage issues also invite moisture-loving pests to your home and create costly damage that could be prevented by having the problem fixed quickly.
Sewer Line Belly Repair Options
Every sewer line belly is unique. Sometimes, we use trenchless pipe replacement, but this isn’t always the appropriate method. In most cases, the only way to correct issues caused by the sewer line belly is to dig an open trench to access the problem area, then replace the damaged section after filling in and reinforcing the ground underneath the pipe. This will restore proper slope to your system and get things flowing properly again.
DIY vs. Professional Repair
Unless you have the right equipment and extensive plumbing experience, you shouldn’t try to DIY your sewer line belly solution. A professional makes sure your plumbing is installed correctly to avoid further damage to the pipes, yard, and your home’s structural integrity. At Express Plumbing, we do the job right the first time, giving you peace of mind.
Why Choose Express Plumbing for Sewer Line Belly Repair in Boise
Nobody wants to deal with septic or sewer line backups. They smell bad, they’re messy, and the repairs can disrupt your life. At Express Plumbing, our team understands this stressful situation, and we’ll do everything we can to make it as painless as possible for you and your family.
We even offer helpful financing plans with payment options, so you won’t have to scramble to find the money to fix your sewer line and replace pipes.
When you choose Express Plumbing, Heating, & Air, you can count on us to use the latest technology and least-invasive processes where possible to resolve your plumbing problems. Our plumbers are committed to providing an excellent customer experience with reliable service and a can-do attitude. We’ll get the job done right and on time.
Contact Express For Any Plumbing Problem
To ask questions or get started with a camera inspection, contact Express Plumbing or schedule a service call online. Our service areas include Boise, Marsing, Garden City and the surrounding areas. We’ll help you get your sewer line back into good working condition. We even do sewer line replacements in the winter. Give us a call today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Line Bellies
How long does it take to repair a sewer line belly?
The time it takes to fix a sewer belly depends on factors like where it’s located, the landscaping around the problem area, and the severity of the issue. Call Express Plumbing for a detailed assessment of your plumbing system. Once we have a closer look, we’ll be able to give you a more detailed time and price quote.
Is a sewer line belly a serious problem?
Yes, sewer bellies can be serious, but addressing the issue quickly can help prevent significant damage to your home and yard.
What is trenchless sewer repair and is it suitable for fixing a belly?
Trenchless repairs are a “no-dig” process in which a lining or new pipe is inserted through the old line to repair and replace cracked or otherwise damaged pipes. This method isn’t usually used for bellies unless they’re minor because trenchless repair is often an issue with external forces like shifting soil.
