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How Long Does a Sewer Line Last?

A sewer line is an integral part of your plumbing system that channels wastewater from your household fixtures, appliances, and drains. While it usually lasts

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Written by

The DrainMaster team

Family-owned Columbus plumbing, drain and sewer company, founded in 1999. Ohio License #35036.

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An open excavation with a new vertical cleanout riser pipe fitted to the sewer line
New cleanout riser tied into the line — a DrainMaster job.
How Long Do Sewer Lines Last?

A sewer line is an integral part of your plumbing system that channels wastewater from your household fixtures, appliances, and drains. While it usually lasts for decades, its lifespan varies depending on several factors. DrainMaster, your one-stop shop for sewer repair services, shares some of the factors that determine how long your sewer lines will last.

The Line’s Materials

The average lifespan of a cast iron pipe is 75 years, and cement, clay, and PVC pipes for 100 years. Meanwhile, Orangeburg pipes that were mostly used in the early 1970s can last for up to 50 years.

Each material comes with its drawbacks that can cause them to deteriorate faster than expected. For instance, cast iron is prone to corrosion, which may require sewer pipe line repair often compared to other materials.

Mishandling of the Sewer System

If you’re frequently throwing hair, grease, food, and other unwanted items into your sewer line, you’re preparing your system for premature failure. These items don’t break or dissolve easily, so they will collect in your pipes, pressuring the sewer line to back up. Get a sewer line repair in Grove City, OH, immediately when your drains back up or water drains slowly.

External Factors

Multiple external factors affect the lifespan of your sewer line, including drought, floods, and erosion. Your sewer line will likely succumb to premature collapsing or dislocation if the soil shifts. In addition, you might need a sewer line replacement if the soil above the piping becomes too heavy because of compaction from parked vehicles or the building.

Pipe Damage by Tree Roots

One of the biggest threats to your sewer line is tree roots. If tree roots penetrate your sewer pipes as they grow and expand, they can break and damage them ultimately. An experienced plumber in Grove City, OH, from our team can help you get ahead of this problem by performing routine inspections on your sewer lines.

Sewer lines are built to last, but many factors will determine how long they will efficiently serve your home. Whether you need to repair or replace sewer line, the experts at DrainMaster have your sewer needs covered. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.

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