At Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we’ve seen it all—from tree roots in sewer lines to toys flushed down the toilet. As your trusted Denver sewer repair experts, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on underground before it turns into a disaster above.
Read on to learn about the seven most common causes of sewer line damage in Denver homes and what you can do about them. And don’t hesitate to reach out to our Denver sewer experts if you have any questions or need to schedule service!
1: Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots are one of the most frequent culprits behind sewer line damage. Why? Roots are naturally drawn to the moisture and nutrients in your sewer pipes. Over time, they can:
- Crack or crush pipes
- Invade joints and connections
- Completely clog a sewer line
Even if you don’t have trees in your yard, nearby root systems can reach your pipes. Annual inspections and root barriers can help protect your system.
2. Clogs from Improper Disposal
Your plumbing is not a trash can. Flushing or draining the wrong things leads to sewer damage. Common offenders include:
- Grease and fat
- Paper towels and wipes (even the “flushable” kind)
- Diapers and feminine hygiene products
- Excess toilet paper
Even seemingly small debris like hair and soap scum can build up over time. Clogs slow your system and increase pressure, eventually causing backups and pipe failure.
3. Rodent and Pest Activity
Burrowing rodents like rats, as well as cockroaches and insects, are more than just pests—they can physically damage your sewer lines. Rodents can:
- Chew or claw through old piping
- Loosen seals and joints
- Nest inside sewer lines, causing blockages
If you’re seeing rodents or insects indoors, it could be a sign of sewer line intrusion.
4. Natural Wear and Tear
Like everything else in your home, sewer pipes degrade over time. Common age-related issues include:
- Corrosion and rust (especially in cast iron pipes)
- Sediment buildup
- Soil shifting or settling
Older homes in Denver may still have clay or Orangeburg piping, which are especially prone to collapse and leaks.
5. Ground Movement or Soil Shifts
Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snowmelt, and construction work can cause the soil around your pipes to move. This can result in:
- Cracked or misaligned pipes
- Sagging sections (called “bellies”) where waste collects
- Sudden pipe rupture from pressure shifts
If you notice yard indentations or soggy patches, your sewer line may have shifted or cracked.
6. Faulty Installation or Poor Pipe Design
Poorly installed or outdated sewer systems can lead to frequent failures. Common installation-related issues include:
- Inadequate slope, preventing waste from flowing properly
- Poor pipe material selection
- Improper joint sealing
If your home has had recurring sewer issues since you moved in, improper design might be the cause.
7. Heavy Rainfall or Flooding
Sudden downpours can overwhelm Denver’s municipal sewer systems. If the city lines back up, your home’s sewer line can’t drain properly either, leading to:
- Water and sewage backing up into your home
- Overflow from floor drains and toilets
- Pressure damage to internal plumbing
Installing a backflow prevention valve can help safeguard your home during storms.
Signs You Need a Sewer Repair in Denver – When to Call a Professional
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to call in the professionals:
- All your drains are backing up at once. If you flush the toilet and the toilet, sink, and shower drains all spit up water, there’s a clog in a main pipe somewhere.
- Weird things are happening when you use your toilet. We’re talking toilet water bubbling, gurgling sounds when you flush, or backed-up water in the shower after flushing your toilet.
- Your lawn starts to change. Indentations in your yard may indicate a break in the line or a sagging pipe. Changes to your grass are also a big red flag. Soggy patches or extra green, lush patches mean sewage is probably coming up from the pipes below and fertilizing your lawn.
- It smells. This is an obvious one. If it smells like sewage, it’s probably sewage.
- You’re growing mold. . Leaking sewage pipes means moisture in places where you don’t want moisture. This can cause fungi and mold to grow in seemingly strange areas of your home. If you notice a mold spot, look for other signs of sewer damage.
- Your drains are slow. If your drains are slow to… well, drain… you’re on your way to a larger clog. Don’t use chemical drain cleaners, which can ultimately make the situation much worse by corroding your pipes. Try natural alternatives or call in the pros. It’s worth it!
- You have a pest infestation. Remember the sewer rats? If you start seeing evidence of a rodent infestation, they might be coming in from your sewage pipes. Same with bugs like cockroaches. These pests are great at finding little cracks to wiggle through, especially underground where your sewer pipes are!
Call Bell Plumbing for Sewer Repair in Denver
Sewer damage is messy and potentially dangerous—don’t wait until it’s too late. Our licensed technicians at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical have decades of experience diagnosing and repairing sewer line problems in the Denver area.
Call today or schedule your service online to get expert help fast.
We’ll pinpoint the issue, explain your options, and help keep your home safe, clean, and functional.