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A sewer line typically gives good service for decades, but many older sewer lines, especially those made from clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipe, will eventually need to be replaced.  Orangeburg pipe is made from a fibrous material and was used for sewer laterals in millions of homes until the late 1960s.  It is notorious for deforming and collapsing after about 20 to 40 years of use.

Cast iron and clay pipes will usually last longer than Orangeburg, but all of these pipes share a common problem – they all have joints where tree roots can enter.  Some of these sewer laterals will collapse or break due to ground shifting or other causes, but the most common problem in all of these sewer lines is damage due to tree root infiltration through the joints. Proper installation can minimize the problem but over time the ground can shift which causes the joints to loosen slightly and provides an entry point for tree roots.

Once inside the sewer line, tree roots collect paper, grease, and other debris and cause the pipe to clog.  The clogs can be removed by your plumber or sewer-septic professional using an auger or high pressure hydro-jetting, but this is only a temporary solution.   Unless the tree is removed or the roots are treated with a herbicide, the roots will grow back and another clog will form.

Dealing with these clogs is a hassle, but an even bigger problem is that over time, the tree roots will expand and damage the pipe.  The expanding tree roots cause the joint to separate which allows more tree roots to enter, and eventually the tree roots can grow large enough to cause the pipe to crack or fracture.  When this happens, replacement or relining of the sewer line will be necessary.

Your plumber or sewer septic professional can use a video camera to inspect the inside of your sewer line and evaluate the extent of the damage.  Based on what they see, they can advise you on your sewer line repair or replacement options.