
How do you tell if my sewer line has collapsed?
Sewer lines are installed in buildings to transport wastewater from toilets, sinks, and other fixtures to the municipal sewer system or a septic tank. This function of sewer lines makes them an integral part of any structure.
Sewer lines are made from various materials and installed in various designs.
The most common type of sewer line is made from PVC or polyvinyl chloride. This type of sewer line is less expensive than other types of sewer lines, such as those made from copper or iron. PVC sewer lines are easier to install than other types of sewer lines. However, PVC sewer lines are not as durable as other types of sewer lines and are more susceptible to damage.
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Sewer installation designs include gravity-fed, low-pressure, and high-pressure.
- The most common type of sewer line is gravity fed. This type of sewer line uses the force of gravity to move wastewater from the fixtures to the municipal sewer system or septic tank.
- Low-pressure sewer lines are installed in areas where the natural force of gravity is not enough to move the wastewater. In these cases, a low-pressure pump is used to move the wastewater through the sewer line.
- High-pressure sewer lines are installed in areas where the natural force of gravity is not enough to move the wastewater and a low-pressure pump cannot be used. In these cases, a high-pressure pump is used to move the wastewater through the sewer line.
If a sewer line becomes damaged, it can create serious problems for the building, including flooding, waste backup, and foundation damage. A blockage or collapse in your sewer line can cause backups in your home, which can lead to costly repairs. Wastewater cannot be routed to the municipal sewer system or septic tank if your sewer line is collapsed. As a result, the wastewater will back up into your home through the toilets, sinks, and other fixtures.
Signs that your sewer line may be collapsed
There are several signs that you may have a collapsed sewer line, including:
Slow drains
If water is draining slowly from your fixtures, it could be an indication of a blockage in your sewer line. The normal flow rate for water is approximately two to three gallons per minute. If the flow rate is slower than this, it could be an indication of a partial blockage or collapse in your sewer line.
Multiple fixture backups
If you are experiencing multiple fixture backups in your home, it is likely that your sewer line is collapsed. This is because a collapse in the sewer line will block the flow of wastewater, causing it to back up into your home through the fixtures.
Gurgling sounds
If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drains, it could be an indication of a blockage in your sewer line. The gurgling sound is caused by the air escape from the drain as the water tries to push through the blockage.
Frequent clogs
If you find yourself frequently having to clear clogs from your drains, it could be an indication of a more serious problem with your sewer line. Clogs could also be the result of a blockage in your sewer line.

Bad odors
If you notice bad odors coming from your drains, it could be an indication of a sewer line problem.
Sinking or settling ground
If you notice that the ground around your home is sinking or settling, it could be an indication of a collapsed sewer line.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a plumber as soon as possible to have your sewer line inspected. A collapsed sewer line can cause serious damage to your home, and it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible.
PVC Sewer Line Damage
One type of damage that can occur to PVC sewer lines is collapse. Sewer line collapse can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Ground movement: This can be caused by earthquakes, sinkholes, or shifts in the ground due to changes in temperature or moisture content.
- Corrosion: This can be caused by a number of factors, including exposure to chemicals or tree roots.
How to prevent a collapsed sewer line
There are a few things you can do to prevent your sewer line from collapsing:
- Inspect your sewer line regularly: This will allow you to identify any potential problems before they become serious.
- Address any damage promptly: If you do find damage, it’s important to address it immediately to prevent further damage.
- Use high-quality materials: When choosing materials for your sewer line, be sure to choose ones that are resistant to corrosion and ground movement.
If you think your sewer line has collapsed, it’s important to call a plumber or other professional as soon as possible. A collapsed sewer line can cause serious damage to your home, and it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible.
The cost of repairing or replacing a collapsed sewer line
The cost of repairing or replacing a collapsed sewer line can be significant, so it’s important to call a professional as soon as you suspect there is a problem. Like for many other plumbing jobs, the cost will depend on the severity of the problem, the size and location of the collapsed sewer line, and the type of repair or replacement that is required.

If you have a collapsed sewer line, it’s important to call a professional as soon as possible to assess the damage and determine the best course of action. Depending on the severity of the collapse, the repair or replacement of the sewer line can be costly, so it’s important to get an estimate from a qualified professional before proceeding.