How To Fix the Most Common Sewer Issues in Ventura County

Residents of Santa Barbara and Ventura County enjoy a Mediterranean climate, gorgeous beaches, and convenient proximity to exciting cities like Los Angeles. The range of outdoor recreational activities available and a strong sense of community make this area a great place to call home. 

Despite all the benefits, homeowners in this Southern California region are vulnerable to the same problems that any other property owner faces. One of the most frustrating of these is sewer line issues. Geographical concerns in the area, such as storms, flooding, and earthquakes, can sometimes even exacerbate sewer problems. 

Whether you’re dealing with foul odors wafting into your house or malfunctioning drains, don’t let common sewer problems be a source of stress for you. Let’s go over the top five most common sewer issues in Ventura County and Santa Barbara, the signs of these deeper plumbing issues to look out for, and why you'll need to call a professional for plumbing repair.

1. Clogged and Blocked Pipes

When non-biodegradable items end up in your drain, it can result in a clogged sewer line. Common culprits are bathroom products like paper towels, wipes, sanitary products, and kitchen debris like grease, fats, and food scraps. 

Signs

The following issues may be symptoms of a clog in your pipes:

• Draining is slow: Water takes longer to drain from sinks or tubs.
• Strange noises like gurgling: Unusual sounds from the drain or pipes.
• Standing sewage: Sewage pooling or not moving in your drains.
• Sewage backup in floor drains: Sewage coming up through floor drains.

Fixes

When you suspect a clogged pipe, it can be tempting to try to fix the problem yourself, but the next steps are best performed by a professional. A plumber may take the following steps to fix the issue:

1. Locate the main sewer line access pipe. It is usually located in your yard near the street.

2. Use a pipe wrench to remove the cap and access the sewer line pipe. 

3. Let the built-up wastewater drain out completely.

4. With a plumbing auger, they may try to clear the blockage.

5. Next, they will test if the clog is cleared by running water in your house. They’ll know it’s fixed if the water level in your sewer access pipe goes down.

6. If this doesn’t fix the clog, a professional plumber can then make use of specialized equipment that allows them to diagnose and clear even the most stubborn of clogs.

2. Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots can invade sewer lines in search of moisture and nutrients, leading to blockages and damage. This intrusion can cause significant issues, including slow drainage and pipe damage.

Signs

Common symptoms of tree root intrusion are: 

• Frequent clogs: Regular blockages in the sewer line.
• Slow draining: Water in sinks and bathtubs drains slowly.
• Sewage backups: Sewage backing up into fixtures or drains.
• Foul odors: Unpleasant smells coming from the drains or yard.

Fixes

If you suspect this is the cause of your sewer problems, arrange for a sewer line inspection. A professional plumbing company will use a camera to locate and assess the extent of the root intrusion. They may take a few different approaches to fixing the problem, such as:

• Hydro-jetting: Your plumber may recommend using high-pressure water jets to clear roots from the pipes.
• Installing root barriers or using chemical treatments: These can deter future root growth and prevent intrusion.
• Repairing or replacing pipes: If the roots have caused significant damage, sections of the pipe may need to be repaired or replaced.

3. Pipe Corrosion and Damage

Older pipes, particularly those made from materials like cast iron or clay, can corrode over time, leading to leaks and blockages.

Signs

You may be dealing with damaged pipes if you notice:

• Leaks: Visible leaks or damp spots near pipes.
• Rust or stains: Rust or discoloration on pipes or surrounding areas.
• Frequent repairs: Regular need for repairs or maintenance.
• Unpleasant odors: Persistent bad smells from the drains or pipes.

Fixes

Damaged or corroded pipes require professional help to repair. If you suspect your sewer pipes are damaged, contact your plumber to have them assess the extent of the damage and find a solution, such as: 

• Reinforce old pipes with pipe lining: A perk of this repair method is that it doesn’t require extensive digging.
• Replace damaged pipes: If necessary, your plumber can replace the corroded or damaged pipes with modern, durable materials.
• Perform regular maintenance: Prevent this issue from reoccurring by establishing a schedule for regular pipe inspections and maintenance.

4. Ground Movement

California has frequent earthquakes, and Ventura County is no exception. Ground movement due to seismic activity can affect sewer lines, causing misalignment or damage.

Signs

Plumbing issues from ground movement may result in:

• Gurgling drains: Unusual noises from your drains.
• Sewage backups: Sewage backing up into your fixtures.
• Uneven landscaping: Changes or shifts in the ground around your property.
• Frequent blockages: Regular or recurring blockages in your sewer line.

Fixes

If you’re noticing signs that your sewer line may have been affected by an earthquake, you’ll want to hire a plumber for an inspection. They can check if ground movement has caused misalignment or damage to the sewer lines and provide a fix, such as:

• Realign or adjust pipes: They may need to adjust pipe alignment to restore proper function.
• Replace damaged sections: In cases of severe damage, the affected sections of the sewer line may need to be replaced.
• Implement soil stabilization measures: These measures can help prevent further ground movement and protect the sewer lines.

5. Sewer Smells

Unpleasant sewer smells in your home or yard are frustrating and hard to ignore. They can indicate issues with the system, such as blockages, leaks, or venting problems.

Signs

Your nose will know if you have a sewer problem when you smell: 

• Odors inside your home: Persistent bad smells coming from your drains or vents.
• Strong odors in your yard: Foul smells around your property, especially near sewer lines.
• Sewer gas: The presence of sewer gases that may be noticeable indoors.

Fixes

If you’re noticing a sewage smell in your home or yard, a professional plumbing company may take the following steps to rule out simple fixes before inspecting for more serious issues:

• Check sewer vents: They’ll make sure that the vents on your roof are clear and functioning properly to allow gases to escape.
• Inspect drain traps: They will verify that they are intact and holding water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home.
• Clean drains: They may use a cleaner or enzyme solution to remove organic matter and prevent odors.
• Use professional equipment: If your sewer smells persist, your plumber will then use tools to thoroughly inspect your system for leaks or blockages and provide a permanent solution, such as hydro-jetting or pipe repair.

Keep Your Sewer Lines Flowing Smoothly

Unfortunately, no homeowner is immune to sewer stress. From clogged pipes to tree root intrusion, there are many common issues that can disrupt your home’s plumbing system. If you encounter any of these plumping and sewer problems, don’t hesitate to seek professional help! Rooter Solutions SB is here to provide Santa Barbara and Ventura County homeowners with expert plumbing services. Keep your sewer lines in top condition–contact us today to schedule an inspection or repair!

Reliable Plumbing Services for Santa Barbara & Ventura County 

Rooter Solutions has over 30 years of experience providing affordable, quality plumbing services to Santa Barbara and Ventura County property owners. From leaks and clogs to sewer backups and damaged pipes from earthquakes, we can handle it all. Call us today at (805) 360-3485 for a free estimate or to schedule a plumbing inspection or repair!