What Causes Sewer Pipe Separations?

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What Causes Sewer Pipe Separations?

Written by Steven Shipler, Texas Licensed Master Plumber, Responsible Master Plumber (RMP), MBA.

If a sewer camera inspection shows a sewer pipe separation, it means two sections of pipe are no longer properly connected. A separation can allow roots, soil, water, and debris to enter the sewer line. It can also allow wastewater to escape into the surrounding soil.

Sewer pipe separations are serious because they are usually underground and hidden from view. A home can look clean above ground while the sewer line has a separated joint under the yard, driveway, sidewalk, alley, or concrete slab.

The Sewer Inspection Company provides sewer camera inspections, buyer sewer scopes, sewer locating, cast iron sewer inspections, under-slab sewer evaluations, and Master Plumber review throughout Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Richardson, North Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Las Colinas, Irving, Coppell, and surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth areas.

A sewer pipe separation is not just a clog. It may be a structural defect in the underground sewer line.

Need a Sewer Pipe Separation Inspection?

Get video evidence of the underground sewer line before you buy, negotiate, or approve repairs.

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Know What’s Underground, Before You Buy.

Common Causes of Sewer Pipe Separations

Sewer pipe separations can happen for several reasons. The most common causes include soil movement, poor installation, pipe age, root pressure, foundation movement, and shifting underground conditions.

  • Soil movement: Expansive clay soil can move as moisture levels change.
  • Foundation movement: Slab movement can stress under-slab drain lines.
  • Poor installation: Bad bedding, poor slope, or improper connections can fail over time.
  • Tree roots: Roots can enter small openings and force pipe joints apart.
  • Old clay pipe: Clay joints can separate as soil shifts.
  • Cast iron deterioration: Corroded cast iron may crack, separate, or lose structural integrity.
  • Previous repairs: Bad transitions between old and new pipe can create weak points.

Why a Pipe Separation Matters

A separated sewer pipe can catch debris, allow roots into the line, cause backups, create standing water, and lead to more pipe movement. If the separation is under a slab or driveway, repair access may become expensive.

A sewer camera inspection can help identify the separation, estimate where it is located, and determine whether locating, cleaning, repair planning, or further evaluation is needed.

Buyer Warning

A separated sewer pipe found before closing may help you request repair, seller credit, price reduction, or further evaluation.

Schedule a buyer sewer inspection: 972-333-5448

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FAQs

What causes sewer pipe separations?

Sewer pipe separations can be caused by soil movement, foundation movement, poor installation, roots, old clay pipe, cast iron deterioration, and bad previous repairs.

Is a sewer pipe separation serious?

Yes. A separation can allow roots, soil, and debris into the pipe and may require repair or further evaluation.

Call The Sewer Inspection Company today at 972-333-5448.