The charming American elm and Norway maple trees in Oak Park and River Forest help give our neighborhood its amazing character and warmth, but they can also mean trouble is brewing underground. The roots of our beautiful, mature trees and plants are constantly growing and seeking water, so much so that they can even penetrate our sewer lines.
Additionally, many of our sewer systems were installed in Oak Park and River Forest in the 1920s. So, it is possible that the pipes moving water and waste from your home are more than 100 years old. Pair the age of our pipes with the aggressive roots of our foliage, and you get a looming smelly disaster.
Usually there are warning signs before the sewer collapses or clogs entirely, so be on the lookout.
Warning signs your sewer needs help:
- Smells in your drains or basement
- Backed up toilets or drains
- Slow drains
- Sump pump overflows
- Dirty water pools in your yard
- Cracks in your foundation
- Unexplained mold
- Rodents or insects
What you can do:
The best way to find out what is going on with your sewer is to get a sewer camera inspection of your drain. That way you can see for yourself how your sewer pipes are holding up. Here are some common issues that come up in our area:
- Sewer Misalignment
- Root Intrusion
- Standing Water from
- Sagging Pipes
- Cast Iron Pipe Corrosion
If you do find a problem, it is best to address it early. If you wait until your sewer fails entirely, that means digging it up and replacing it. That may include digging up your garden, jackhammering sidewalks and roads, replacing your driveway and garage, or even removing mature trees. Luckily, if you are proactive, there is a solution that allows homeowners to preserve their historic landscaping, sidewalks, and foundations: sewer relining.
What is sewer relining?
Sewer relining means inserting a flexible tube into the existing pipe, inflating it, and letting it cure. This creates a new, durable, seamless pipe within the old one. The lining is so strong that even if the original pipe continues to decay, the lining will remain intact and continue to flush water and waste from your home for decades. Sewer relining is an ingenious, simple, and cost-effective solution that has been in use since the 1970s.
Sewer relining offers a practical way to protect older properties, preserve mature landscapes, and avoid unnecessary disruption when problems are caught early. By paying attention to warning signs and staying proactive with inspections, Oak Park and River Forest homeowners can make informed decisions that help protect both their homes and the character of the neighborhood for years to come.
