Knowledge Base

Common Side Sewer Problems 1. Side sewers are commonly damaged by tree roots, shifting soil, or digging. A crack in your side sewer can flood your yard with sewage, block the pipe with dirt and cause a sewage backup, or allow debris to enter the city’s sanitary sewer mainline. 2. In addition to accidental damage, side sewer pipes can simply wear out over time. How long they last depends on whether they’re made with copper, PVC, concrete, or other materials, but no material lasts forever. 3. Finally, your side sewer may become clogged with grease, sanitary products, flushable wipes, paper towel or other items flushed down your toilet or sink drain that shouldn’t have been.