Sewer mains are something most people don’t often think about unless they’re building or renovating a house, or until they become a problem.
If your sewer system is giving you problems, it’s important to know where your main sewer line is located, and that means digging. But how deep do you have to dig to find it? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Sewer Mains?
What is a sewer main and how is it different from a regular sewer line? The sewer main is part of a larger sewer system that runs through your entire house, carrying wastewater out of and away from your home. The lines that run through your house are basic sewer lines. They all feed into and connect to a larger sewer main, which runs from your house toward the street where it meets up with the municipal sewer line.
The Depth of Sewer Mains Depends on Your Location
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to burying sewer mains. The depth they are buried varies greatly: from 12” to 30” on the shallow end to 6 feet or more at the deepest. The reason for the variation has to do with the environment in which your house was built. If you live in a colder location where the ground freezes, your sewer main will likely be buried on the deeper end of the spectrum. Homes located in mild environments that rarely freeze are much more likely to have shallow sewer lines.
Why is this the case? When pipes freeze, they become brittle and even the tiniest amount of pressure can cause them to break. When pipes freeze with liquid inside of them, the liquid freezes and expands, and can cause the pipe to burst. If the pipe holds up, it can still lead to sewer backup into your home. No homeowner wants to deal with a main sewer line burst or sewage backup, so the pipes are buried deeper so they stay well below the frost line.
Consult Local Professionals
Not sure how deep most sewer lines are in your area? Ask a local professional. A licensed plumber, general contractor, or even your city offices should be able to give you a quick answer as to how deep they’re usually buried around where you live. In Utah, hard freezes are common throughout the winter so many cities have requirements that the top of the sewer main pipes be buried at least 3 feet below the surface.
Quick Quality Plumbing is Here
When it comes to sewer mains, Quick Quality Plumbing has you covered. We know how important it is to have your sewer system running flawlessly. That’s why we’re here to help with clogs, leaks, breaks, and any other problems with your sewer main line. We offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve clients in American Fork, Lehi, Orem, and Provo, and the surrounding areas in Utah. Contact Quick Quality Plumbing today!
