What causes a sewer line to collapse?

Question

Accepted Answer

Sewer line collapse typically occurs due to age, ground movement, root intrusion, or poor installation, and it's one of the most serious plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face.

The most common cause in Ottawa is aging clay or cast iron pipes installed in homes built before the 1980s. These materials deteriorate over time, with clay pipes becoming brittle and cast iron developing rust holes. Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles accelerate this process, as expanding ice can crack already weakened pipes

Sewer Lines