How Roy’s Soil Impacts Sewer Lines

Most homeowners don’t think about their sewer line until there’s a problem, but in Roy, the soil itself is one of the biggest factors in how long your line lasts. At Colossus Plumbing, we’ve worked on countless sewer lines throughout Roy and have seen firsthand how local ground conditions cause cracks, clogs, and failures. Knowing how the soil under your home affects your plumbing can help you prevent expensive emergencies.

Clay-Rich Soil and Shifting Pipes

Roy’s soil impacts sewer lines more than you may think. Much of Roy has clay-heavy soil. Clay expands when wet and shrinks when dry. That constant swelling and contracting pushes against your sewer line, causing it to shift, sag, or crack. We’ve replaced many sewer lines where the problem wasn’t a clog but the soil itself pushing the pipe out of alignment.

Pro Tip: If you notice recurring clogs or dips in your yard where the sewer runs, it could be a “belly” in the line caused by shifting clay.

Root Intrusion in Looser Soil

In other parts of Roy, looser soils give tree and shrub roots an easy path. Roots naturally chase moisture and find their way into small cracks in pipes. Once inside, they grow quickly, causing serious blockages. We see this most often in older clay or cast iron sewer lines.

Pro Tip: If you have large trees near your sewer line, a video inspection can catch root growth early before it becomes a major headache.

Hard Water and Soil Corrosion

Roy’s water is naturally hard. Combined with moist soil, it eats away at older cast iron pipes much faster than most homeowners realize. We’ve pulled out sewer lines that looked solid on the outside but were paper-thin from corrosion inside. Once a pipe reaches this stage, replacement is often the only option.

Pro Tip: If your home was built in the 1950s–70s and still has cast iron, don’t wait for a full collapse. Schedule an inspection before corrosion costs you thousands in emergency repairs.

Soil Settlement Around New Construction

Even newer homes in Roy aren’t immune. Backfilled lots often take years to fully settle. As the soil compresses, it shifts sewer lines, leading to misaligned joints or low spots where waste collects. We’ve seen PVC lines less than 10 years old with bellies caused by soil settlement.

Pro Tip: If your newer home has frequent slow drains, don’t assume it’s too new for problems. Settlement could be the issue.

Protecting Your Sewer Line in Roy's Soil Conditions

While you can’t control the soil, you can take smart steps to protect your line:

• Schedule video inspections every few years to catch issues early.

• Keep trees and shrubs away from the sewer path.

• Install a backwater valve to protect against city sewer backups.

• Consider a double cleanout installation. This is one of the best upgrades you can make for your sewer system. A double cleanout allows plumbers to service your line in both directions, making it much easier to clear blockages and keep the line flowing. It also makes emergencies far less damaging since we can get equipment in quickly.

• Don’t ignore slow drains – they’re often the first warning sign of a bigger sewer problem.

Roy’s Soil Impacts Sewer Lines: Final Word

Roy’s soil conditions are tough on sewer lines. Clay expansion, root intrusion, corrosion, and settlement all work against your pipes. At Colossus Plumbing, we’ve seen it all and know how to keep your line serviceable for as long as possible.

📞 Call Colossus Plumbing today at (385) 442-9734 to schedule an inspection. Let us help you protect your sewer line before soil conditions turn a small issue into a costly repair.