Signs of Sewer Line Damage explained
If you are ever faced with broken or leaking sewer lines, you probably already know that this is one of the worst plumbing problems a homeowner can handle. Have a damaged sewer line replaced as soon as possible Leaking faucets and slow drains are annoying problems arise over time however, all of these issues can lead to accompanying structural damage and even health hazards which may result in more expensive repairs if not detected early. Regrettably, not all homeowners are aware of this until their sewage line is already beyond fixing.
This article will help you take a look at the most common signs that can point out even to an ignorant person that sewer line damage is there, what causes it, and what steps you should undertake before it really becomes time bomb. To avoid an emergency down the line, we not only wanted to cover our bases with preventive maintenance tips, but also provide you with some of the early warning signals that can help save thousands on a costly repair.
1. Foul Odors Coming from Your Drains
Foul Odor — A terrible smell from your drains or just outside where the sewer line is dug. If you smell sewage throughout your home and yard, this probably means that odor seeps out from vents or drains, otherwise, it is unlikely the source is a sewer break.
The smell is typical of leaks or cracks in the sewer line where gases escape. Do not ignore this sign as it can escalate and cause health hazards by accumulating harmful bacteria in the air.
What You Can Do:
If you smell any of these odors, it is very important to get on top of the issue right away. Finally, call a plumber to perform comprehensive camera work on your sewer line. A Company like Ares Plumbing has the tools and expertise to quickly identify the source of the leak and recommend the most appropriate solution.
2. Slow Drains Throughout the House
Tile and stone floors of showers are supposed to flood and drain down the edge, but what about the wall floor joint in different parts of the assembly? But if you find that you have multiple slow-moving drains in your home at the same time—say, your Kitchen sink and bathroom drains or all of the shower drains—it could be a bigger problem.
If more than one drain is affected at the same time, you have something more likely going wrong with your main sewer line rather than just a pipe. In that case, the sewer line has probably been blocked or destroyed entirely, limiting wastewater flow from your house.
How to Respond:
Since the flow of water in all drains and pipes in your home can be easily inspected, regular attention to the flow will help discovery other types of problems before they get out hand, as prevention. If you see the pattern of slow water drain happening across different part in your house, contact a plumber to do a home cleaning with an apt root cause investigation.
3. Random Rich, Green Patches of Grass
Yes, a particularly lush and green swath of grass in your lawn might signal a leaking sewer line. A broken or cracked sewer line can cause a wastewater leak around the pipe that helps to provide the ideal fertilization base for grass growth in the area.
Although this may seem like a pro at first, that is a major red flag for an under the surface matter. When your yard smells like raw sewage, it means you probably have sewer line leaks that are not only destroying your garden but also attracting pests and causing significant soil erosions in time.
What to Look For:
If you notice any spots of greener grass or wet areas in your yard, especially if it has not rained recently, call a plumber for help with sewer line issues. Leaks can escalate rapidly and cause severe problems to not just your yard, but your home's foundation.
4. Gurgling Sounds in Your Pipes
Trapped Air in the System: If you hear gurgling or bubbling sounds as water drains and flows through your drain, it is likely that air has been trapped in the plumbing system due to a blockage, break of sewer line and so on. This sound is created when water attempts to flow passed a clog or blockage in the pipe and occuring air gets displaced.
These gurglings often signal that any hindrance is blocking the water and air to go through. This could indicate that a clog is developing in your sewer line, and if unwarranted the pipe can eventually back up all the way.
What to Do:
It might sound off, but is an indication to not overlook these occasionally incorrect sounds. It also can result that a major obstruction is developing in your sewer system. A plumbing pro will be able to use high-quality diagnostic equipment, like a sewer camera inspection, to pinpoint where and what the blockage is so they can clear it before it becomes an even bigger issue!
5. Sewage Backups and Blockages
The No brainer of all signs – Sewage backing up through into home drains (Cat 5-Emergency signal) If there is a heavy blockage or break in the main sewer line, it might go back and stay in your house, as it cannot flow out.
Not simply hazardous or unsanitary, sewage backups can also be very destructive to your flooring, walls, and Furniture. Even worse, raw sewage is filled with bacteria and pathogens that can be a health hazard to your Family if it is not taken care of immediately.
Immediate Action:
When sewage backup happens, put a stop in using water and immediately ask for the help of a professional plumbing services. Unfortunately clearing the backup yourself can introduce you to dangerous bacteria and make the situation worse. Ares Plumbing and Sewer offer sewer line blockage solutions, with guaranteed results in solving the problems, at same time services are delivered efficiently.
6. Cracks in the Foundation and Sinkholes
A sewer line crack is a Sign of Serious Danger in Your Home The Damage: Severe damage will occur with an untreated crack, extendable to structural damage to your home such as foundation cracks or sinkholes in your yard. If a sewer line breaks underground, it can erode the soil next to your home's foundation and cause movement in the ground.
Foundation cracks in particular can be worrisome as they can undermine the structural integrity of your home. Large cracks in your walls, floors, or foundation might be a sign of an undetected sewer line leak that has been festering for quite some time.
Long-Term Risks:
Left unchecked, these types of leaks can deteriorate your foundation and possibly lead to more extensive structural damage. Foundation Movement: If you notice movement in the foundation or slabs of your house out of nowhere, call professional plumbing technicians to check over the sewer line for damage and displace all other induced risks.
7. Rodent and Pest Infestations
Pests or rodents are tougher than usual If you notice an increase in pests or rodents around your home, it may be more than just a nuisance. Any breaks in the sewer line, or any other type of severance would allow pests again that like waste water to crawl into your drains and through broken pipes into your home.
Prevention:
Not only are pests an irritating household pest—they can also bring with them disease and cause harm to your home. Increased Pest Activity-If you have experienced an increase in rodent or insect activity, it may be worth having your sewer line professionally inspected.
Conclusion
Early detection of sewer line damage is crucial to prevent expensive repairs, structural damages and health risks. Recognizing signs of a sewer backup like foul odors, slow drains, weird patches in the grass and sewage backups allows you to proactively do something about it before it becomes has more severe ramifications.
If you even think that your sewer line has some leak or problem, take immediate action. If you suspect there is damage, reach out to a professional plumbing service such as Ares Plumbing to carry out a comprehensive examination and repair any problem. With regular maintenance to keep everything in great working order, and taking action on necessary repairs to prevent more expensive further down the line; you can save thousands and your home from potential disaster.