Getting your sewer line repaired can prevent costly repairs and protect your home from various problems. It’s essential to know the signs of a damaged or failing sewer line so you can schedule repair services as soon as possible.
Unexplained puddles on your property that take a long time to dry are among the most significant warning signs of a broken sewer line. These puddles are caused by leaking sewage that seeps into the soil. Contact Joe Plumber for professional help.
A damaged sewer line can lead to clogged drains and other issues throughout the home. Over time, debris such as toilet paper, hair, soap scum, and kitchen grease can build up and create a blockage. Plumbers can use a snake or chemicals to break up the clog and clear the line. If the problem is widespread, a replacement may be necessary.
Ground shifting or settling can strain sewer lines, leading to bends, cracks, and even breakage. Soil erosion can also cause problems for underground pipes by pushing them against or pulling away from their anchor points. If you suspect your sewer line is broken, a plumber can use a digital camera to examine the condition of the pipe and pinpoint any problems such as holes, collapsed sections, or cracks.
Another common symptom of a broken sewer line is water pooling in your yard. This can be caused by a number of issues, including cracks in the line or a leak. A plumber can fix a broken pipe by using a trenchless method such as inserting an inflatable tube covered in tough, flexible epoxy resin.
A broken sewer line can allow rodents to enter your home through cracks in the line or through a collapsed section of pipe. These pests can spread disease and cause severe plumbing damage. If you notice a rodent in your home, contact a plumber immediately.
Clogged Pipes
A clogged sewer line can be much more problematic than a simple drain blockage. Since sewage flows through pipes and into the home’s plumbing, a severe clog can lead to toilets that don’t flush properly or sinks that back up or flow slowly. In addition, the clog can cause unpleasant smells and even flooding of your home’s plumbing.
Most clogs in indoor plumbing occur in toilets or the trap under sinks, tubs, and showers. These can be caused by soap scum, paper products, food scraps, hair, kitchen grease, and more. Many of these clogs are easy to fix by plunging or snaking the affected drain. However, if multiple drains become blocked at the same time, it may be an indication that there’s a problem with the main sewer line.
The most common cause of a main sewer line clog is non-biodegradable waste. Items such as so-called flushable wipes, toys, diapers, sanitary products, and other non-biodegradable items should never be sent down the toilet. If you notice these items causing a clog, call a plumber for help.
It’s also possible that the clog is caused by an undersized sewer pipe. This is more common in older homes or properties that have been added onto over the years without compensating for the increased plumbing load. A professional can determine if this is the case and install new piping if necessary.
Finally, it’s possible that the clog is due to a break or defect in the actual sewer line itself. If you’ve had recent work done on your plumbing or in your street, the resulting damaged line could be responsible for the clog. If this is the case, you’ll need to contact the city and have them repair it.
Unpleasant Smells
One of the most unpleasant symptoms of a sewer problem is foul odors. These smells can come from a number of sources, but most often, they are caused by the presence of sewage gas in your home. This odor comes from the anaerobic breakdown of organic material by bacteria in the absence of oxygen, which produces hydrogen sulfide gas with a distinctive rotten egg odor.
Odors can also be caused by the presence of mold or mildew near drains, which is usually a sign that there is a leak in the pipes connecting to the drain. If this is the case, it is important to call a plumber as quickly as possible in order to avoid serious damage to your pipes and your home.
Many of the causes of sewer odors are easy to fix at home, although you should never attempt any repairs involving the plumbing vent that runs from your house to the sewage line. This vent is vital to your plumbing system because it helps regulate pressure and remove gases and odors from the house. If this pipe becomes blocked by debris, or if the vent is improperly angled, it can cause sewer smells and even health problems such as headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Sometimes, a sewer smell can occur simply because the water trap under an unused drain has evaporated. This can happen in as little as a few hours, or it may take weeks of disuse. To fix this, simply pour a pitcher of water into the drain to fill the trap and stop the sewer odor. Another source of sewer odor is the failure of the wax seal between the toilet flange and the base of the toilet, which can occur due to a rocking toilet or a leaking or broken wax ring.
Slow Drainage
One of the most common plumbing problems is a slow drain. This is more than an inconvenience — it’s an early warning sign that the line is about to clog. If ignored, these clogs can get worse and damage your home over time. To stop them from happening, it’s important to know the warning signs and how to fix them quickly.
A slow drain is typically caused by a build-up of everyday materials that accumulate inside the sink drainpipe and P-trap. A small amount of hair, soap scum, and food particles can collect over time to create a partial clog that stops water flow through the pipe. The good news is, you can often prevent this from occurring by regularly performing simple maintenance tasks like plungeing and cleaning the P-trap.
It’s also important to avoid putting food, fats, and oils down your drains. These substances harden over time and can clog the entire system. You can reduce your risk of this by carefully pouring cooking grease and fat into an empty can and disposing of it in the garbage.
In the event that these at-home tips don’t work, you should call a plumber immediately to check the entire network of drain pipes and to perform any necessary repairs. They will be able to remove months- or even years’ worth of sediment that has collected in the drain lines, which will improve drainage and keep your sink draining properly.
A plumber will also be able to clear blocked vent pipes, main sewer lines, and septic systems. They can use professional-grade machine augers to remove blockages and repair or replace damaged drain and vent lines. They can also address septic tank issues with a variety of no-dig and trenchless methods.
Mold
Mold spores are found everywhere in the environment, and they can be quite damaging to people. They grow in a variety of conditions, including damp, humid out-of-the-way areas that most people do not see on a daily basis. Molds are fungi, and they derive their energy from organic materials. They decompose dead organisms and aerate soils through heterotrophic processes. They secrete hydrolytic enzymes that dissolve complex biopolymers like starch, cellulose and lignin, and they absorb the resulting simpler substances for their nutrition.
Water pipe leaks can also encourage mold growth inside a house. These moist environments provide a suitable habitat for mold spores, and the resulting slime can clog drains. Mold can also create a host of health problems for the residents of a home, including eye, nose and throat irritation. It can even be a serious health concern for those with allergies or asthma.
Homeowners can prevent their sewer lines from becoming a breeding ground for mold and other dangerous microorganisms by regularly cleaning their drains. An enzymatic drain cleaner can be used to eat away at the slime that clogs most drains, and it is safe for most plumbing systems.
It is important to avoid putting anything down the drains that will obstruct the line, such as paper towels, feminine products and grease. These items can quickly lead to a blocked line and extensive water damage. Homeowners can check their insurance policies to make sure that they have coverage for sewage backup and mold damage.
If you suspect that your sewer line is leaking, it is vital to contact a plumber as soon as possible. Not only can a plumbing professional trace the source of the leak, but they will be able to determine what steps should be taken to repair the damaged pipe and restore your property to its original condition.
