8 Signs of Sewer Line Issues

Sewer line issues are difficult to diagnose because the line is buried in your yard. However, sewer maintenance is easier when you know the problems to look for if your sewer line requires repair. Explore some common signs of broken and clogged sewer lines below.

1. Foul Odors

Intact sewer lines enclose the foul smell of wastewater leaving your home. Your sewer line is likely broken or clogged if you smell bad odors from the sinks, tubs, or basement drains. The odor worsens over time, so don't ignore it and hope it goes away.

A flooded yard typically accompanies foul odors from a damaged sewer line. So check your property for standing water, although you may notice the smell before the water rises to the surface. Sewer lines run several feet underground, and they should only leave the water to flow into the yard if there is an obstruction or crack.

2. Gurgling Toilets and Drains

If your toilets and drains make unusual sounds, your sewer line may need repair. Gurgling occurs when air is trapped and released abruptly, and you may see the toilet water bubble. Leakages are common causes of gurgling drains because they let air into your sewer line.

3. Backups

Backups appear as rising water in sinks, tubs, and toilets and may indicate a sewer line problem if they occur in multiple drains. In other cases, using one drain may cause problems in other parts of the home. For example, you may flush a toilet and cause water to come up the basement drain. Backups can indicate tree intrusion in the sewer line, misaligned pipe connections, and other plumbing issues.

4. Slow Drains

Most homeowners are used to battling drain clogs. However, a broken or clogged sewer line affects all your drains, and home solutions like the plunger and drain cleaners won't work. A plumber conducts a video inspection of your sewer line and uses sophisticated equipment to remove the stubborn clogs that are causing the backups.

5. Lush Lawn Grass

Every homeowner with a yard wishes for lush vegetation, but random patches of green grass can indicate sewer line issues. A broken sewer line leaves wastewater seeping into your yard's soil. This wastewater is full of nutrients that fertilize the vegetation, resulting in the rapid growth of extra-healthy grass. However, the water also has contaminants that threaten your family's health, and you should consult a plumber promptly.

6. Lawn Indentations

A broken sewer line constantly saturates the ground, causing the soil to dissipate. Over time, you may notice that your yard has a dip near where the sewer line runs. If the line runs below a driveway or paved pathway, you may start seeing cracks that extend with time. In extreme cases, sinkholes and foundation cracks may appear.

7. Pest Infestation

A cracked sewer line acts as an entryway for pests like rats and cockroaches into your home. If you suddenly notice a lot of pests in your home, in addition to foul odors, your sewer line may be damaged. These pests aren't only a nuisance but some, like mosquitoes and rats, carry dangerous diseases. So have a plumber repair the sewer line immediately to protect your family's health.

8. Mold and Mildew on Ceilings and Walls

Sewer lines run across your home, and cracks leave water seeping behind walls and along ceilings. Mold and mildew thrive in highly humid areas, and you will see green, gray, black, or white patches on your walls and ceilings. Exposure to mold and mildew growth has health repercussions, so you should repair the sewer line immediately.

Broken and clogged sewer lines may cause extensive damage before you realize it's time for repair or replacement. At Henry's Service All, we believe routine inspections and cleanings are the best ways to prevent sewer line issues. Contact us today for expert sewer line repair and replacement services.