5 Warning Signs You May Need Sewer Repair

You depend on your sewer line to take the waste out of your house. It can work without issue for decades. However, at some point, it can fail. Here are five warning signs that you may need to call a plumber to get your sewer line repaired.

1. Household Drains Are Slow

If one drain is slow, it’s likely a local clog. If all of your household drains are slowing down, you have a clog somewhere deep in the drain system. It might even be in your main sewer line. Microscopic tree roots can get into the drain line and start growing, causing a blockage. Another issue might be a broken section of pipe restricting waste flow.

2. Your Lawn Has Unexplained Lush Green Patches

One or more sections of your yard look much better than the rest. The grass is a rich green, and it grows like crazy. It may be getting its nutrients and moisture from a broken sewer line below. Draw an imaginary line from where the drain line leaves the house and where it attaches to the sewer line. If the green patches are anywhere close, you need a plumber to come out immediately.

3. You Smell Sewage

You should never smell sewage inside or outside your home. A whiff of sewage smell out of a drain can mean a local clog. However, if you smell it in the basement or outside the house, you may have a leaking or broken sewer line. That smell accompanies hydrogen sulfide, which is dangerous at high levels. Get a plumber to check the problem, so you can avoid health issues.

4. You Have Unexplained Puddles

You find an unexpected puddle of smelly water in the basement. Your lawn has unexplained soggy spots. In either scenario, you may have a leaking sewer line. Plumbing should never leak. It’s a warning sign that a pipe is cracked or that a joint is coming loose. Both require the attention of a plumbing professional. You may want to visit www.caldwellplumbing.ca for more info and insights.

5. The Pipes Gurgle

A healthy drain system should rarely, if ever, make a gurgling sound. When a drain gets clogged, the water doesn’t flow away evenly. This can cause bubbles to form. As the bubbles pass through the pipes, it causes the gurgling sound. If it’s localized to one drain, you have a clog close. However, if the gurgling is common in multiple drains, you may have a clogged or broken main sewer line.

If you see any of these signs, you need to call in a professional plumber immediately. A leaking or broken sewer line can be a hazard to your health and could potentially damage your home. Take action right away and make the call today.