Your sewer line is crucial to your health and well-being. But we never think about it until something goes wrong. A sewer line breakdown can force you to vacate your home because it leads to unsanitary conditions. Luckily, a leaking sewer line might be easy to repair if you notice it before it escalates into a huge problem.
So, how can you tell your sewer line is not functioning correctly? Below are some of the signs of a failing sewer to look out for.
Slow Drainage
Slow drains may be a sign that your sewer line is partially blocked. Sinks often get clogged from accumulated waste like hair, grease, or food particles that run through the drain. You may be able to unclog these drains with a sink plunger. It’s best not to use harsh chemicals because they can damage your plumbing system.
However, the problem could be further down the sewer line. If a sink plunger does not fix the clog, it’s time to call a plumber to identify the problem.
Musty Sewer Smell
It’s pretty much impossible to ignore a sewer smell in your home. The main problem is tracking where it’s coming from.
The smell is not just unpleasant; it is dangerous to your health. You’re likely to encounter leakages near utility holes, toilets, or the septic tank where the sewage from your house collects. You need to contact a plumber as soon as you notice a foul sewer smell.
Clogs and Backups
If you notice multiple and frequent clogs in your sinks, toilets, and showers, this could be a telltale sign that your sewer line requires repairs. You might also experience backups in the sinks and showers when a sewer line is blocked.
When multiple drains are clogged or you have a sewage backup, it’s time to call the plumber. They will locate the source and the cause of the clogging. If not taken care of promptly, it could lead to burst or cracked sewer line pipes.
Sudden Lush, Green Lawn
We love a lush, green lawn. But when spots in your yard are thriving while the rest of the area is drying up, you could have an underground sewer line leak. The water and nutrients from the sewer will boost the growth of grass and other plants.
Soggy or foul odor spots could also indicate a broken sewer line. Service and repair your sewer line whenever you notice an anomaly to keep the problem from growing.
Increased Pests
A broken sewer line is appealing to many pests, and their numbers can increase in number quickly. Pests like rats, mice, and cockroaches can enter the pipes through cracks and breaks. They will crawl along the sewer line to your house, becoming a health hazard.
Rats and mice can damage the pipes, causing colossal damage to the whole sewer system. Some pests live inside the drainage system, and they can also cause blockage and potential leaks. If you notice an increase in these types of pests, contact your plumber to check for possible leaks in addition to calling a pest control company.
A Gurgling Toilet
A gurgling sound after you flush the toilet indicates that you may have a problem with your sewer line. You might also notice a backup of dirty water in sinks or showers when you flush your toilet.
When you notice these signs, immediately contact a qualified plumber to solve the problem. Most significant damage occurs when homeowners ignore these minor problems and allow them to grow into major issues.
Water Stains or Mildew on Walls and Ceilings
If you notice water stains or mildew on your floors, walls, or ceilings, you probably have some kind of leaky pipe. Often, these leaks are hidden in the walls or floors, so it can be difficult to locate them. A licensed, insured, and certified plumber like Dream Team Home Services can detect these leaks and fix the problem.
How to Prevent Sewer Line Leakages
Don’t wait for plumbing problems to ruin your day. Below are some of the precautions you can take to prevent problems with your sewer lines.
Watch What You Put Down the Drains
A garbage disposal in your sink does not mean you can put anything and everything down the drain. Grease, cooking oils, and food particles are some of the daily waste running down the kitchen drain. Unfortunately, they are a leading cause of blockages to the sewer line.
Coffee grounds, grease, and vegetable scraps, including peels, should never go down the drain. Running hot water while pouring grease does not help. Instead, the oils and fats will cool as soon as they hit colder pipes and can cause clogs further down the sewer line.
You also need to be mindful of what is going down the toilet and shower drains. Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed. Even products that claim to be flushable can accumulate in the pipes and lead to clogs.
Make sure you have a hair catcher in your showers. They are also helpful for bathroom sinks. Hair catchers are especially important for people with long hair or if you wash your pets in the bathtub.
Regular Maintenance and Drain Cleaning
Regular maintenance and drain cleaning are imperative to keep your drains running freely. It’s best to schedule an annual service for your plumbing system. We have special equipment with cameras that can detect hidden leaks and cracks during a visit. This lets us repair these small problems before they multiply.
During a drain cleaning appointment, the plumber will first assess the condition of the drain and pipes. Plumbers have special motorized tools to cut through blockages. This may be the only way to clear sewer lines of roots and other major obstructions.
Regular maintenance does more than just keep your drains clear. It can also preserve the longevity of your plumbing system. Further, routing drain cleaning can prevent those emergency calls, which are a hassle for you and can get expensive. The professional plumber can also advise you on the best plumbing products and practices to avoid needing costly repairs.
Call for Professional Service: Signs of a Failing Sewer
Plumbing failures are never convenient and can be a hazard to your health. Once the sewer line is installed, it often becomes forgotten until disaster strikes. By watching for these signs and scheduling regular maintenance and drain cleaning, you can prevent significant problems with your plumbing.
Do you need assistance with your sewer lines in Media, PA? Whatever issue you’re dealing with, it’s always best to enlist the services of a professional plumbing company. At Dream Team Home Services, we specialize in the cleaning and repair of sewer lines. Whether you’re concerned about standing water in your kitchen sink or shower or have noticed that your toilets are clogging up more often than usual, we can help.
We also provide comprehensive heating and cooling services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. You can also rely on us for electrical issues, including rewiring and generator installation. Contact Dream Team Home Services today for all your plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical needs.
