What Symptoms Suggest Your Sewer Line Is Damaged?

Is your house smelling weird, or are your drains acting slow?

These signs might seem normal initially, but they could mean something big, like a damaged sewer line. Catching the problem early on is important to protect your home and save you from a costly repair bill. 

Let’s examine the symptoms that suggest your sewer line is damaged and how to deal with them before they get worse. 

Why is it important to Catch Sewer Line damage early?

A broken or leaking sewer line could mean a serious problem. It is not just a plumbing issue, but can further lead to:

1. Serious health risks from sewage exposure
2. Damage to the house from leaks and mould
3. Foundation issues from soil erosion
4. Expensive repairs if ignored for too long

Early action can help you avoid bigger trouble in the long run. 

Clear signs that your Sewer Line is Damaged

Finding out if your sewer line is damaged is not very difficult to figure out. 

If your property has any of the following issues, it might indicate that your sewage line is damaged: 

Bad smells inside or outside your home

The foremost sign of a sewer problem is a bad smell. If your home or garden smells like sewage, there is a high chance that a broken pipe is leaking somewhere. 

Soggy or Sunken areas in your yard

If there are soft patches or weird puddles in your yard, especially near the sewer line, it could be an underground link. 

If you’re unsure whether your sewer line is damaged, it’s best to contact a licensed professional who has experience in repairing sewer lines. They can inspect the system using modern tools and recommend the most effective solution.

Multiple drains clogging at once

If more than one drain in your house is clogged. It could be due to a main sewer line blockage, rather than just a local clog. 

Strange gurgling sounds

If you hear strange gurgling noises when water is draining, then it is a sign that water is trapped in the pipes. This usually happens during a blockage or leak in the line. 

Increase in Pests or Rodents

Sewer leaks attract rodents and pests. If you see more than usual pests near your drains or around the yard, do not take it lightly. It may be due to a crack in the line. 

Mould on walls 

A leaking sewer can lead to extra moisture, which in turn will leave mould on the walls. If you see mold in odd places, there is a chance that a pipe might be leaking nearby. 

What causes sewer line damage?

Several factors cause sewer line damage. The most common of them are: 

1. Tree roots growing into pipes
2. Old pipes rusting over time
3. Bad quality of the pipe used during installation 
4. Earthquakes or ground shifting
5. Clogs from grease, wipes, or trash
6. Heavy construction near the sewer line 
7. Conserving fresh water may reduce flow and cause a buildup

What to do if you suspect damage

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, here is what to do:

1. Check for leaks inside your home and in your yard.
2. Call a professional plumber for a full inspection
3. Stop using water heavily to reduce pressure on the pipes
4. Avoid DIY fixes unless you are trained to do so. This might increase the issue rather than fixing it. 

Once you call professionals, they will use specific tools like a sewer camera to locate the problem without the hassle of digging. They will also recommend a proper fix based on the damage found. 

How to prevent future sewer problems

You must be wondering how to prevent sewer problems. Here’s what you can do to reduce the risk of future sewer line trouble:

1. Don’t pour grease or oil down the drains. 
2. Never miss yearly inspections. 
3. Do not flush anything other than toilet paper.
4. Make sure to trim the trees and roots that are near sewer lines. 
5. Install a backflow prevention device if you live in a flood-prone area. 

With regular maintenance and smart habits, it is very easy to avoid sewer problems altogether. 

Conclusion

Your sewer line works hard every day! If you spot any of the signs given in the blog, don’t ignore them. These signs might be small, but if ignored will cause huge trouble in the future. 

These signs might mean your sewer line is damaged. Get it checked as soon as possible. If there is a major issue, feel free to call for professional help for safe and fast solutions.