If you have persistent problems with your drains, it might be helpful to brush up on broken sewer line symptoms. A broken sewer line can cause significant damage to your home and pose serious health hazards. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can take action as soon as possible, and repair a broken sewer line before more extensive damage. In this article, we will discuss the most common broken sewer line symptoms and what to do if you notice any of these signs.
Common Broken Sewer Line Symptoms
Foul Odors
One of the most common symptoms of a broken sewer line is a foul odor. If you notice a strong, unpleasant smell of sewage, it may be due to a break in your sewer line. This odor can be particularly noticeable after heavy rain or when you run water down the drain.
The odor is caused by the release of gases from the sewage, which can be harmful to your health. In addition, the gases can be flammable, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible.
Slow Drains
Slow drains are another common symptom of a broken sewer line. If your sinks, showers, or toilets are draining slowly, it may be a sign that there is a blockage or damage in your sewer line. This can cause wastewater to back up into your home or yard, which can be a health hazard and cause extensive damage.
If you notice that the water is not draining properly, it’s important to call a plumber right away. They will be able to determine the cause of the slow drain and make any necessary repairs to your sewer line.
Backups
Backups are another sign of a broken sewer line. If you notice water or sewage coming back up from your drains, it’s a clear indication that something is wrong with your sewer line. This can cause a lot of damage to your home and may require expensive repairs. If you notice any backups, it’s important to call a plumber right away.
Wet Spots or Pooling Water
Wet spots or pooling water around your yard or property can also indicate a broken sewer line. This happens when the sewage leaks out of the broken pipe and saturates the surrounding soil. This can cause the ground to become soft and waterlogged, which can be hazardous and cause further damage to your property.
If you notice any wet spots or pooling water around your yard or property, it’s important to call a plumber right away. They will be able to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs to your sewer line.
Unusual Sounds
Finally, if you hear unusual sounds such as gurgling or bubbling coming from your drains or toilet, it could be a sign of a blockage or break in your sewer line. This happens when the air is trapped in the sewer line, causing it to bubble up into your home. If you notice any unusual sounds, it’s important to contact a professional plumber right away.
What to Do if You Notice Broken Sewer Line Symptoms
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to call a plumber as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs to prevent further damage to your home and ensure your safety.
When you call a plumber, they will typically start by performing a video inspection of your sewer line. This involves inserting a camera into the sewer line to determine the location and extent of the damage. Once they have identified the problem, they will recommend the best course of action to fix it.
In some cases, a broken sewer line can be repaired by relining the pipe. This involves inserting a new lining inside the damaged pipe to seal any cracks or leaks. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can be completed quickly and without causing any damage to your property.
If the damage to your sewer line is more extensive, it may be necessary to replace the entire line. This can be a more expensive and time-consuming process, but it’s necessary to prevent further damage on the entire line, and avoid environmental contamination.
If you’re looking for help figuring out what’s going wrong with your sewer line, please don’t hesitate to call us. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on holidays and rainy days. As top rated local plumbers, this is what we do. Think of us as your plumbing expert teammates. Contact us anytime at 626.448.6455
