The Signs of a Troubled Sewer Line

Sewer line problems are critical and shouldn't be ignored.

Sewer line problems are critical and shouldn't be ignored. When suspecting a sewer line issue, act quickly to get the issue sorted before it escalates. Although these pipes are out of sight and buried underground, several tell-tale signs indicate a problem.

Sewage odor

Sewer lines have tight seals to prevent odor and waste from escaping. Therefore, an unpleasant odor from the household drains will be a significant red flag. Likewise, a sewage gas odor indicates that there's a possible cracked or blocked line.

Slow drains, clogs, and backups

Draining problems or frequent clogs and backups could be caused by simple plumbing problems but might also result from sewer line issues. If the problem exists in only one sink in the house, it's probably just a clogged pipe. If it happens with all of them simultaneously, it points to a more significant issue that requires a more thorough investigation. The most likely culprit is a clogged or damaged sewer line.

A patch of extra lush lawn

Is a part of the lawn thriving more than the rest of the backyard? A section of grass greener than the rest usually directly points to the location of a sewer line leak. That patch of grass takes in the nurturing mix of sewage leaking from the pipe below it. So, watch out for green grass outside of the season.

Soggy, smelly, or bloated lawn

A broken sewage line can cause a section of the lawn to remain soggy, often with a nasty odor. If a patch always seems wet and soggy despite not having rained for a while, this is another red flag for a possible sewer line leak. If there is a jiggling hump underneath the topmost layer of soil, the underlying bubble could have accumulated from leaking wastewater.

Cracks in the home's foundation

Buildings often develop cracks in their foundation due to the natural process of settling in over time, typically many years after construction. However, sudden cracks in the foundation or cracks that grow much faster could point to sewer line issues. These cracks form from a newly broken or leaking sewer line washing away the surrounding soil under the foundation.

Take heed of the warning signs of sewer line trouble

Act fast if a sewer line issue is suspected. Sewage odors, patches of soggy or lush grass, or quickly appearing cracks in the home's foundation could be warning signs. Unfortunately, sewer line issues won't go away if ignored.

When dealing with a sewer line issue, consult a professional plumber immediately. DIY fixes won't do much, and expert services will get the job done faster, more efficiently, and without worries.

Much Better Plumbing has many years of experience providing sewer cleaning and repair, pressure regulators, water damage restoration, septic tank service, and backflow services in Las Vegas, NV. Get in touch with us at Call us today at 702-996-5220.