Many homeowners are unaware that they own a sewer line until they experience a problem. And unfortunately, the issue becomes relatively severe before they recognize the signs of a sewer line problem. As with most issues around your home, the sooner you call in the professionals, the easier and more affordable it is to correct the problem. And in the case of a sewer line problem, a call at the first indication of trouble will help avoid a nasty mess. But the key to this fast action comes in knowing the signs of sewer line issues.
What Is A Sewer Line?
First, it is essential to know that every home and building has a sewer line that connects all of the drain lines to the municipal sewer system. The pipe runs underground from your house to the city sewer. But you might not be sure where the pipe is buried. So it is essential to locate it when you are doing any major digging on the property or planting large items like trees. Keeping trees and their invasive root systems away from your sewer line is vital for its longevity. The other critical piece of information is that each home has only one sewer line. So when the pipe becomes damaged or clogged, there is no way for the dirty water and waste from your home’s drains to get to the city sewer. And that is when you begin to notice some of the common indications of sewer line trouble.
Signs To Look For
- Bad Odor- Because we are talking about raw sewage, it only makes sense to assume that a leak or backup will result in a foul odor. If the leak is outside your home, you might notice a foul odor lingering in a general area. Multiple leaks could result in the entire yard smelling a little funky. You can often first notice the odor coming from a floor drain or shower drain for clogs or issues indoors.
- Slow Drains- When you discover that all of the drains in your home are becoming slow to clear, there is a good possibility that you have a sewer line clog or damage to the pipe. Both will cause wastewater to back up when the blockages limit the sewage flow.
- Puddles Of Moisture- Noticing unexplained pools of moisture in your yard can be a tip-off that there is a leak in your sewer line. You might even notice a small amount of water in your basement near the floor drain. The most significant indication that these puddles are due to a sewer line issue is the odor. If the puddle stinks, this issue is almost always related to your home’s sewer line.
- Bugs And Critters- Though humans find a sewer line leak revolting, bugs and critters are drawn to the mix of waste and water. So when you notice an influx of bugs, mice, rats, or other vermin in your basement or yard, the reason could be a sewer line leak or backup.
- Lush Grass- The waste in sewage is nothing more than organic fertilizer to your lawn. So if you notice an oddly green, lush area, carefully check for a sewer line leak. If the pipe is very deep, the area might not appear moist, but the grass is finding the added nutrients.
As soon as you notice any of these indications of a sewer line leak or clog at your home, fast action is the best way to avoid contamination from raw sewage. Call (214) 388-4525 immediately to schedule an appointment with the sewer line specialists at Metroplex Leak & Locate.
