Sewer Line Problems: Plumber Signs You Have A Damaged Sewer Line In Your Home | Bedford, TX

You can afford to ignore some plumbing issues but not a broken sewer line. A sewer line is a vital part of your plumbing system since all the plumbing fixtures, pipes, and drains are connected to it, and it drains the waste out of your home to the municipal sewer main. Therefore, failure to have a qualified plumber fix a faulty sewer line can result in property damage, potential health risks, and sewage backup.

A well-maintained sewer line should be able to last for about 50 to 100 years. Most manufacturers use top-of-the-line technology to build modern PVC pipes that can last for even 100 years before being replaced.

But if the sewer line was not correctly fitted during the original installation or it’s not well maintained, then it may not be able to last for 100 years. To increase the lifespan of your sewer line, it’s essential to invest in frequent plumbing inspections to detect any issues in advance.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled common signs that should inform you that something is wrong with your main sewer line and when to have a certified plumber fix the problem immediately.

Sewage Backups

No homeowner in Bedford, TX, wants to think about sewage backups. Besides causing structural problems, they pose a health risk to you and your family. At times, homeowners confuse sewer problems with clogged toilets, but that’s not always the case.

For starters, sewage backups will begin in the lowest drains of your property. Therefore, if you notice your toilet is backing up, yet your laundry drains, bathtubs and showers are working just fine, then your sewage drain has no problem.

However, if every time you flush, sewage or water backs up into a shower or bathtub, then you have a problem. Sewer backup issues, in most cases, could be due to a collapsed, broken, or damaged sewer line. Sometimes the damage could be due to earth movement or insufficient ground support below the pipes. These problems end up affecting your home’s sewer line.

Although old homes are prone to such kinds of problems, these issues can happen to any home. But older houses are likely to experience sewage backups because they use cast or clay iron pipes, which are not durable.

Insect or Rodent Infestation

Rat problems are not limited to metro areas; in fact, rats can occupy any residence, even in drain systems not within the city. Most homeowners may not know that rats can live within their residential sewer system; hence, accessing their homes quickly.

Shockingly, rats thrive in drain pipes because of warmth, protection, food remnants, and unsanitary materials. Rats are excellent swimmers, and to access your home in Bedford, TX, they only need a small hole. Therefore, if your sewer system has cracks or holes, prepare to have rats as your guests.

Almost all rat infestations begin through defective piping systems. If you suspect rats in your drain pipes, it’s crucial to deal with them immediately because they spread quickly.

You can quickly have a plumber inspect your sewer line for cracks or holes when you experience an unexplained increase in pests or rodents.

Mold

Plumbing issues are a real pain to handle and pose severe health risks, such as mold. Mold releases spores into the air, which are extremely dangerous when inhaled. When the sewer pipe of your home breaks, moisture will leak, causing hidden mold damage that’s costly to repair and exposes your family to health issues.

Mold growth could be due to various plumbing issues, but if the mold growth comes with a sewer odor inside your property, it could be due to a leak somewhere inside the sewer line. Therefore, getting a plumber to perform prompt sewer repairs is essential once you notice such signs.

Foul Odors

Disgusting smells such as rotten eggs, plain old sewage, or burning sulfur are not pleasing. This odor is due to the sewer gasses backing up in your drains. Sewer gasses are hazardous because they contain hydrogen sulfide gas that’s toxic even at low levels.

A good functioning main sewer line should be airtight so that odors can’t escape from the pipes. The presence of foul odors, especially in your basements or utility rooms, could indicate a leak in the main sewer line. You should not hesitate to call a plumbing company if the smell of rotten eggs starts leaking out of your drains.

Lush Patches of Grass

Of course, you love the idea of a lush green lawn. But, if you notice it’s some part of your lawn that’s unexpectedly greener than the rest of the lawn, then you could be having a leaking pipe.

If the leak is severe, you’ll notice that the lush area is also wet. Supposing you are sure that it’s not a watering or a leaking sprinkler system, then you can have a plumber inspect the pipes for any leaks.

A damaged sewer causes leaks, which releases waste that acts as additional nutrition or moisture, causing the lush growth in affected parts. When a plumber performs routine inspections of the plumbing system, they can notice worrying changes that could signify broken sewer lines or other related issues.

Homeowners are advised to invest in regular maintenance to prevent significant sewer line issues and maintain a healthy sewer system.

Multiple Clogs

Clogs are common issues in many drain pipes, but you could have a problematic sewer line if you are dealing with multiple clogs simultaneously. Sewer line issues end up affecting your home’s drains.

Homeowners must immediately respond to sewer line clogs by hiring a plumber in Bedford, TX, to avoid the pressure that causes leaks and cracks.

Now What?

Sewer problems should be fixed promptly! Otherwise, you could expose your family to health risks and end up paying high repair costs. Licensed and experienced plumbers should handle broken sewers.

At Tioga Plumbing & Electric, we have competent plumbers who will conduct an inspection of your sewer line using a closed-circuit TV to determine the location of the break and whether it can be fixed or replaced. We also offer electrical and glass services. Contact us today, and we’ll get your sewer lines operating smoothly.

Photo By SolStock at istock