One of the most important problems for a homeowner (or renter) to spot early is a sewer line issue. If you don’t identify this common plumbing problem, the result can be disastrous. Not only do they create unpleasant odors and messes, but they can also lead to major property damage, health hazards, and expensive repairs. The earlier you catch it, the better off you’ll be.
Here are some of the most common early warning signs that problems are brewing in your sewer line and what you should do if you see them.
1. Slow Drains Everywhere in the House: One slow drain in a household can just be a sign of a clog. But if some or all of the drains are slow, then the most likely cause is a blockage in your main sewer line. This is a common problem in any local homes that still have clay or cast iron pipes. When multiple drains in your home are running slowly or if they gurgle when other fixtures are used, a plumber should be called.
What You Should Do: Do not use chemical cleaners. Minimize water use as you call a plumber. Their first step might be to snake the line, but if this doesn’t resolve the problem, the main sewer line needs to be inspected.
2. Foul Odors Indoors or Outdoors: When your sewer line is working right, there should not be any sewer odors inside or outside the home. If you smell sewage in the home or in the yard, there could be a crack of leak in your line. The smell might show up near your foundation, outdoor cleanout, garage or basement.
What You Should Do: This is not a do-it-yourself repair! Call a plumber immediately and have your sewer line inspected. Plumbers have the right equipment and skills to eliminate blockages.
3. Lush, Deep Green Patches in the Yard: A lush green lawn sounds like a good thing, but in this case, it’s not. The leakage from a broken sewer line can feed the grass in some parts of your lawn, making it greener and fuller than the rest of the year. The same wastewater that helps your grass grow can eventually saturate the soil, create sinkholes, and even cause structural damage to your foundation. Oversaturated soil can cause your foundation to settle and that could potentially be disastrous.
What You Should Do: Schedule a sewer line inspection as soon as possible.
4. Water Backing Up Into Tubs or Toilets: An unmistakable sign of a sewer problem is wastewater backing up into lower-level plumbing fixtures. Toilets and bathtubs on the ground floor or in basements are particularly vulnerable. If the seal around the bottom of the toilet is bad, water can leak out from this area as well. The cause is pressure building up in the system due to a blockage.
What You Should Do: This is an emergency that requires an immediate call to a plumber. Until the plumber arrives, stop all water use.
5. Mysterious Puddles or Damp Spots: Sewer line leaks can show up as damp areas or puddles on or near your foundation or in your basement or crawlspace. Take notice of this dampness or any mold growth if there hasn’t been any rain recently.
What You Should Do: An inspection from a plumber will tell you if there is a sewer line blockage or a leak from a water pipe. Any moisture can quickly result in mold growth, even in a dry climate.
6. Pesky Pest Problems: Rats, cockroaches, and similar pests are attracted to sewage leaks. If you suddenly start seeing more pests in or around your home, they may be getting in through a broken or leaking sewer line.
What You Should Do: Get a fast inspection done of your sewer line.
Our Skilled Technicians Can Make Fast Work of Sewer Line Inspections
At Rocketman Plumbing, we can send a video camera down your sewer line to look for breaks, blockages or invading roots. Once we know exactly where a repair is needed, we can quickly provide the right repair and keep your costs as low as possible. We routinely deal with all of Albuquerque’s unique conditions, like clay soil that expands when it’s wet, shifting foundations, and long dry seasons—all of which can stress aging sewer lines.
Never Ignore These Warning Signs!
The problems that can result from putting off a visit from your plumber can be far more expensive than an inspection and repair. If you’re seeing any of these signs in your Albuquerque home, call Rocketman Plumbing. We can get your home working (and smelling) right again!
