6 Common Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repair

This article originally appeared on residencestyle.com

Sewer lines are an integral part of any home’s plumbing system. Unfortunately, many homeowners need to be aware of signs indicating it may be time for sewer line repair or replacement. 

If left unchecked, a damaged sewer line can lead to major problems, from backed-up toilets and sinks to raw sewage spilling into your yard. 

To avoid this, it’s important to be aware of the common signs that your sewer line needs to be repaired. These signs can range from unpleasant odors to wet areas in your yard. 

By understanding and recognizing the signs that your sewer line or French basin needs repair or replacement, you can take the necessary steps to get the issue sorted quickly and easily.

Read on to find out what to look for and what might cause these signs.

Potential Causes of Sewer Line Damage

There are many potential causes of sewer line damage, including root growth, tree root collisions, high water pressure, and more.

Root growth is one of the most common causes of sewer line damage, and it can occur in various ways. 

If your home’s plumbing system is too close to the surface, trees and plants can push their roots into your pipes and damage them. If your home has a particularly deep well or drains pipe, your system may also be susceptible to root damage. 

Root growth can also be problematic as it can reduce the drainage area around your home and increase the risk of flooding. 

Excessive water pressure can also cause significant damage to your system. If your home’s water pressure is too high, it can push backward through your system and cause leaks or other damage. This can be particularly problematic for homeowners with older systems built with less pressure in mind. You can reduce your risk of sewer line damage by making sure your water pressure is within normal range.

Age is also a strong factor to consider. If your home was built before the 1980s, you might be particularly susceptible to sewer line damage due to older pipes that may be brittle and prone to breakage. 

That said, if you notice any of the common signs listed below, you should act fast and hire a professional specializing in sewer line repair Denver to inspect your sewer line to determine the cause of the damage and the best course of action for repair or replacement. 

Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repair

1. Poor Drainage

Poor drainage is one of the most common and easy-to-spot signs of sewer line or French drain damage.

A sewer line that is slowly getting clogged or damaged can begin to cause poor drainage in your toilets and sinks. So, if you notice that your toilets or drains aren’t draining as quickly as they used to, it could be a sign that your line is clogged. As such, you must immediately contact a plumber to inspect your sewer line before the problem becomes a complete backup and cause major damage to your home. 

2. A Smell of Sewage

A damaged sewer line can also cause a foul odor – commonly referred to as a “sewer smell” – that can waft up through your home. 

This can occur even if your toilet isn’t overflowing or anything like that. The odor is caused by sewage slowly leaking from your line and into your home. 

If you notice a sewer smell in your home that doesn’t go away, there’s a chance your line is damaged and needs repair. While a sewer smell may seem like a small issue, it can actually be a sign of a much larger problem, and you need a plumber to come out and inspect your sewer line to see if it needs to be repaired.

3. Increased Water Bill

While most homeowners know that their water bill will increase during certain seasons, it’s important to be aware of any sudden increases in your bill year-round. 

But if you don’t have any leaks around the house and still record an upsurge in your water bill, it could be a sign that your sewer line is damaged and water is seeping into the ground.  

In such a scenario, you must hire sewer line repair in Denver to inspect your sewer line and look for potential leaks. 

4. You’re Attracting A Lot of Pests

Another common sign that your sewer line is damaged is that you’re suddenly attracting a lot of pests, such as roaches, mice, or other insects. 

If you notice a sudden increase in pests in your home, it can be a health hazard.

A damaged sewer line can bring pests inside your yard and your home because the sewage inside the line attracts them. Pests are an eyesore and a health hazard; no one wants them on their property for these reasons. As such, you must have your sewer line inspected to see if a damaged sewer line is the cause of your pest infestation.  

5. Constant Gurgling Sounds

Another common sign of sewer line damage is constant gurgling sounds in your pipes, toilet, sink, or yard. 

This might be caused by air that has gone into a damaged line, preventing water from flowing freely, hence the gurgling sound. This isn’t a problem, but if your line isn’t repaired, it can cause major issues.

6. Soggy Spots on Landscape

If your yard has soggy spots that seem to remain wet all the time, it could signify that water is flowing out of a broken sewer line.

A damaged sewer line can cause water to leak from the line and into your soil, forming puddles that won’t go away. This can cause long-term damage to your yard and may increase your risk of flooding.

In Conclusion

As you can see, a damaged sewer line can cause various issues in your home, from poor drainage to pests and more. 

But if you’re alert to the common signs of sewer line damage, sewer line repairs don’t have to catch you off guard, and you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and frustration. 

Several telltale indicators indicate something is amiss in your sewer line, from slow drainage to foul odors. Recognizing them can help protect your home’s plumbing and keep your sewer line in good working order.

The sooner you have your line inspected, the sooner the problem can be fixed and avoided from getting worse.