8 Signs of a Broken Sewer Line
A broken sewer line is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. And what are the scariest parts about it? Most homeowners don’t recognize the signs before it’s too late. Ryan’s Plumbing is here to help you out with the 8 signs to look out for before it’s too late.
1. Slow drains
One of the first things to look out for is slow drains. Blocked pipes can cause sinks and tubs to drain slowly. Tree roots can also grow into your sewer line, breaking it and preventing water from flowing through it.
2. Lingering odor of sewer gas
If a strange smell is seeping from your drains, it’s time to call a plumber to check out the pipes, as this is one of the telltale signs of a cracked pipe.
3. Random spots of lush green grass
The third sign may seem odd, but if there are random spots in your yard that are especially lush and green, it may be due to a leaking sewer line. The nutrients from the sewer line act as fertilizer, supplying your lawn with everything it needs to thrive. However, the toxins will build up and rise to the surface over time, creating a dangerous pit of sewage.
4. A soggy lawn
This goes hand in hand with the vibrant greenery. If it hasn’t been raining, watch out for especially damp areas. The seeping liquid will make soggy spots, even causing sinkholes.
5. Mold and mildew
Most homeowners don’t realize this is from leaking sewage. If you spotted any on your walls, ceilings, and floors, this could be a sign of a collapsed sewer line. This is extremely dangerous to breathe in, causing health damage.
6. Infestations of bugs and rodents
Critters will make their way through the cracks and into your home. Broken pipes make for perfect breeding grounds, causing even more issues than just the leaks.
7. Clogs and backups
A single drain backing up is not always a sign of a leak, but if multiple are spilling sewage onto the floors of your home, it’s definitely time to call for backup.
8. Broken slabs and wall cracks
This happens as homes settle and shift, but keep an eye out for new cracks. A leaking sewer line will wash away the soil under the house that supports your foundation, when this happens it can’t support the weight of your house. Get cracks checked right away, if left unfixed it can cause the entire home to collapse!
If you’re concerned about a sewage line leak or just need routine plumbing help, give us a call here at Ryan’s Plumbing for the best plumbing services in Sarasota & Manatee counties! You can reach us at (941) 256-5580.
