Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repair

Sewer line repairs can be tricky considering they’re not usually visible until it’s too late. In fact, many homeowners forget they have a sewer line until raw sewage backs up into the bathroom or kitchen drains, causing costly repairs to the furniture, electrical systems, flooring and other parts of the home. Not to mention, sewage backup tends to cause foul odors in and around your home. Rather than wait for this unfortunate scenario to play out in your home, do yourself a favor and learn how to identify the signs that it’s time for a sewer line repair.

Causes of Sewer Line Clogs and Damage

Before delving into what signs to look for, it’s a good idea to know what causes clogged and damaged sewer lines. That way, you may be able to give yourself a head start detecting problems before they began to show. Common causes of sewer line clogs and damage include:

• Earthquakes
• Old trees with large roots
• Aging sewage systems
• Debris or grease clogs
• Sagging sewer lines

Common Warning Signs

Frequent, minimal backups – Not all backups are catastrophic. Sometimes a gurgling sound from your toilet or sink that only occurs when you use another water source could indicate a clog. A minimal backup might look like water coming up from the bathtub drain after you flush the toilet. It may not be an emergency now, but it’s a sign there’s clog in your line and it’s best to take care of it before it does become a major issue.

Clogged or slow drains – You’ve probably had clogged or slow drains before. It’s a common issue that can often be resolved using some DIY unclogging tactics. However, slow drains or clogs that are difficult to resolve – especially if it’s two or more drains at once –  may be indicative of a larger clog that’s deeper inside the line. Rather than pour liquid drain cleaner down the drain repeatedly, it may be time to have the line inspected.

Extra lush or green patches of lawn – Have you noticed patches of bright green or extra thick grass or weeds suddenly developing in your lawn or even under the driveway or pavement? That’s often a telltale sign there’s a crack in your sewer line and the leaking sewage is serving as a makeshift water and fertilizer source for vegetation in your yard.

Septic Pooling in the Yard – This may seem obvious, but if septic or raw sewage is pooling in your yard, you should have the line inspected as soon as possible. Whether you have a septic tank or not, there’s a good chance a leak in the sewage line has developed.

Sudden rodent or insect problems – Pests such as rats, cockroaches, palmetto bugs and drain flies are sewer dwellers. When your line is cracked or damaged, it’s much easier for these creatures to infiltrate your yard and home – you might be surprised how small of a crack they need to get inside! Not only does this indicate a potential sewage issue, but some pests can carry harmful diseases that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Is Your Sewer Line Ready for a Check Up?

If you have noticed any of the listed warning signs occurring near your home, a sewer line inspection should be on your immediate do-list. For Sacramento-area homeowners, Bonney Plumbing uses only the latest technology to locate lines, clogs or leaks so our certified technicians can resolve the issue as quickly as possible. There’s no job too big or too small for Bonney Plumbing! Call 800-444-0551 or visit us online for more information today.