Most homeowners don’t even think about caring for their sewer line until something goes wrong with it. Broken sewer lines under the house are not like dying plants on your windowsill or rotten vegetables in the fridge – you’re less likely to notice them right away. However, the repercussions of a broken sewer line are far greater than dead plants and vegetables, so it’s important to have a sewer line leak detection plan.Listed below are a few signs to watch out for that may indicate you have a broken, collapsed or leaking sewer line.
Shocking Water Bills
Did your utility costs suddenly spike last month? Gallons of water could be leaking out of your sewer lines, resulting in a higher water bill for water you didn’t even get to use.
Soggy Yards
If large pools are popping up in your yard, you should call a plumber right away. These pools of water may indicate a sewer line problem, and could be unsanitary.
Odd Noises
Gurgling or running water sounds when no plumbing fixtures are in use is a pretty clear sign water is leaking from somewhere it shouldn’t be, or a blockage is forming and you’ll have water coming out of where it shouldn’t be.
Strange Smells
If the sewer line has a blockage, there could be standing water giving off a raw sewage odor. The odor could simply be coming out of one drain, or could become strong enough to permeate your whole home.
Uninvited Guests
If you notice an excess number of bugs (or worse, rodents!) in your home, you should consider calling a plumber in addition to setting out some traps or calling an exterminator. Rodents are often attracted to the small, dark smelly space your sewer line provides.
Mold Growth
Damaged sewer lines can create damp conditions in lower parts of the home, such as basement crawl spaces.
Fixing a broken sewer line doesn’t have to be as stressful as it may seem – especially if you partner with the right team. Invisible Excavations offers multiple sewer line repair options, including trenchless, a much less invasive process than traditional repair methods.
If you’re experiencing any of the problems above, call today. One of our experienced technicians would be happy to talk through your problem and how to best help you address it.