Winter is almost here which means you’re busy insulating your home and protecting your plumbing from the freezing temperatures. Functional plumbing, however, relies on more than just the drains and pipes inside your house. What you flush down your drains and toilets affects the sewer line connected to your house. A damaged sewer line is not just a costly repair; it interferes with your home’s plumbing. If your sewer line is damaged somewhere then you need sewer repair! It’s best to repair it as soon as possible, not just for the sake of effective plumbing, but to prevent backed up sewage, burst pipes, or a flooded basement.
How You Can Protect Your Plumbing
One of the worst problems of a damaged sewer line is the cost. It can cost thousands for a licensed plumber to access and replace a broken section of a sewer line, or clean out the flooded sewage in your basement. Sewer damage can cause water leaks which bring mold into your house and slowly eats away at the foundation. A damaged sewer line can also invite unwanted pests like rats and roaches into your home. Most plumbing catastrophes can be prevented if caught and treated early, and luckily there are plenty of warning signs. To protect your plumbing, here are ten signs to watch for.
- Slow drain. If you notice the water in your sinks, toilets, and bathtub are having a hard time going down the drain, you might be due for a sewer repair. A slow drain could indicate a clogged pipe, which usually can be resolved with a drain cleaning. If that doesn’t solve the problem, however, then the clog is somewhere much deeper in the sewer line. Sewer line clogs can be caused by a variety of things such as tree roots, flushing down sanitary wipes and other objects, or cracks in the pipe.
- Low water pressure. Your plumbing is sensitive to water pressure and relies on a good balance of water pressure in order to work effectively. If your showers become disappointing, or it seems little to no water is flowing out of your faucets, it could be time for a sewer repair.
- High utility bills. If your sewer line is in need of a sewer repair, chances are that you’ll start to notice your utility bills are constantly getting more expensive. Higher utility bills usually indicate a leak somewhere that needs urgent repair.
- Pools of septic water. A damaged sewer line can result in several different problems, and water leaks can sprout just about anywhere. One big clue if you’re in need of a sewer repair is if you start to find pools of standing septic water inside or outside your home. Your plumbing should never leak, but if you starting finding water where it shouldn’t be, call a plumber right away.
- Loud gurgling noises. Your plumbing will make some level of noises when the water is running, but it’s important to listen carefully for any unusual noises. If you start hearing loud gurgling sounds coming out of your plumbing, it’s usually an indicator that’s there’s trapped air somewhere inside your plumbing which could be coming from a clog somewhere.
- Cracks in the foundation. A home in need of a sewer repair should never be ignored, as a damaged sewer line left untreated can eventually lead to structural damage. Some of the most extreme results of a broken sewer line are cracks in your foundation or even sinkholes. If you’re good at maintaining your plumbing, it would be very rare for it to get this bad, but if you find cracks in your foundation, the problem could be with your sewer line.
- Foul odors. A functional sewer line should always be sealed airtight, meaning no water or gas should ever leak out. If however, you start smelling something foul coming out of your drains or around the house, there could be a crack somewhere in your sewer line.
- Lush patches of grass. If you notice your lawn is looking particularly green and lush this year that could be thanks to a septic leak. Plants thrive on sewage because it makes for a great fertilizer. Leaking sewage may be good for your lawn, but it’s bad news for your home and plumbing.
Don’t Wait Until Your Home Reeks of Sewage
A damaged sewer line is bad news, especially as it causes expensive damages to your plumbing and home. Luckily you can prevent a plumbing catastrophe, with routine maintenance done to your home’s plumbing and catching a sewer line problem early. If you suspect your sewer line is in need of a repair, don’t hesitate to call a plumber today. A licensed plumber will not safely repair your sewer line, but ensure your home remains sewage free.
Call the professionals at Papalia Plumbing & Heating to schedule your sewer repair service today!
