6 Signs That Your Home’s Sewer Line Has a Problem

Owning a home has its benefits, such as enjoying privacy and the convenience of using at-home commodities. Because our homes provide for us, it’s only fitting that we do the same for them by making necessary maintenance and repairs whenever possible.

One vital aspect of any home is the plumbing system. If a home’s plumbing system is compromised, water won’t run in your house. Clogged and broken sewer lines usually start small but can cause more significant problems later on. 

Additionally, there are also chances of the water running in your home getting contaminated, which is an invitation for mold and bacterial growth. To top it all off, there’s also the matter of backed-up sinks and toilets.

The good news is that you can spot issues with your sewer line early on so you can call for repairs. What are these signs? We’re here to tell you what you need to know—read on below to learn more.

#1 – You Deal With Backups Often

You know how you expect water to go down the drain whenever you flush, but it doesn’t and instead goes back up? That’s a plumbing backup. A clogged toilet may be caused by too much paper, but it’s typically nothing to worry about. However, it’s a different story if large clogs build up over time. 

The most obvious reason to prevent this is to stop putting things that don’t belong in a toilet, such as feminine hygiene products and wet wipes—the latter is crucial since most wet wipes don’t disintegrate very quickly.

#2 – Your Tubs and Sinks Drain Slowly

Other plumbing fixtures in your home, such as sinks and bathtubs, drain out of the same sewer pipe as the toilets. 

Since it goes down the same drain, there’s a chance that your tubs and sinks will drain slowly—the worst-case scenario is that they can experience the same backup issues that toilets go through. If your tub or sink has a clog, it’s best to have it removed as soon as possible.

#3 – You Smell a Foul Odor

A sewage backup tends to bring on contaminated waste, such as decomposing organic matter. If you or someone in your household has a sharp sense of smell, it’s easily detectable as a foul odor that emanates from the drains whenever they’re used—and it’s never a pretty sight. 

A clean sewer line ensures that you won’t have this problem. If someone comes to repair your sewer line, make sure to mention it because cleaning agents will also be applied on top of removing the clog.

#4 – You See Lush Spots on Your Lawn

Homeowners whose homes have a lawn tend to revel in its beauty. However, the problem occurs when some spots in a lawn have grass that grows faster than most of the area.

Aside from your home, sewer lines can also run underneath your lawn. If these sewer lines break, water leaks. Unfortunately, the water may contain organic materials that can act as a fertilizer, making certain grass spots grow.

If there are wet areas on your lawn, it’s a clear indication that you have a sewer line problem. 

#5 – You Have Pest Control Problems

Aside from plumbing leaks, cracked pipes can also be a way for pests to infiltrate your sewage system. If these pests do this, the water running through your home will be contaminated, which can cause health problems. 

When it comes to pest control, it’s best to seek the help of professionals. Some pests can be dangerous to deal with on your own, as they can come with various diseases. 

#6 – You Hear Gurgling Sounds

A drain with no clogs allows water to flow through it without making too much noise. While you can hear gurgling or bubbling sounds as water goes down the drain, it’s a different story if you hear these sounds for more than at least 5 seconds.

Gurgling or bubbling sounds are a clear indication that your sewer line is experiencing problems. The most common problem is that tree roots are going through the pipes. To get around this problem, it’s best to get the affected pipes repaired or replaced with newer and sturdier materials.

Conclusion

Plumbing problems can be daunting, but you can prevent them at the first signs of damage. The signs outlined above are what you should keep an eye out for, so make sure that you call professional repair services once you spot them.

Sir Williams Drainage and Waterproofing Solutions take pride in providing quality drainage solutions in Michigan. Your home must always be in peak condition, and that includes its internal mechanisms such as plumbing. If you run into any problems, we’ll be there to help. Contact us today to learn more!

Sir Williams Gardens in Michigan can help you with your interior or exterior flooding issues.

We provide drainage, waterproofing, and landscaping services in the following towns:

  • Plymouth, MI
  • Canton, MI
  • Northville, MI
  • Novi, MI
  • Livonia, MI
  • Salem, MI
  • Farmington, MI
  • Farmington Hills, MI
  • Ypsilanti, MI
  • Westland, MI
  • Van Buren TWP, MI