10 Signs of a Damaged Sewer Pipe You Shouldn’t Ignore

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A-Broken-Sewer-Line

Sometimes, your home has a mysterious way of signaling trouble, particularly with its plumbing. It might not be as overt as a burst pipe flooding your basement, but the signs are there, whispering “Something’s not right down here.” When it comes to your sewer line, these whispers can quickly turn into a shout if not addressed in time. Solace Plumbing Heating and Air is on a mission to help you spot these sneaky signs before they evolve into a full-scale plumbing drama.

1. That Not-So-Sweet Smell

Ever catch a whiff of something that definitely doesn’t smell like roses—or anything else pleasant—around your home or yard? That could be a telltale sign your sewer line is compromised. Sewer gases escaping from cracks or holes in the pipes don’t just offend your nose; they signal it’s time for a check-up.

2. The Mystery of the Gurgling Toilets

There’s nothing quite like the eerie sound of gurgling coming from your toilet when no one’s using it. It’s not ghostly plumbing; it’s likely a blockage in your sewer line causing air bubbles. Think of it as your toilet trying to tell you something important.

3. Slow Drains Throughout the House

A slow drain can happen, but when every sink, shower, and tub in the house takes forever to clear, it’s not a coincidence; it’s a symptom. Your sewer line might be telling you about a blockage that’s affecting the whole system.

4. Water Pooling Where It Shouldn’t

Notice water pooling on your lawn or around your foundation, especially when it hasn’t rained? This unwanted water feature could be courtesy of a sewer line leak, providing an impromptu (and unappreciated) irrigation system.

5. Lush Patches in the Lawn

Similar to unexpected water pooling, if parts of your lawn suddenly seem greener or more vigorous, it might be feasting on an underground sewer line leak. It’s sewer line problems masquerading as a gardening success.

6. Unexplained Increases in Your Water Bill

An inexplicably high water bill might be your sewer line’s way of waving a red flag. While the leak itself might be in the sewer line, the extra water usage (or the water used to compensate for decreased efficiency) can spike your costs.

7. Frequent Backups or Clogs

Finding yourself reaching for the plunger more often than not? Frequent backups, especially in the lowest points of your home, can indicate a sewer line struggling against blockages or damage.

8. Pest Problems

An increase in pests like rodents or insects can be due to a break in your sewer line. These critters are attracted to the moisture and easy access to your home through cracked pipes.

9. Cracks in Foundation or Walls

Water from a leaking sewer line can cause your foundation to settle or crack, a serious sign that the damage is already affecting your home’s structural integrity.

10. The Sound of Running Water

Hearing the sound of water running when all taps are off could indicate a leak in your sewer line, allowing water to escape continuously into the ground.

Caught any of these signs? It might be time to give us a call at Solace Plumbing Heating and Air 

Identifying these early warnings can be the difference between a simple repair and a major overhaul of your plumbing system. Our team at Solace Plumbing Heating and Air specializes in diagnosing and fixing damaged sewer pipes, ensuring your home remains a safe and comfortable haven.

Don’t let a sneaky sewer line issue turn into a homeowner’s horror story. Contact us for expert sewer line repair and cleaning services. Let’s tackle those silent signals head-on, keeping your home’s plumbing in top shape and giving you peace of mind.