Sewer line repairs can get messy quickly if a problem is left untreated for too long. Burst sewer lines can even require digging to fix the issue if it gets to bad. In addition to lawn damage, you can end up with an increase of vermin, bad smells, higher water bills, and disgusting mold growth if the problem is allowed to fester. To help prevent this damage, here are a few telltale signs of blocked or burst sewage lines that you should be aware of!
5 Signs Of Blocked Or Burst Sewage Lines
- The water level in your toilet may begin to drain over the course of a few hours. If you’ve began to notice lower levels of water in your toilet, it may be time to call a plumber to rule out sewer pipe bursting.
- You may also begin to notice a build up of white scum around drains in your basement. This is caused by water backing up around the drain and either drying out or slowly draining again.
- Bathtubs and sinks may begin to take a longer time to drain completely. While this could point to a clog in your own pipes, it may also indicate a burst pipe underground.
- Another sign could be a sewer smell in your basement that seems to be coming from the drains. This is not only disgusting to smell, but over time it can actually make you sick!
- You may also notice toilets clogging more and more frequently, in addition to sinks backing up. While this could also point to easier to fix issues, it’s best to rule out the worst just in case.
A burst sewage line can additionally create pooling sewer water in both your basement and yard. This can result in thousands of dollars in damage that no homeowner wants to have to face. Another exterior sign could be unusually green patches of grass, this is due to the leaking sewage acting as a fertilizer; however, after time it will cause damage to your lawn, so don’t just think you’re in for greener grass.
Sewer repair is often needed due to aging; however, one of the largest contributors to burst sewage lines is tree roots. As a homeowner make sure you know where your main line is running, and take note of any trees that surround it. Know that these might cause issues in the future as the roots expand and cause damage to the pipes underground. Because roots natural grow to reach new water sources, this is something to keep an eye on if you don’t plan on removing any of the trees or bushes.
One easy prevention option is root killer. When combined with regular maintenance, it can help keep roots away from your mainline and prevent any burst sewage lines in the future. If you have any questions and concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a plumber. They will be more than happy to offer advice or come out for a quick inspection. This can help keep your line in good condition, and prevent you from suffering any plumbing headaches in the future.