
A damaged sewer line can cause issues to pop up all over your home. Whether you’re noticing foul smells coming from your kitchen sink, changes to your backyard, or a sudden influx of critters and insects, it’s important to get ahead of the problem before it progresses. Keep reading to discover the most common signs of a damaged sewer line, the potential causes, and when replacement is necessary.
Common Signs of a Damaged Sewer Line
Sewer line damage can cause a handful of issues in and outside of your home. Knowing the warning signs to look for helps you get ahead of the problem early to prevent severe damage. If you notice any of the following, contact a professional as soon as possible:
- Sewage smells: If you begin to notice foul smells lingering throughout your home, your sewer line may be to blame. A backup or broken line can cause waste to seep into your home and fixtures, leading to a sudden onset of unpleasant odors.
- Gurgling noises: Another common sign of sewer line damage is gurgling noises coming from your toilet or drains after use. Trapped air can create these noises as it tries to escape a broken sewer line.
- Pest infestations: Broken sewer lines offer pests, insects, and rodents a direct route into your home. A crack or break in the line provides enough room for them to travel through the pipes and enter your house.
- Slow-moving drains: Clogs or blockages in your sewer line will slow the movement of water through your drains. If you notice standing water sitting in your sink after use, it’s best to contact a professional.
- Backup in your toilet or bathtub: If a clog or blockage prevents sewage from flowing through your pipes, it may eventually back up into your bathtub or toilet.
- A bright green lawn: Sewage contains nutrients that act as a natural fertilizer for your yard. If a break or crack allows it to escape, you’ll likely notice vibrant, lush grass patches on your property.
- Soggy patches in your yard: One of the top indicators of a damaged sewer line is soggy patches in your lawn. As sewage leaks out, it will begin to pool on your property.
Common Causes of Sewer Line Problems
From age to underground intrusions, sewer line issues can result from several factors compromising your pipes and wreaking havoc on your plumbing system. Some of the most common causes of sewer line problems include:
- Tree roots: One of the most common causes of sewer line issues is intruding tree roots. As the roots grow, they look for sources of moisture and nutrients, often finding it within your sewer line. They’ll begin to wrap around or break open your pipes, leading to clogs, backups, and collapse.
- Corrosion: Metal pipes will corrode over time due to exposure to moisture, soil, and waste. As corrosion weakens the pipes, it can lead to cracks, leaks, or even complete collapse.
- Blockages: Food debris, grease, hair, and other household items can build up in your line, restricting sewage flow and eventually causing a clog or blockage.
- Aging pipes: Depending on the pipe material, your sewer line will last between 50 and 100 years. If your pipes are nearing the end of their lifespan, they’ll begin to deteriorate and cause issues with your sewer line.
- Machinery: Whether doing yard work or major construction, using machinery above your sewer line can lead to serious problems. If equipment collides with the line, it can result in cracks, leaks, or severe damage to your pipes.
- Extreme weather: Severe weather, such as heavy rainfall or freezing temperatures, can cause soil to shift or put pressure on your sewer line, leading to cracks, blockages, and bursts.
When to Consider Sewer Line Replacement
While sewer line issues may feel like cause for panic, professionals can often fix minor problems with minimally invasive repair methods. If your sewer line is in overall good condition, small cracks, leaks, or minor blockages are relatively easy to remove with pipe lining or spot repairs. However, addressing these issues early on is essential to prevent them from worsening. You’ll likely need to replace the entire line if the damage becomes extensive.
Common issues that require sewer line replacement include:
- Severe root intrusion: Replacement is often necessary if tree roots have invaded and taken over your sewer line, causing extensive damage.
- Collapsed pipes: Over time, wear and tear cause your pipes to weaken and deteriorate. Eventually, they’ll collapse and cut off the flow of sewage, requiring immediate replacement.
- Extensive corrosion: Aging pipes often corrode over time, weakening and causing issues in your sewer line. If the corrosion is severe, repair likely won’t be sufficient.
- Constant blockages: If you’re constantly dealing with blocked or clogged pipes, there may be structural issues that require replacement.
- Aging pipes: If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing your sewer line will prevent reoccurring issues and ensure it continues to function correctly.
Call Ricky Heath for Sewer Line Service in Macon!
Whether warning signs are starting to show up around your home or your line has already reached the point of no return, the team at Ricky Heath is here for all your sewer line needs. We proudly offer expert sewer line repairs and replacements for residents in Macon and surrounding areas. Our fully certified technicians will thoroughly inspect your line to determine a lasting and cost-effective solution that keeps your home plumbing running smoothly for years to come.
Call us or book online to schedule a sewer line repair, replacement, or inspection today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tell if your main line is clogged?
The most common signs of a clogged main line are multiple clogged drains, slow-draining water, foul smells, and water backups in your shower and bathtub. If you notice any of these issues, contact our team for sewer line inspection.
Is a broken sewer line dangerous?
While many sewer line issues aren’t initially dangerous, they can become so if they aren’t addressed promptly. Ignoring sewer line problems can lead to flooding and water contamination, putting your household at risk of serious health hazards.
How much does it cost to fix a broken sewer line?
The cost to fix a broken sewer line depends on the type and extent of damage. Our team will inspect your line and provide an up-front estimate outlining the most cost-effective solution. We understand that sewer line repairs and replacement can be a significant investment, which is why we offer flexible financing plans designed to fit your budget.
How often should sewer lines be inspected?
You should schedule a professional sewer line inspection at least once per year. During the inspection, our technicians will assess the condition of your line and look for issues such as cracked sewer pipes, clogs, blockages, and corrosion. Regular inspections help you catch these issues before they progress and turn into costly problems.