How to Detect Sewer Line Issues
Suspect a sewer line problem? Sewer line issues can quickly lead to messy, costly problems if left unresolved. Here’s how to identify the warning signs of sewer trouble so you can act before it gets worse.
1. Slow Drains Throughout the Home
If multiple drains in your home are running slow—especially sinks, toilets, and showers—it may signal a clog in the main sewer line. While a single slow drain usually points to a localized clog, widespread drainage problems suggest a deeper blockage in the sewer line.
What to Watch For: Noticeably slow drainage in several areas, even after attempting typical unclogging methods like plunging.
2. Foul Odors
One of the most unmistakable signs of a sewer line issue is the smell of sewage or foul odors in your home or yard. Sewer lines are designed to carry wastewater away, so any smell coming from your drains, basement, or around your property often points to a leak or blockage.
What to Watch For: Persistent sewage smells near drains, in the basement, or outdoors close to sewer lines.
3. Frequent Backups and Clogs
A clog that repeatedly reoccurs in the same drain or multiple fixtures is often a sign of a deeper sewer line issue. Backups in places like toilets or bathtubs, especially when they occur together, often indicate a blockage in the main sewer line rather than an isolated issue.
What to Watch For: Water backing up into tubs or sinks when using the washing machine, flushing the toilet, or running other fixtures.
4. Lush or Soggy Patches in Your Yard
If you notice particularly green or soggy areas in your yard, it could be due to a leaking sewer line. When sewer pipes break, they can release wastewater into the soil, which acts as a fertilizer, creating lush patches or wet spots that don’t dry.
What to Watch For: Unusually green grass patches or areas of constant moisture in your yard, especially if these areas develop suddenly.
5. Foundation Cracks and Sinkholes
Severe sewer line leaks can lead to foundation damage over time. As leaking wastewater erodes the ground around it, you may start to notice cracks in your foundation or, in extreme cases, sinkholes in the yard.
What to Watch For: New or widening cracks along your home’s foundation, walls, or pavement near where the sewer line is located.
6. Pest Infestation
Rodents and insects are attracted to sewer lines, and they can find their way into your home through cracks or breaks in the pipes. A sudden increase in pests like rats or cockroaches could be a signal of a sewer line problem.
What to Watch For: An unusual surge in pests or rodents, especially near drains, basements, or crawl spaces.
7. Gurgling Noises in Drains
Hearing strange gurgling sounds from drains when running water or flushing the toilet can indicate air trapped in the plumbing due to a clog or blockage. This trapped air is often a sign that wastewater isn’t flowing smoothly, which can point to a sewer line issue.
What to Watch For: Gurgling or bubbling sounds from drains and toilets when using plumbing fixtures.
How Chisholm Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help
Sewer line problems can quickly lead to bigger issues, so it’s essential to have any warning signs inspected by a professional. Chisholm Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning offers reliable sewer line inspections and repairs, using advanced equipment to diagnose and resolve issues with minimal disruption. Our team can help restore your sewer line to peak performance, giving you peace of mind and a healthier home.
Concerned About Your Sewer Line? Schedule an Inspection Today!
If you’re noticing any of these signs, don’t wait to address a potential sewer line issue. Contact Chisholm Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning for a professional inspection. Our skilled team can pinpoint the problem and recommend the best solution. Reach out through our online form to schedule your inspection.