Sewer line problems are one of the most troublesome plumbing
issues homeowners can encounter. But you can save your house from the
inconveniences that sewer lines cause if you can recognize these issues before
they worsen and generate additional costs and inconveniences for your
household. Here are five major warning signs that you should contact
professionals.
1. Drainage Issues
Separated clogs in your house can signify that the drain in
the specific affected area is the issue. However, if you notice that multiple
drains are clogged, the issue is the sewer line. The most affected fixtures in
your house will be the low-lying ones, like your toilet and shower drain.
You should check these fixtures if you suspect that you
have a clog issue with your sewer line. Flush the toilet or pour water into the
shower drain to confirm your theory. If the water descends slowly or does not
descend at all, it is time to call a sewer line expert.
2. Uncomfortable Odors
Your sewer line generates significant foul gases that
anyone can notice if they are near it. Thus, the depth of the sewer line
protects your home from these gases. The scent of foul sewer odors is usually
an indicator of a flow issue caused by clogs that block your line and reverse
the gases into your house.
Also, the scent of mold can indicate structural integrity
issues with your sewer line. Cracked sewer lines can encourage the growth and
proliferation of mold near a leakage site. Thus, the scent of mold can quickly
alarm you of a possible leak in your sewer system.
3. Unusual Reactions
Suppose you notice irregular sounds and actions from your
drainage systems and fixtures. In that case, you can consider the possibility
of sewer line issues in your house. Assess the integrity of any fixtures that
drain water into the sewer line.
For example, if the toilet does not flush properly or
gurgles, the reaction indicates a drain issue. If a sink close to the toilet
causes the toilet to flush improperly, it can also signify clogs in the drain
pipes. Finally, a washing machine that overflows the toilet also highlights
blockage.
4. Wet Spots on the Lawn
Underground sewers with leak problems might not immediately
show signs perceptible to a homeowner. One direct sign that might point out a
sewer line leakage or break is wet spots in the lawn.
These wet spots occur when an external factor damages or
collapses the sewer line. For example, tree roots can puncture the sewer line,
which can cause the line to leak. Thus, the wet spots accumulate from the water
that rises to the surface from the sewer line.
5. Water Backflow
Water backflow in multiple fixtures highlights drainage
issues, especially clogs inside the sewer line. However, not all backflows
indicate an issue with the sewer line. For example, backflow generated when you
use the sink only shows that the problem is in the sink specifically.
However, if you flush your toilet and an adjacent sink gets
filled with water, the connection shows that the issue is in the drainage line.
Also, the backflow might cause showers and tubs to fill up since the blockage
affects the whole drainage system.
Sewer line problems can happen to anyone. And without an
experienced plumber, you are in for a mess. Fortunately, you can rely on Lewis Plumbing
to
assess and resolve any sewer line issues you experience. Also, we carry out
maintenance services for sewer lines to prevent sewer line problems. Contact us
today to book an appointment if you reside in or near Santa Barbara,
California.
