The sewer line is a critical yet highly overlooked component of an efficient plumbing system. The sewer line transports wastewater from your property to the municipal sewer system or septic tank. Therefore, you cannot afford to have this component fail even for a day. Watch out for these signs that your sewer line is in danger so you can take action immediately.
Slow Drains
Slow drains signify clogs or blockage somewhere in the system. The clogs do not happen overnight, so if you are perceptive, you may notice the problem sooner. A range of factors may cause a sewer line blockage.
Excess Toilet Paper
While toilet paper can break down in the water, the breakage does not happen immediately. If you flush too much toilet paper at once, the toilet paper can accumulate and form a clog. The blockage can become worse over time and harm the sewer line.
Sewage Backup
A sewage backup occurs when the municipal sewer system is overloaded. As a result, the excess wastewater might flow back into your property through the drains. This problem primarily results from severe weather conditions or a broken pipe in the municipal sewer system. And in such a case, you must contact the municipal authorities to solve the problem.
A sewage backup is a severe health hazard. The water can contaminate your drinking water and threaten your health.
Tree Roots
Tree roots always search for moisture and nutrients in the sewer line. The roots will grow into the pipe and cause blockages. This problem is more common in older homes with clay pipes.
Foul Smells
You may think that since the sewer line carries all sorts of waste, foul odor from the pipes is normal. However, the sewer line features a tight seal that ensures the foul smells cannot escape. So, a sudden increase in odor from your drain signifies a problem with the sewer line.
Perhaps the sewer line has leaks, or the seals don’t function correctly. In any case, call a sewer line expert to inspect the system.
Sewer gas contains harmful toxins that can cause dizziness, headaches, and even death in high concentrations. Therefore, contact an emergency plumber as soon as you notice the foul smells for system inspection and repairs.
Soggy Spots in the Yard
You may notice soggy spots near the drains or close to the foundation of your property. The issue indicates sewer line leaks that allow water to escape and saturate the soil around the pipe.
Call a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing system and rule out the sewer line as the cause of the soggy spots. Remember that sewer line leaks can cause serious structural damage to your home if left untreated. Water can seep into the foundation and weaken the structure, which makes your property vulnerable to collapse.
Sudden Pest Infestation
Sewer line leaks provide the perfect breeding ground for pests such as cockroaches, rats, and mosquitoes. The pests attract insects, such as flies, and make your home unpleasant. If you notice any pests in your home, call a professional exterminator to eliminate the infestation.
Pests can cause various diseases, so take action immediately. Also, contact your plumber to check the root of the infestation. The expert can quickly establish if the sewer line is the culprit.
You should not take sewer line problems lightly, as they can cause severe health and safety hazards. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above,
contact us at Express Electrical Services for emergency plumbing inspection and repairs. We are committed to offering timely services so you can trust that we will be there when you need us.
