We need the
sewer lines in our homes to remove the wastewater from your domestic plumbing system and then into the municipal sewer line. The sewer lines are usually located under the ground in your yard. This keeps them safe from damage and protects them from bad weather. This works well, but it also means that when a problem arises, a professional plumber will be needed with the best, up to date equipment. In order to realize that you may have a problem with your sewer line, here are 5 signs that you need to look out for.
- Puddles in Your Yard:
Of course, it would be expected to see puddles in your yard after a heavy period of rainfall. That being said, if you’re noticing puddles during spells of good weather and there are no other puddles in your neighbor’s yard, there may be a problem. The water could be leaking from the sewer line and rising to the surface to form puddles.
- Strange Odors:
This may accompany the puddles mentioned above; it’s possible that you could notice strange odors. The sewer line is carrying wastewater and other contaminants out of your home to the city sewer line. This will include gas producing contaminants that will smell foul and be very obvious.
- Excessive Mold Growth:
When the sewer line becomes compromised, it can be reflected in other areas in your home. It’s not unusual to notice an increase in the growth of mold in the home and this will be accompanied by bacteria.
Black growths of spores are unsightly and present a serious health concern that needs to be addressed. Wear a mask when cleaning the mold away with bleach and then address the underlying issue by calling your plumber.
- An Explosion in Plant Growth:
You may notice that you have a great deal of new plant growth in your yard. This will usually be localized to the area above the sewer line leak. The plants are being attracted by the presence of an easy source of fertilizer to feed on. More robust plants or trees may even attempt to exploit smaller leaks in the sewer line by forcing roots into the pipe. This will make the leaks worse, while the plants seem to get thicker and healthier looking.
- Cracking Concrete:
When the liquid is released from the damaged sewer line, it can create an increase in pressure that can damage concrete. This could result in cracks in pools and porches located near the sewer line leaks. In extreme cases, even the concrete foundations of the house itself could be affected and require immediate attention. Cracks in the concrete take a while to develop, and they indicate a problem that has been ongoing for a long time.
These are all rough and ready ways to diagnose a sewer line leak for yourself. Of course,
a professional plumber will be needed to confirm these suspicions and ascertain how serious the problem is. A sewer line leak cannot be ignored, and the situation will only get worse over time. A professional diagnosis and repair should be carried out as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
