Many homeowners find that living in an area supplied with a municipal
sewer line offers a number of advantages. You don’t need to worry about properly maintaining your own septic tank, as your wastewater is immediately transported off your property. If your home has a municipal sewer line, you are likely to be responsible for the line until it connects to the main line at the street. Your city is usually responsible for handling repair and maintenance of the line from the street connection all the way to the sewer treatment plant. Unfortunately, sewer lines are not indestructible, and if you have an issue with the line on your property, you will need to take care of the repair. Sewer line issues can be caused by tree root intrusion, an accumulation of debris or even decay due to old age. So, how do you know if you have a sewer line repair issue? Here are four indications of a problem.
The Water Level in Your Toilet Bowl Varies:
An often overlooked indication of a sewer line problem is when the water level in your toilet bowl changes from day to day. When the water level seems normal at times, but overly empty or full at other times, it could be an indication of a sewer line repair issue. This problem may be caused by a clog in the sewer line, so if you notice the water level inside your toilet bowl varies, you need to have your sewer line inspected as soon as possible.
Water is Draining Slowly:
If you notice that your shower, sink or bathtub is draining far more slowly than it should, you may have a sewer line problem. When drains are emptying slowly, it can be tempting to try to use a chemical drain cleaning product to try to clear the line. Unfortunately, many of these products are too harsh for older pipes and can cause significant damage. Additionally, you will be introducing potentially dangerous chemicals into the local water supplies. In a best case scenario, a chemical drain cleaning product is just a temporary solution to an underlying problem. Before you resort to this questionable treatment, it is better to consult a professional plumber who will have more effective methods of removing any clogs.
Increasing Pest Problem:
If you have noticed signs of rodents or insects on your property, it could be an indication of a damaged sewer line. A broken pipe can attract mice, rats, and insects, so it is worth trying to determine if this is the underlying problem.
Unpleasant Odor:
Finally, a sure sign of damaged sewer line is the distinct odor of sewage around your home or yard. It is possible to notice the telltale stink in your basement, bathroom or even a sinkhole in your yard. If you notice the smell of sewage anywhere around your yard or home, it is important to call in a plumber immediately.
If you suspect that there may be a sewer line repair issue on your property, it is important to have it checked as soon as possible. A broken line can cause flooding of wastewater into your property, which can cause significant damage and pose a health risk. Fortunately, a
professional plumber has the experience and skills to check your system and determine if a repair is needed.
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 solutions.
