Tag Archives: broken sewer line

Jan '24

How to Know If a Sewer Line Is Broken

Curbing the complications of plumbing issues begins with understanding your system’s health. Therefore, you need to be aware of how to know if a sewer line is broken. Detecting early signs of these problems is key to preventing potential disasters!

Common causes of sewer line damage

Various sewer line problems can arise from various sources, making it essential for homeowners to be aware of common causes of damage. One frequent culprit is tree root infiltration, as tree roots naturally seek out water sources and can invade pipes, causing blockages and cracks. Aging pipes and corrosion are also common issues, with older materials like cast iron or clay deteriorating over time. Ground shifting and settling due to factors like earthquakes or soil erosion can also put stress on pipes, leading to misalignment or breakage. Blockages caused by debris, grease buildup, or flushing non-flushable items can lead to backups, too. Lastly, poor installation or lack of maintenance can exacerbate these problems. Recognizing these causes can help homeowners take proactive steps to prevent damage and avoid costly repairs.

Smells and odors

Smells and odors in your home can be telltale signs to know if a sewer line is broken. Foul sewer odors, whether inside or outside, are something you need to react to. These odors often indicate a leak or blockage in your plumbing. If you notice a sewage smell coming from your drains or toilets, it’s a clear signal of a plumbing issue that needs immediate attention. These odors can also pose health risks, so addressing them promptly is crucial. Detecting sewer gas leaks, which can contain harmful substances like methane, is also important for your safety. If you experience any of these odorous symptoms, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber to camera inspect your sewer line and take the necessary steps to rectify things.

Slow drains and backups

Dealing with slow drains and frequent backups can be frustrating and may indicate underlying sewer line issues in your home. When sinks, bathtubs, or showers drain slowly, it’s often a sign of partial blockages in the sewer line. Toilet backups and gurgling noises can also point to problems further down the pipeline. However, it’s essential to differentiate between localized and widespread issues. Localized problems may be due to clogs within a single fixture, while widespread issues suggest a more significant concern with your entire system. Ignoring these signs can lead to more severe plumbing problems and potential damage to your property. If you experience slow drains or backups regularly, it’s wise to consult a professional plumber who can diagnose the issue.

gurgling drains is a sign your sewer line is broken.

When you hear bubbling or gurgling sounds, it’s usually a sign of trapped air or blockages within the pipes.

Unusual noises and gurgling

Unusual noises and gurgling sounds in your plumbing system are clear indicators of potential sewer line problems. When you hear bubbling or gurgling sounds, it’s usually a sign of trapped air or blockages within the pipes. These noises occur as the air gets displaced or when water encounters obstructions. Investigate promptly, as these noises may be a precursor to more severe sewer line damage. In some cases, they can also be accompanied by slow drains, backups, or foul odors.

Visible sewage in your yard

Spotting visible sewage in your yard is a concerning situation that demands immediate attention. When you notice soggy or flooded areas in your outdoor space, you can be sure there’s trouble. These sewage leaks can pose health risks and damage your property, so addressing the issue promptly is crucial. Conducting a dye test can help confirm the source of the problem and determine whether it’s related to your sewer line. In situations like this, it’s not just about fixing the sewage problem; it’s also crucial to safeguard your belongings, especially those in vulnerable areas like basements or ground-level rooms. In such cases, you need to find a moving company that can act quickly and reliably, such as Brooklyn Movers New York. Choosing them means you’re opting for a company that understands the urgency and sensitivity of such situations. Their experience in handling delicate moves ensures that your belongings are in safe hands, allowing you to focus on addressing the sewage issue without the added stress of safeguarding your possessions. They offer prompt and efficient services with well-trained teams that would allow you to get your items out of your basement or ground-level rooms before the sewage can get in and destroy them.

Pest and rodent infestations

Pest and rodent infestations often go hand in hand with sewer line problems, posing additional concerns for homeowners. When something damages your plumbing and causes leaking, it can attract pests and rodents like rats and cockroaches looking for a water source and food. These unwanted guests can enter your home through the cracks or openings, seeking refuge and multiplying rapidly. Signs of infestations such as droppings, gnawed wires, and unusual pet behavior are all something you should immediately react to, as they may indicate an issue. Addressing both the infestation and the underlying problem is crucial. So, seeking the services of a professional pest control company can help eliminate the pests, while a licensed plumber can assess and repair your plumbing to prevent future infestations.

Cracks and sinkholes

Cracks in your foundation or basement walls and sinkholes in your yard are critical signs of potential sewer line issues. These structural anomalies can significantly stress your plumbing, potentially leading to leaks or breaks. In such cases, it’s essential to contact an emergency plumber immediately. Delaying the response can exacerbate the problem and result in more extensive damage. These issues may also compromise the safety of your home’s foundation.

High water bills

If you’ve noticed sudden spikes in your water bills without an apparent cause, it can be a way to know if a sewer line is broken. High water bills can often indicate an underlying issue with your plumbing system. A hidden water leak within the sewer line can lead to continuous water usage, causing your bills to inflate significantly. Monitoring your water bills and seeking professional help when you notice unusual increases is crucial. A licensed plumber can perform a thorough inspection, using specialized equipment to detect the source of the underground leak. By addressing these issues promptly, you save on your water bills and prevent potential water damage to your property.

Professional inspection and diagnosis

When it comes to your sewer line and plumbing system, sometimes DIY attempts to know if a sewer line is broken won’t cut it. Therefore, it’s crucial to hire a professional to check things out. Licensed plumbers have the expertise and specialized equipment necessary to conduct a thorough inspection and diagnosis. They can identify hidden issues, assess the condition of your plumbing, and determine the extent of any damage.

Know if a sewer line is broken to make the right plumbing moves

Recognizing the signs of a damaged sewer line is essential to maintain a trouble-free plumbing system. Staying vigilant and acting promptly can save you time, money, and the headache of dealing with severe issues. Now that you know how to recognize if a sewer line is broken, don’t hesitate to seek professional sewer line repair, ensuring the longevity and reliability of your plumbing system!

Jun '23

The Do’s and Dont’s of Tending to Your Sewer Line

The sewer line is an essential component of any plumbing system that connects your house’s drains to the municipal sewer system. It is often overlooked until it starts to malfunction, causing massive inconvenience, costly repairs, and health hazards. Sewer line maintenance is vital to ensure your plumbing system functions efficiently, minimizing the possibility of nasty and costly sewer backups. In this article, we will outline the do’s and don’ts of tending to your sewer line and how to prevent potential damage.

The Do’s of Tending to Your Sewer Line

1. Schedule Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance of your sewer line are crucial for identifying potential problems before they escalate. A licensed plumber should camera inspect your main sewer line annually or bi-annually. During the inspection, they can identify blockages, cracks, corrosion, and tree root intrusion that could potentially damage your sewer line.

The plumber can also conduct a hydro jetting service, which involves the use of high-pressure water and special equipment to clear any debris or tree roots that may have infiltrated your sewer line, causing clogs or slow drainage.

2. Use Sewer-Friendly Products

The products you use in your home can affect your sewer line’s health. Using toilet paper that dissolves quickly, for example, can prevent clogging of the sewer line. Also, avoid throwing non-biodegradable items like sanitary pads, tampons, and baby wipes down the toilet as they can cause blockages and damage your sewer line.

When it comes to drain-cleaning products, avoid harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes. Instead, use natural agents like vinegar and baking soda to clean your drains and prevent clogs.

3. Locate and Mark Your Sewer Line

Knowing where your sewer line is buried can help prevent damage during landscaping and other outdoor activities. It would be best to locate and mark your sewer line to avoid accidental damage from digging, planting trees or shrubs, or installing new structures in your yard.

4. Dispose of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Properly

When it comes to FOG, it is essential to dispose of them properly. FOG can solidify in your pipes, causing clogs and eventually damaging your sewer line. Instead, allow grease to solidify in a container and dispose of it in the trash.

5. Consider Hiring a Professional Plumber

While there are DIY methods for unclogging your sewer line, it is more advisable to hire a professional plumber. An experienced plumber has specialized tools, training, and expertise to identify problems and fix them correctly. DIY methods can cause further damage and expensive repairs down the line.

a man planting tress away from his sewer line.

Tree roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients found in sewer lines, causing cracks and blockages that lead to sewer backups.

The Don’ts of Tending to Your Sewer Line

1. Do Not Plant Trees or Shrubs Near Your Sewer Line

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer backups and line damage. Tree roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients found in sewer lines, causing cracks and blockages that lead to sewer backups. When planting trees or shrubs, ensure that they are at least ten feet away from the sewer line.

2. Do Not Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners can cause more harm than good to your sewer line. The harsh chemicals can corrode the pipes over time, causing leaks and cracks. Additionally, these chemicals do not always remove the entire clog, resulting in stubborn blockages that require professional attention.

3. Do Not Use Your Toilet as a Garbage Disposal

As mentioned earlier, avoid throwing non-biodegradable items down the toilet. Your toilet is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper, nothing else. Other items like feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, dental floss, and even cotton swabs can cause blockages, leading to sewer backups and costly repairs.

4. Do Not Pour FOG Down the Drain

FOG should not be poured down the drain as it can cause clogs and damage your sewer line. Instead, allow grease to solidify and dispose of it in the trash.

5. Do Not Ignore the Signs of Sewer Line Damage

Ignoring the signs of sewer line damage can lead to significant and expensive repairs. Signs of a damaged sewer line include slow drainage, gurgling noises, sewage odors, and sewer backups. If you notice any of these signs, call a licensed plumber immediately to assess the damage and prevent further complications.

In conclusion, tending to your sewer line is vital to ensure your plumbing system functions efficiently and lasts longer. The do’s and don’ts of sewer line maintenance can prevent blockages, leaks, clogs, and other potential damages that could lead to costly and messy repairs. By adhering to these guidelines, you can keep your sewer line healthy and free-flowing for many years.

Jun '22

5 Ways to Handle a Broken Sewer Line

The sewer line that runs beneath the ground in your home is the vital connection between your home’s plumbing system and the city’s main sewer line in the street, says State Property Management LLC. This pipe transports all the wastewater from your home into the municipal wastewater management system.

Sewer pipes are tough enough to withstand pressure and the other forces underground pipes are subject to. They can work for many years without any signs of trouble. But this is not to say that the sewer line or pipe in your home cannot get broken because they can.

Several things can break your home’s sewer line. Five of the most common ones are:

Soil movements

The soil surrounding the underground pipe may shift. This most common form of soil movement is called settling. When the soil around the pipe settles, it creates a dip along the line. Over time, the buildup can occur in this downward slope, leading the pipe to eventually break.

Poor installation

If the pipe is not installed with the proper downward slope, the possibility of clogs and blockages becomes higher. Sewer pipes with an inaccurate downward slope will ultimately break. Substandard piping materials will also lead to the failure of the sewer line.

Damage by tree roots

If there are trees or shrubs in the vicinity of the line, their roots can endanger the sewer pipes. Tree roots may penetrate sewer pipes in a bid to access the nutrient-rich water inside them. If this happens, the pipe will not only break but will be blocked by plant roots.

Aging pipes

Pipes become more predisposed to damage with age. This is the accumulated result of years of wear and tear. Some kinds of pipe materials such as metal pipes are more prone to damage than others. Old sewer lines will leak and clog more often than newer ones.

Abusing the sewer line

Homeowners often assume the sewer line is capable of handling anything they throw at it. As a result, they dump grease, fats, oils, and other materials into the line. Anything other than human waste and toilet paper inside your sewer lines can result in the pipes breaking.

How can you tell if your sewer line is broken and what should you do to solve the problem?

Common signs of a damaged sewer line include:

The odor of sewer from the drain or around the yard.
Lush green areas in the yard, distinct from other parts of the yard.
Puddles of water or soft spots in the yard that are not caused by rain or irrigation.

If you notice these problems in your home, you may suspect a crack in your sewer line. What can you do if the sewer pipe is broken?

Having Your Sewer Line Repaired by a Professional Plumbing Company is Your Best Bet

How to handle a broken sewer pipe

A broken sewer pipe will not only interfere with your use of the home’s plumbing, but it can also endanger the health of your family. If left unattended, the damage will become more extensive and more costly to repair. Eventually, it can even compromise the city’s sewer lines.

Here are ways to handle a broken sewer line:

Locate the damaged pipe

Pinpointing the location of the damaged pipe makes it easier to assess the damage and determine the best way to solve the problem. If the pipe is in the crawlspace or basement, finding the damaged section is easier. Otherwise, you will need a professional plumber to conduct a video camera inspection of the sewer line.

Evaluate the damage

The camera inspection will tell you the extent of the damage. If you are lucky, and a small section of the sewer line is damaged and the damaged portion is within easy reach. The evaluation will also identify the root cause of the pipe damage and recommend the best way to repair or replace the sewer line.

Repair or replace the sewer line

Depending on the cause of the problem and how far it has gone, you have two courses of action open to you. On one hand, you may only have to repair the damaged section of the pipe. On the other hand, you may need to replace your entire sewer line.

Fix the pipe

To repair the damaged pipe, you have two options. The first method involves excavation: digging a trench in your yard to reach, retrieve, and replace the damaged pipe. This method is invasive, time-consuming, and expensive. You will also have to fix your damaged landscaping afterward.

The second option is a trenchless method that does not involve excavation. Instead of digging up your lawn, the section of the damaged pipe is repaired by relining it. This method is quick and effective. It is the recommended fix for your broken sewer line.

Replace the sewer line

This is the final and costliest option. This solution should only be applied if it is not possible to fix the broken line. Most times you will only need to replace an entire sewer line if the pipes are old and deteriorating or there have been significant shifts in the soil surrounding the pipes.