Signs Your Sewer Is In Need of Repair

Your home’s sewer line is an integral but often-ignored part of your plumbing. All the drains in your home connect to a single output line, which in turn funnels your home’s wastewater into the municipal sewer system. However, your home’s sewer line is typically much smaller than the main line under the street, making it more prone to clogs. Tree roots can also cause sewer line problems if they penetrate the drain line and cause cracks and leaks. Learning to recognize the signs that your sewer is in need of repair will help you prevent damage to your home caused by sewage backups or leaks. Contact your Santa Rosa plumber immediately if you suspect your sewer line is clogged or damaged.

Sewage Backups

One of the most common and easily-identifiable signs of a sewer line problem is sewage backup into your home. A sewage backup may be large or small; major overflows can cause significant damage and even pose a health risk to your family if not addressed properly. However, even small backups are indicative of trouble. If you have one or more drains backing up in your home when you flush the toilet or use your washing machine or dishwasher, it’s time to call your plumber to inspect your home’s drains and sewer line. It’s important to note that even if drains don’t actually back up, you may hear a gurgling noise or see bubbles forming in your toilet after you flush it. These are also indications of a sewer line clog that must be addressed by a plumber.

Foul Odors

Damaged sewer lines can sometimes allow sewage gases to seep into your home. If you smell a foul odor that appears to be coming from one of your drains, it’s likely a sign of a sewer line problem. You may also notice a foul odor outside if raw sewage is leaking into the ground around your home. These odors are generally not harmful, but they can affect your home’s comfort and appeal. Contact your plumber as soon as possible to find the source of the odor and correct the issue.

Spongy Ground

When a sewer line beneath your yard becomes damaged, it can lean and allow wastewater to escape into your yard. The most common causes of damaged sewer lines are tree roots and changes in the ground beneath your home over time that warp or crack your drains. This kind of damage often causes a spongy or wet spot to form in your lawn. You may also see areas of dense plant overgrowth that are associated with excessive water leaking into your yard. If you notice these signs, it’s important to contact a plumber and show him where you suspect the damage is occurring. He can use a video system to follow your sewer line and find the exact area that is damaged to make repairs.

Sewer line issues will only grow in severity with time, causing more damage to your home or yard. If you need sewer repairs or other plumbing assistance in Santa Rosa, visit our website to reach a Mr. Rooter plumber 24/7. Take a look through the articles on our blog for more timely plumbing tips and tricks to protect your home.