A broken sewer line is not something you want to ignore. Property damage, sewage backup, and potential health risks are all possible if your blocked or damaged sewer line isn’t fixed right away.
The sewer line is the underground pipe that carries all your wastewater from the home to the sewer system. Four of the most common signs of a broken sewer line include multiple slow drains, foul smells inside the house, mold or mildew in the basement, and an increased presence of pests.
Plumbing-related issues aren’t always easy to spot – especially ones that occur underground. But with this list, hopefully, you may be able to tell if you have a broken sewer line or something more (or less) serious.
Slow drains
A slow drain in one fixture usually means you have a simple clog that can be resolved with a plunger or drain snake. However, When you have more than one fixture draining slowly in your home, it’s a telltale sign that the blockage is deeper in your plumbing system – usually the sewer line.
Weird odor or gassy smell
If you have a broken sewer line, your nose will tell you. There should never be smells of any kind coming from your drains. What you may be smelling could be toxic sewer gas that is slowly but surely making its way into other areas of your home.
Mold and mildew
If you see any mold and mildew spreading rapidly throughout your home, especially the basement, it could be due to a water or sewage backup from a broken sewer line.
Crawlers and critters
Are you noticing a sudden uptick of bugs and rodents? It could be a sign of a broken sewer line. Rodents often live in the sewers. However, they can make themselves at home in your home by squeezing through the smallest cracks in the sewer line. Likewise, insects see a cracked drainpipe as their perfect breeding ground due to the stagnant water. This allows insects to multiply rapidly.
Sewer line repair and replacement
If you’re experiencing one or more of the things on this list, it’s time to bring in Rick’s Plumbing to inspect your sewer line. We’ll provide honest recommendations on whether your sewer line can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. Schedule an appointment today at (203) 874-6629.