Is My Sewer Line Broken?
It can be hard for an inexperienced homeowner to tell the difference between the signs of a clogged sewer line and one that is broken and needs to be repaired. In this article, the plumbing experts at Clarke & Rush present some of the telltale signs that can alert you to the possibility that your sewer line is broken. If you notice any of the following signs, contact your local Sacramento plumber to prevent additional damage to the sewer line.
Lush Patches of Grass
If you notice that a section of your lawn is more green, thriving and lusher than other parts, chances are a sewer or water line is broken in that area. The water and the nutrients carried in a sewer line make very good fertilizer for plants, so when the line breaks, the grass in that area of the breakage will be lusher than the rest of your yard.
Don’t ignore fixing the broken sewer line because you think your lawn is benefitting. If the problem persists for long, additional costlier issues could develop, such as the risk of disease outbreaks due to the pathogens thriving in the leaking sewage. Ask your local plumber to take a look and execute the needed sewer line repairs as soon as possible.
An Infestation of Insects and Rodents
We asked our friends, Tureks Plumbing, plumbers in Appleton WI, about signs of possible sewer line damage. They said that sewer line damage to contend with is increased insect and rodent activity in your home. When a sewer line is broken, rodents and insects easily crawl through the broken section and enter the sewer pipe. These pests will then find their way into your home, and that will be the beginning of a previously nonexistent pest and rodent infestation.
If you have pests and rodents in your home and everything you do to contain the problem doesn’t seem to help, it might be time to contact a Clarke & Rush plumber to inspect the sewer and general plumbing system for damage.
Wall and Foundation Cracks
It is normal for a building to develop cracks in its foundation and walls as it settles. However, if these cracks develop out of the blue, then there is a possibility that a water or sewer line has broken. That water or sewage released by that damage may be washing away sections of the underpinnings of the foundation, hence the cracks. It might be worthwhile to have a complete inspection done to establish what exactly is causing the cracks. If it is established that a sewer line break is responsible, then Clarke & Rush can provide the expertise and tools needed to repair the damage.
Mold and Mildew
When you see spots on the floors, ceilings, and walls, there is a water or sewer line that has broken and is leaking onto those surfaces. If this problem isn’t brought to the attention of a Sacramento plumber promptly, the defect will worsen and cause extensive damage to the exterior, interior, and even foundation of the home.
A Soggy Lawn
This sign is closely related to inexplicably lush pockets of vegetation in your yard. However, when a sewer or water line break is large enough, the water can saturate the ground above the affected pipe and cause the soil there to be soggy.
This soggy soil can start being washed away by the water, and depressions will develop around the area of the damaged sewer or water pipe. The soggy part of the lawn becomes unusable until your local plumber fixes the damage and the soil dries once no more excess water is infiltrating it.
Gurgling Toilets
Does your toilet gurgle each time you flush it? This may be a pointer that a sewer line is broken and the air is finding its way into the sewer pipe. As this trapped air escapes, it causes a gurgling sound to emanate from the flowing wastewater. Get a Clarke & Rush plumber on it ASAP so that sewage doesn’t start backing up as the problem worsens.
Have you observed one of the signs above and you suspect that your sewer line may be broken? Give us a call at Clarke & Rush, and we will send one of our experienced plumbers to inspect and fix the problem cost-effectively.
