Your sewer line is responsible for removing waste and wastewater from your home, making it one of the most important elements of your plumbing system. Unfortunately, it is also prone to developing problems, especially if it is several decades old. Since your sewer line is buried underground, many sewer-related issues are hard to spot without calling a plumber for an inspection. Yet, there are signs of a failing sewer line that you might notice if you take the time to look. Here are a dozen signs to help you tell if your sewer line needs to be replaced.
1. You Have Multiple Clogged Drains
Everyone has to deal with a clogged drain at some point. A single clog is annoying, but it’s usually not something that can’t be cleared with a plunger or a plastic drain snake. On the other hand, multiple clogged drains in your home could be a sign of a clogged or damaged sewer line. This is not something that you can fix yourself, and the solution is almost always to replace the sewer line.
2. There Are Foul Odors Coming From Your Drains
If your sewer line is blocked or damaged, the sewage could back up into your home and create a foul odor, not unlike sulfur or rotten eggs. You’ll notice this smell coming from your drains even when you’re not using them. This can create a serious health hazard in your home, so don’t hesitate to call for help if this smell doesn’t go away or gets worse.
3. Sewage Is Backing up Into Your Home
If your sewer line blockage is severe enough, you might start to see sewage backing up through your drains and toilet. It will appear as dirty, murky water with a strong odor. Once again, this creates a serious health hazard for everyone in your household, so call a plumbing professional to discuss replacing your sewer line if you notice dirty water pooling around your drains.
4. You Hear Gurgling Sounds From Your Drains
Gurgling noises from your drains can be caused by gas trapped in your pipes, which may result from a clogged or damaged sewer line. If multiple drains in your home are gurgling, you should schedule an inspection for your sewer line, especially if you notice other signs from this list.
5. You Have Patches of Grass That Are Greener Than the Rest of Your Lawn
As much as you might love the idea of having a lush green lawn, keep an eye out for patches of grass that are greener than everything else in your yard. These patches of grass may be receiving more water from a leaky sewer line that needs to be replaced.
6. Your Yard Is Damp Even When It Hasn’t Rained
While we’re on the subject of green grass in your yard, you should also be on the lookout for patches of wet, spongy ground. Once again, this is a sign of a leaking sewer line. In fact, it’s likely that any leaks have gotten bad enough to practically turn your backyard into a swamp. This condition indicates that you need to replace your sewer line, especially if the damp ground has a foul odor.
7. You Have Sinkholes in Your Yard
A sinkhole can form when the ground can no longer support the weight of anything on it. They can form due to heavy rainfall or acidic water dissolving limestone underground, but they can also appear in your yard if your sewer line collapses. You’re essentially losing a load-bearing structure that has been buried in your yard for years, so it stands to reason that you’ll find a sinkhole or two.
8. You Have an Old Sewer Line
Sewer lines can last for up to 100 years, but they typically start to show their age after 50 years. While you’re not guaranteed to have problems with a 50-year-old sewer line, keep an eye out for other signs of trouble if your pipeline is at least that old. It might be time to replace it, even if your problems aren’t too severe, just to be on the safe side.
9. There Are Cracks in Your Foundation
Foundation cracks can be caused by various issues, including a damaged sewer line. Sewer lines are often located near building foundations, which can create cracks when they begin to collapse. You should always have your home inspected if you notice foundation cracks; however, don’t rule out sewer problems.
10. Your Drains Are Slow
Even if you don’t have clogged drains or obvious sewage backups, your sinks might drain very slowly if you have a failing sewer line. Like clogs, one slow drain usually isn’t cause for alarm, so look for multiple slow drains in your home.
11. You See Rodents and Insects Near Your Drains
Insects and rodents can travel through sewer lines and emerge through your drains. This obviously won’t happen if you have a healthy sewer line, but these tiny pests can fit into very small cracks if your line is leaking.
If you think your pest problem is related to your sewer line, pay attention to where you see the pests. If you spot them near your drains or actually see them coming from your drains, you might have a damaged sewer line that needs to be repaired or replaced.
12. You Have Mold or Mildew on Your Ceilings or Walls
Mold and mildew grow in warm, moist environments. This can include your home if you have water leaks or excessively high humidity. It can also occur if a sewer line leak is close to your house or if sewage is backing up through your drains. You will obviously need to have the mold removed from your home, but you also need to find the reason why you have mold growing in the first place. If you notice mold growth along with any of the other things we’ve talked about here, your sewer line might be to blame.
Call Baker & Sons Plumbing for Assistance
A collapsed or clogged sewer line can cause serious problems for your home. Fortunately, we at Baker & Sons Plumbing can repair or replace your line without much trouble, usually without having to dig a trench. Baker & Sons Plumbing has been providing plumbing services in Marion, IL, and the surrounding areas since 1986.
Naturally, these services include sewer line replacement. We are committed to providing all of our customers with the best service possible, and we will work closely with you to ensure that your home has a reliable sewer system. Since we know that sewer problems never happen on a convenient schedule, we are available at a moment’s notice, even on weekends, to diagnose and repair any issues you might have with your sewer line.
To learn more about our sewer replacement services or to schedule service for your home, contact Baker & Sons Plumbing at our Marion location today.
