Sewer lines are underground pipes that transport sewage from residential and commercial properties to an assigned treatment plant. They are commonly installed in basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Since sewer line systems are underground, they can easily go unnoticed. Being out of sight and out of mind means you hardly notice when they start malfunctioning.
The main sewer line is responsible for keeping the sanitary standards in your building. When up and running, this plumbing line takes all the waste drained from pipes connected to your toilets, sinks, and tubs and channels them to a main sewer below ground.
Needless to say, you need your sewer pipes intact and your line in working order to spare yourself some unsavory consequences.
Because we rely so heavily on our sewer lines, you should always keep an eye out for certain warning signs in case your sewer system begins to fail. There are a few signs of a damaged system you should watch out for. If you notice any of these happening with your sewer pipes, request the services of a Renton plumber at Trusted Plumbing & Heating without further delay.
1. Frequent Blockages
Frequent blockages in multiple drains throughout your home could be a clear indicator of a damaged sewer line.
If using a plunger to unclog the drain or applying drain cleaners doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to consider a more comprehensive inspection of your sewer system, not later or sooner but ASAP. Drainage issues can cause several infectious diseases and even lead to outbreaks.
Such blockages may be caused by a variety of issues, such as:
- Tree roots
- Debris accumulation
- Cracks in the sewer line that impede the smooth flow of wastewater.
2. Unpleasant Odors
Foul odors emanating from drains, your yard, and, in rare cases, inside your house can be a sign of a leaky sewer line. The accumulation of sewage and wastewater escaping from a damaged line can create unpleasant smells, such as:
- Rotten eggs
- Fish
- Ammonia
- Decomposed cabbage
- Burning
If you notice these smells, a foul odor willbe the leastof your worries.. These odors indicate a potential health hazard, making it imperative to hire plumbing services in Renton and resolve the issue in a timely manner. A prompt response will keep your living environment clean and odor free. environment.
3. Slow Drainage
Slow drainage in sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and anywhere else with a drain is a common symptom of sewer line issues.
When water takes longer than usual to drain, it indicates an obstruction or damage somewhere down under that hampers the smooth outflow of wastewater. Ignoring these slow drainage signs can lead to further complications, potentially causing backups and overflows, further stressing the urgency of seeking out a plumber.
4. Lush Patches of Grass
Dry patches of grass are common, depending on the season and could be attributed to inadequate weed removal. However, seemingly healthy and lush patches of grass in your yard could signal a problem beneath the surface, especially if these patches look nothing like the surrounding area. .
Leaking sewage acts as a fertilizer, you see. It promotes the growth of grass or plants in localized areas. Keep an eye out for unexpected changes in your lawn’s appearance, foul odors, and/or soft bits of ground.
These patches may indicate the precise location of a sewer line leak, making a Renton plumber’s job much easier.
5. Soggy or Sunken Areas
If you notice soggy or uneven areas in your yard, it might be a sign of a leaking sewer line. Damaged pipes can allow wastewater to seep into the soil, causing shifts in the ground’s composition.
In addition to the obvious aesthetic concerns, these soggy areas can compromise the stability of your property and pose a risk of structural damage. The faster you get these areas looked at, the less damage and repair expenses you’ll incur.
6. Gurgling Sounds
Have you ever noticed a gurgling sound coming from drains when turning on a faucet? It could indicate air or water trapped in the sewer line. This is usually caused by cracks, leaks, or blockages preventing proper venting.
Gurgling sounds are not only a sign of potential sewer line issues but also suggest that the overall plumbing system may be under stress, necessitating a thorough examination by plumbing professionals.
7. Foundation Cracks or Settlement
A damaged sewer line can have far-reaching consequences; it can even affect the very foundation of your home.
If you observe unexplained cracks in your foundation or notice uneven floors, it may be linked to sewer line issues. The compromised stability of your home’s foundation poses a serious risk. It underscores the urgency of a) hiring a contractor for structural repairs and b) addressing the underlying sewer line problems with a plumber to prevent further structural damage.
If you’re in Renton, you have the distinct advantage of hiring a contractor from Trusted Plumbing & Heating. This Renton plumbing company has over 40 years of experience in emergency plumbing, trenchless technology, and HVAC installations, repairs, and replacements.
Check out their countless services and remove the element of surprise by also looking up the rates—it’s all on their website.
Call Trusted Plumbing & Heating today for a 5 minute quote.
About the Author
Owen Henderson works for a construction company in Renton. He is used to working with local plumbers on residential and commercial projects. He’s a lifelong advocate, frequently stressing the need for plumbers and building contractors to work together on repairs and new constructions. Nowadays, Henderson is learning chess—not checkers—and relearning what it takes to make “a house with good bones.”
