Just because your plumbing seems to flow smoothly, there could actually be a hidden problem. Your sewage system is no exception. But there are clear signs that you need to get in touch with a plumber before it’s too late.
Some of the symptoms of sewer pipe damage include:
- Sewage back up and blockages: One of the most obvious signs, backups and blockages in your pipes, happen on a frequent basis whenever someone in your home flushes a toilet or runs water down the drain. If it backs up at every drainage source, you could have an issue with your main sewer line.
- Odor of sewer gas: This is a tell tale symptom of there being a crack in your sewage system. Sewer pipes are intended to be impenetrable, so if you can smell sewer gas, that is a major problem because you are never supposed to be able to catch a whiff of it.
- Muddy yard when it hasn’t rained: Also a no-brainer, if the ground above your sewage system is muddy and swamp-like, you probably have a broken sewer line. This symptom is arguably one of the most dangerous if it isn’t dealt with in a timely fashion because it could lead to your yard becoming a sink hole.
- Mold: Like sewer gas odor, mold definitely brings a distinct and unwelcome smell to your home. This sign indicates a sewer pipe breakage within the walls of your home, which can easily lead to the need for mold remediation. Health problems could also follow this signal, so it’s vital not to sweep this one under the rug.
- Foundation cracks and settling: This sign can be related back to the same issue that can cause a muddy yard, except in a much more precarious location. If you’re experiencing crack in your foundation or the settling of your home, you could very likely have a broken sewer pipe underneath your house. This particular sign could be very expensive if not addressed as soon as possible, due to the fact your house could begin to settle even further into the ground.
- Lush grass patches: The waste and water that can come from a broken sewage pipe in your yard can act as a fertilizer for grass, which can lead to sudden and greener growth on your lawn. If this happens, there is most likely a broken sewer pipe directly underneath the affected area.
Being educated in this area is key when protecting your sewage system, and being aware of the signs can potentially save you a lot of money and time. If you’re experiencing a handful of these symptoms, get in touch with us as soon as you can so we can get started on getting your sewage system back on track.
Give us a call at (773) 724-9272 and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.
