7 Signs You Have a Problem with Your Main Sewer Line

Sewer lines are one of the most critical parts of the plumbing system, yet they often tend to attract the least amount of attention until a major problem occurs. Clogged and broken sewer lines add up to significant damage in a short amount of time. When contaminated water doesn’t drain properly, you could deal with mold and bacterial growth in critical parts of your home or business. That’s not even mentioning the sheer inconvenience of having to deal with backed-up toilets and sinks.

Problem with Your Main Sewer Line

The good news is that you can often catch sewer line issues early when you know to watch out for these common signs of a problem with the main drain pipe.

Dealing With Frequent Toilet Backups

An occasional clogged toilet might be caused by using too much paper, but you should worry if it happens on a regular basis. Large clogs can build up in sewer lines over a long period of time. This is especially true if people put items down the drain that don’t belong there. Feminine hygiene products and flushable wipes are two common culprits for serious clogs that develop deep within the main drain pipe. Sewer line repair Dallas residents rely on can clear the clogs so that toilets flush freely again.

Having Slow Draining Tubs and Sinks

Other fixtures in your house or business building drain out through the same main sewer pipe as the toilets. Bathtubs and sinks also develop clogs that can get lodged further down the line. As a general rule, it is best to use strainers in the upper drains to keep hair, food debris, and other materials from going into the pipes. If you notice that a drain runs slowly, then arrange to have the clog removed before it leads to a major flood in the house.

Smelling a Foul Odor

A sewage backup in the pipes often contains contaminated waste that includes decaying organic matter. You might detect this as a foul odor that emanates from the drains whenever you use them. With clear sewer lines, you should never notice a smell that comes through the pipes. Always mention new and unpleasant odors that you notice while showering or washing dishes in the sink. These could indicate a major problem with the sewer lines.

Finding Lush Spots In the Lawn

A lawn filled with green grass is desirable for most landscaping plans, but there are times when you might need to investigate spots with rapid growth. Broken sewer lines leak water into the surrounding ground that might contain organic materials that act as a fertilizer. Soggy areas in your grass can indicate a plumbing leak that needs repair. If these areas grow extra fast and greener than the surrounding vegetation, then it could be due to a crack in the pipes. When you call for sewer line repair Dallas technicians can come out with special equipment to identify where a crack may exist below the ground surface.

Having a New Pest Control Problem

Cracked pipes can lead to more problems than just plumbing leaks. Cockroaches and other insects often use small cracks in the pipes to find their way into homes. You might even see roaches come up through the pipes, or you may just notice more bugs getting inside of your property. Either way, repairing the pipes will help you get control over a pest problem.

Discovering Mold and Mildew

The sewer lines running from the fixtures and out of your home travel through the walls. In multistory buildings, you might also have sewer lines that run through the ceiling. Cracks in hidden pipes can cause water leaks in areas that may not always make sense. For instance, you might discover a wet spot with mold growth along with the ceiling of a bottom floor. Finding mold or mildew without an obvious cause often means that there is a leak coming from a hidden pipe somewhere nearby.

Hearing Gurgling Sounds

A well-running drain should allow the water to flow through it without making too much noise. Gurgling or bubbling sounds indicate that something might be altering how the water flows through the pipe. In older homes with large trees growing nearby, this is often a sign that roots might be growing into the drain pipes. This is most common in buildings that have clay or concrete sewer lines. Repairing or replacing these pipes with newer materials prevents major breaks in the pipes and nasty clogs.

 

Have you noticed these signs of a problem with your home or commercial building’s main sewer line? Accurate Leak provides sewer line repair in Dallas and it’s surrounding areas. Give us a call or head online to request a free quote and inspection today. Our team of qualified plumbing technicians can quickly identify the issue and provide repairs that prevent serious damage to your property.