14 Sure Signs of Leaky Sewer Pipes
As you can imagine, a sewer leak at your residential or commercial property is no picnic. Not only is it hugely unhygienic, but it’s also downright unpleasant! Hidden sewer leaks can be expensive to repair and even more costly to ignore. Unfortunately, with hidden sewer leaks, you may not know there’s a problem until you get your water bill. A water bill for hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars is a good indication that you could be dealing with a hidden sewer leak.
One thing worse than a leaky sewer pipe? A burst sewer pipe. Then you’re dealing with an even bigger mess and clean-up on your hands. Luckily, there are several ways you can sniff out a sewer leak before it turns into a burst pipe.
In the below post, we take a closer look at fourteen telltale signs that you may be dealing with a leaking sewer pipe. Remember, always be on the lookout for these signs, and don’t delay calling in the professionals to back up your suspicions. If you leave it too late, the problem is likely to only get worse and more expensive to fix.
14 Sure Signs You Could be Dealing with Leaky Sewer Pipes:
1. Uncommon Sounds
The sound of constantly running water signals trouble in the sewer line. Make sure faucets are off and check the toilet. If you still hear trickling in the walls or overhead, that sustained flow through your plumbing system could be a result of leaks in the sewer pipes.
2. Moist Floor
Floors that feel spongy or moist underfoot are suggestive signs of sewer leakage. Your plumbing network snakes through the house with a system of links to the main sewer line. As seeping water pools around these connections, it damages and discolors interior flooring. A damp spot on the carpet might also indicate that hidden sewer leaks may mean water is seeping upward.
3. Unpleasant Odors
Unpleasant odors behind walls are often caused by mold and mildew thriving in damp spots. Leaky sewer lines create an ideal environment for bacterial growth around indoor drains. You might also notice the smell outside where faulty pipes leak wastewater into the yard.
4. Cracks in Your Home
Cracks in your home’s foundation can result from shifting ground caused by dripping sewer lines. As water pools in areas around leaks, it saturates the soil and undermines your foundation’s structural integrity. Sewer leaks also buckle concrete sidewalks, driveways, and patios.
5. Landscape Growth
Unusual landscape growth is often accompanied by sunken, wet patches that signal sewer pipe failure. Leaks suddenly cause the grass to appear lush in concentrated areas, but unhealthy bacteria in underground wastewater eventually ruins lawns and gardens.
6. Rat Problems
Rats are attracted to the odors of leaking sewer lines, and their keen sense of smell puts them on the scene before you detect a problem. While you don’t want rodents in the backyard, their sudden presence is often an indicator that your sewer pipes are leaking.
7. Higher Water Bill
As we mentioned above, an unusual spike in your water bill is often an obvious sign that there’s a leak lurking somewhere. It’s normal for costs to fluctuate slightly when seasons change, but keep an eye out for big jumps.
8. The Water Meter Keeps Running
When all your property’s taps are closed and all of your appliances are off, your water meter should sit at zero, right? Well, If your water meter’s needle keeps moving, this could, in fact, be a sign of a sewer leak.
9. Excess Water Pooling Outside
After a downpour, it’s normal for a puddle or two to form, but if you notice a puddle when it hasn’t been raining, that could mean hidden sewer leaking or an issue with your drain system. Also, look out for a sudden change in elevation – this could also indicate collapsed sewer pipe.
10. Discoloration on the Walls
Often, a slow leak goes undetected for months if it’s concealed behind a wall. However, damp spots, dark rings, or discoloration could indicate a sneaky leakage. Another potential sign of sewer leaking might be peeling or bubbling paint or new unevenness in your wallpaper. This also might be a sign of a hidden sewer pipe leak.
11. Water Pressure Drops Off
If you notice a significant drop in your water pressure while you are in the shower or doing the dishes, this could be linked to your municipal water supply and not necessarily mean there’s a leak. But, if your water pressure is low at every tap, and the water takes longer than usual to drain, you might have a hidden leak in your mainline.
12. Your Pipes Look Old
One of the best ways to detect a hidden problem is with a simple inspection of your home’s pipes. (Regularly checking these pipes can help you identify a small issue before it turns into something bigger!) A quick check under the sink or look at hidden pipes can show the signs of sewer leaks. Condensation is another possible hidden problem that could indicate that something is amiss.
13. Slow Drainage
As you know, the odd slow drain can be caused by a blockage. Pretty common in our showers and kitchen sinks, things like hair and food can easily create a blockage. However, when every drain is slow and teetering on blocked, there may be a bigger problem at play.
14. Water Changes Color
The water from your faucet should be clear but may not be if you have hidden leaks. When clear water turns brown, yellow, or green, your hidden leak might be a bit more obvious. While colored water doesn’t always indicate a hidden sewage issue, it can be a sign of a leaking pipe or rust in your general plumbing system.
Contact Us Today
If you suspect a sewer problem, contact our team here at Accurate Leak and Line as soon as possible. Our team of experts performs an array of maintenance on existing sewer systems, drain line replacement, drain cleaning, underground plumbing repair, sewer drain pipe repair, and fixing leaking sewer mains.
At Accurate Leak and Line, our team is capable of large-scale commercial excavation for main sewer line replacement and leak repair. All jobs are done to proposed specifications at a fixed cost, and all work is tested and comes with a 1-10 year warranty upon job completion. That should say something, right?
Accurate Leak and Line also specializes in residential plumbing services, commercial plumbing, and trenchless sewer repairs that save time and money. We don’t install alarms, but we provide the best plumbing services in Texas, so give us a call for a FREE Quote today!