All the drains in your home lead to the main sewer line, but this busy conduit isn’t equipped with alarms that signal trouble. When it develops problems, do you know what to look for inside and outside the house?
Here are 7 Sure Signs of 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’s system could be a result of leaks in the sewer pipes.
2. Moist Floor
Floors that feel spongy or moist underfoot are telltale 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.
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 waste water 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 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 cause grass to suddenly appear lush in concentrated areas, but unhealthy bacteria in underground waste water eventually ruins lawns and gardens.
6. Rats Problem
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
Unexpected spikes in the water bill are obvious signs that you’re paying for a leak. Costs fluctuate with seasonal use, but small drips quickly add up and inflate monthly utility bills. To check usage, turn off all water sources, and monitor the meter’s reading.
If you suspect a sewer problem, contact our team here at Accurate Leak and Line. We specialize in residential plumbing services, and 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