A broken sewer line is a serious issue that can lead to property damage, messy leaks, sewage backup, and even health risks. Fortunately, homeowners can take steps to repair their sewer lines before the problem becomes more severe.
Professional contractors will use a camera to inspect the pipes, and then mark the location of utility lines and other underground structures with spray paint. The first step is to call Plunger Plumber for diagnostic services.
Clogs
Clogged sewer lines are among the most serious problems a home or business owner can face. Because of their location, these lines are particularly difficult to access and require special equipment to repair. In addition, clogs can be costly to clean and cause significant damage to your property.
Clogs happen when debris builds up in the pipes, preventing wastewater and sewage from flowing through. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including tree roots, debris entering the line, and even corrosion in older pipes. While a clog isn’t always immediately obvious, it will become more noticeable over time as drains slow down and back up.
One of the most obvious signs of a clogged sewer line is water backing up into your home or business. This occurs because the clogged line has nowhere to flow and moves backward into plumbing fixtures. Usually, this will affect the lowest-level drains, such as bathtubs, showers, and floor drains in basements. This water is dark in color and typically foul-smelling, and it contains raw sewage.
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to contact a plumber right away. They will be able to help you identify the source of the clog and recommend a course of action. The first thing you should do is turn off your water. This will prevent accidental flooding and protect your home from further damage until a professional can examine the situation.
In most cases, it’s impossible to fix a main sewer line clog yourself, as these drain lines are buried underground and require special equipment to reach. However, there are a few things you can try to mitigate the problem until a plumber arrives.
Look around your home or business for a cleanout pipe, which is a large drain pipe with a cap on top. If you find it, remove the cap and carefully inspect the inside of the pipe for a clog. If you’re able to spot the clog, try using a plumbing auger to break it up and clear the obstruction.
If the clog is too severe, your plumber may need to dig up and replace the entire line. This process can be expensive, but it’s often the best option to avoid property damage. Fortunately, there are some streamlined alternatives to traditional excavation, such as trenchless pipe replacement. With this method, a technician drills holes on either side of the affected section of the pipe and then pulls a new pipe through them simultaneously.
Slow Drains
Whenever you have one or more sinks that drain slowly, it could be caused by something other than your main sewer line. However, the problem is still there, and it will likely get worse over time if not addressed promptly.
The most common cause of slow drains is a simple build-up of hair and soap scum inside the pipes. The best way to address this is by using a plunger and hot water. You can also use professional-strength drain cleaner, but it is a good idea to keep an eye out for caustic chemicals that are bad for your skin, eyes, and pipes.
Another common problem is a tree root growing into the pipe. This will not only create a hole, but it can also clog the line as the roots grow. A plumber can remove these roots and repair or replace the damaged section of the pipe.
A clogged main drain line is an extremely serious problem since it affects all water fixtures in your home. In some cases, you will see signs like a ring around the sink that doesn’t go away. However, most of the time, problems occur in the drains themselves, which means you need to call a plumber immediately.
One of the most common reasons for a clogged sink is an old, outdated plumbing system. Older systems can have faulty joints and connections that can cause problems down the line. These problems include leaks and even breakage of the pipe itself.
To prevent these issues, it is best to schedule regular inspections of your drain lines by a certified plumber. A plumber can spot any small problems that can become big ones over time and fix them before they turn into major issues. They can also advise you on preventative maintenance to ensure that your lines stay healthy for years to come.
Excess Water
Sewer lines serve many vital purposes for a home or business, from delivering water for drinking and cleaning to taking waste away. They are a huge part of our plumbing systems, and they tend to get very little attention until something goes wrong. If you notice the signs of a sewer problem, it is important to act quickly before the situation gets worse.
One of the most obvious signs of a sewer line problem is water backing up into your drains. If this happens, you should immediately evacuate the flooded area and call a plumber. A sewage backup is a serious health and safety hazard that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant side effects. In addition, it can leave behind a horrible mess that is very difficult and expensive to clean up.
The main cause of sewage back-ups is clogs or blockages in the sewer line. These can be caused by several things. For example, if you flush items down your toilets that aren’t meant to be there, like sanitary products or baby wipes, it can cause a clog. Additionally, tree roots can grow into and obstruct sewer lines.
Another common sign of a sewer line problem is a dramatic increase in your monthly water bill. A leaking or broken sewer line can cause water or even sewage to flood your property and ruin your belongings. This can also lead to major structural damage that may require costly repairs.
Leaking sewer pipes can also be dangerous for your health. The contaminated water can cause a variety of illnesses, including stomach cramping, dehydration, developmental problems, and even death. It is essential to have your sewer lines regularly inspected and repaired.
A final major sign of a sewer line problem is if you hear loud gurgling noises. This could mean that the pipes are breaking apart, which is a serious risk to your health. It is important to have your sewer lines inspected regularly so that they can be fixed before they break down completely.
If you suspect a problem with your sewer line, contact us today to schedule an inspection. We can help you find the root of the problem and make sure that it is fixed before it causes more serious damage to your home or business.
Pests
Sewage line damage can lead to a host of unpleasant problems. Not only will you smell sewage, but the squishy ground and swampy lawn surrounding the damaged line may become a magnet for unwelcome creatures, including insects and rodents. If you see or hear the scurrying of small animals, or notice mold and mildew creeping up your home’s baseboards, it’s time to call your Evanston plumber for sewer line repair.
If you hear gurgling sounds when your toilets flush, it’s a sure sign that there is an issue with your sewer line. These noises are created by air trapped in the pipes, and they will only stop when the problem is resolved.
Foul odors coming from your drains and yard are another clear indicator that the sewer line needs to be repaired or replaced. These odors are caused by a buildup of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane gases that form when the waste in your drains and sewer line breaks down.
Insect infestations, including cockroaches, palmetto bugs, and sewer flies, are also signs of a broken sewer line. These pests are drawn to the damp areas around plumbing leaks and clogs, and they multiply rapidly. In addition to their unpleasant appearance and odor, cockroaches and other pests can carry disease and worsen asthma and allergies.
Rodents, including rats and mice, can also cause issues with your sewer line. They can easily make their way from the city or mainline tie-in into your home’s pipes through cracks and openings that are only a quarter inch wide. Once inside your home, they can cause major blockages, which will in turn result in water leaks.
A final common symptom of a broken sewer line is pools of waste in your yard. This is often the result of a failed septic tank, clogged drain field, or busted main line. If you see a pool of sewage in your yard, it’s important to call your local plumbing company right away for professional repairs and sewer line replacement. Leaking sewage can ruin your yard and your home, and the damage won’t be fixed until the sewer line is replaced.
