Signs of Sewer Pipe Damage & When to Call a Plumber

If your sewer line is broken, it can cause foundation damage and release harmful bacteria into your home. If your sewer pipes are old, they’re more likely to fail at any moment. Watch out for signs of sewer pipe damage, so you’ll know when to call a plumber:

Signs of Sewer Pipe Damage

1. Your plumbing fixtures are draining slowly.

A single slow-flushing toilet doesn’t-necessarily indicate a damaged sewer pipe. But if more than one plumbing fixture is affected, a sewer line may have separated.

If you’re experiencing these blockages regularly, even if the pipes have been cleaned, there may be underlying issues that a sewer video inspection can detect, such as misaligned pipes or tree root intrusion.

2. You notice mold growth in your home, accompanied by sewer odor.

All kinds of waste pass through the sewer lines, but you shouldn’t smell any sewer odor unless cracks or openings are present in your sewer line.

A damaged sewer pipe behind a wall can also elevate the humidity levels, encouraging mold growth.

When you notice molds on the ceilings and walls and sewer odor at the same time, there’s a strong possibility you’re dealing with a broken sewer pipe.

3. There are extra lush/ green patches of grass in your yard.

Wastewater, liquid manure, and sewage sludge are fertilizers for food production. Therefore, when there’s leakage underground, the surrounding grass gets extra nutrients. Thus, you might notice extra lush and green patches of grass in your yard.

4. There are cracks in your foundation slab and settlement

This is extreme, but consistent water damage can cause your foundation to crack or shift. Foundation cracks may lead to major structural damage that will threaten your home’s integrity.

So if you notice any cracks in your foundation, a damaged sewer pipe may have caused it. You’ll have to call a professional right away.

5. Your lawn is soggy.

If the ground above the sewer system is swamp-like, it can be due to a damaged sewer pipe under the affected area.

6. Rodent issues

The foul odor emitted by leaking sewer pipes will attract rats, mice, and many other creatures.

These animals don’t just damage your property; they also carry diseases that can be directly transmitted to humans, such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Lassa fever, salmonellosis, and more.

7. Insect infestation

As if rodent issues aren’t bad enough, you might have to deal with cockroaches, bugs, and sewer flies, too, if there are cracks in your sewer line.

These insects will sneak into your home through the cracks. A pest control company can temporarily take care of them, but they’ll keep coming back unless the sewer pipe damage is fixed.

Fix sewer pipe damage the right way

A broken sewer line can cause substantial damage to your home and require expensive repairs. CONTACT US to get it fixed right away.

Or, you can avoid the problem altogether by investing in regular sewer maintenance. Regular check-ups will keep sewer lines from degrading undetected. Booking an appointment online is simple and easy, and even more convenient if you download our app.