4 Signs of a Broken or Blocked Sewer Line
Broken or blocked sewer lines can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing, causing an unnecessary headache. The key to preventing these frustrations is by catching the symptoms early. Not only will this prevent further damage, but it can also save you money.
That said, here are some of the most common signs to be on the lookout for:
How Do I Know if I Have a Broken Sewer Line?
- Extra Green Patches in Your Lawn
This may be shocking, but sewage is a natural fertilizer that provides nutrients to your grass. So, if your lawn is looking abnormally green, this can sign a leaking sewer line. Additionally, this peculiar lush grass will only appear in patches — since they will be directly above parts of the cracked line.
2. Unexplained Puddles in Your Lawn
If it hasn’t rained recently, but you notice odd puddles in your lawn, this is a telltale sign that you have a problem on your hands. This issue is most likely coming from the sewer line right below that puddle. This can stem from having a cracked main line, a broken septic tank, or clogs in the drain field. When you examine these pools, you may notice that they can be quite odorous, since they do come from a septic tank.
3. Slow Drains
This usually indicates that your sewer is blocked, which may, unfortunately, lead to a backup. If all of your fixtures (sink, shower, toilet, etcetera) are gradually draining, you probably have an issue with your main sewer line. This could be due to tree roots infiltrating your pipe or a broken line. Even if you don’t necessarily have trees around your main line, consider how far tree roots can grow beneath the ground.
4. Sewer Smell
If you find that you have odors coming from your drains, this is a surefire way to tell that you have a sewer problem. Quite simply, you should never smell sewer odor from your drains. The only reason you will experience this is if there’s a crack in your sewage pipe. If you do have an odd smell coming from any of your drains, it’s best to contact a professional to help you figure out where this scent is exactly coming from.
Rely on Your Professional Seattle Plumbing Team
The minute you notice a sewage problem, it’s best to have it taken care of immediately by a professional plumber.
To schedule your appointment with the professionals at Fox Plumbing & Heating, give us a call at (206) 309-4240.