Sewer line issues are very inconvenient and can cost you a lot of time and money to solve. The longer the issue persists, the more expensive it will be to repair. Knowing the signs that signal the need for a sewer line repair will let you act quickly and resolve the problem before it becomes a crisis. Here are six signs that a sewer line repair may be necessary.
1. You Smell Sewage in Your House or Yard
One of the most noticeable signs that there is a problem with your sewer line is the smell of sewage in your yard or anywhere in your home. Sewer lines are designed to keep odors contained, so if you do notice a smell, it could be caused by harmful gases from a broken sewer line.
2. Areas of the Yard Are Mushy
When a sewer line leaks into a yard, it can give the area of the yard around the leak a mushy consistency. If one part of your yard is abnormally squishy, you will want to correct the problem before a sinkhole forms and causes more damage.
3. One Area of the Yard Is Unusually Green
While most of us here in Great Falls, MT, desire a lush, green lawn, if one area of the yard is lusher and greener than the rest, it could indicate a sewer line problem. The liquid flowing through sewer lines is full of nutrients that act as a fertilizer to grass and other plants. If there is a leak, the plants in your yard will take advantage of it.
4. Mold Starts Growing
If mold starts growing in your home, it indicates that considerable moisture has been introduced to the area. Some types of mold can be very harmful and cause health issues, so it is important to correct the problem as soon as possible.
5. Drains Keep Clogging
Clogs in the sewer system can cause a range of problems, including sinks and tubs draining slowly, gurgling noises in the pipes, water backups, and inconsistent water levels in the toilets. While you can break up some clogs with a plunger and drain cleaner, persistent problems can indicate a bigger issue.
6. Cracks Form in the Foundation
Excess water from a broken sewer line can pool around the foundation of your house and wash away the soil supporting it, which can cause cracks in the foundation. Over time, if these are not addressed, they could make the foundation collapse completely or at least need expensive repairs.
Conclusion
When you notice any of these six signs indicating that you may need a sewer line repair, it is time to call a professional plumber to evaluate the situation. Fixing a broken or leaking sewer line is not a job you can easily do yourself. Permits and inspections are necessary, special tools are needed, and sewage exposure can cause health problems. Contact our team at 911 Plumbing & Heating in Great Falls, MT, for fast, cost-effective sewer line repair and other plumbing and HVAC services in the Greater Cascade Valley. Call us today at (406) 760-1818!