There are some telltale signs to watch for if you suspect you might have a broken sewer line.
One of the biggest homeowner nightmares is a plumbing disaster, and nothing is quite as bad as the idea of a broken sewer line. On one hand, a broken sewer line is a nightmare because of the potential disgusting mess and smell, and on the other hand, the scope of the work needed to fix it is enormous. While no one ever wants to deal with this situation, if you’re noticing any of these signs, you should not ignore them – they are all signs that point to a sewer line problem. If you’re noticing signs and you’re concerned about a broken sewer line, you will need to have a professional plumber come out and assess the situation.
Sewer Smells
One of the most undeniable signs of a broken sewer line is the lingering smell of sewage. Sewage has a unique and potent odor, and if you’re smelling it routinely, there is an opening to a sewer system somewhere nearby. This is true out on your property but also in your home. If you are routinely smelling sewage inside the home, your plumbing system is not in proper working order, and your main sewer line may be the culprit.
Clogged or Slow Drains
If you’re routinely finding that you have clogged or slow drains, you may have a main sewer line issue as well. If only one sink is clogged, the issue may just be with that sink – perhaps someone put something down the drain that they shouldn’t have. While this is a common issue, you should have a professional address it (don’t use commercial liquid drain cleaners). However, it is not necessarily a sign of a main sewer line problem. If there is consistent slow draining from multiple fixtures in your home, the sewer line is more likely.
Soggy or Lush Lawn
If the lawn outside of your home, especially in the general area of your sewer line, is soggy, it might be that there is a break. If that area of your yard is especially lush and vibrant, this could also indicate a break and makes the sewer line the more likely culprit – all those extra nutrients from the sewage will do wonders for the plants.
Mold, Mildew, and Pests
Finally, persistent mold and mildew on the walls or ceiling of your home might indicate that there is a sewer issue – they definitely indicate that there is a moisture issue happening. If you notice an increase in rodent and insect activity, it is another indicator that the sewer line is having issues.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you still have more questions regarding your plumbing, we here at Mahon Plumbing are here to help. We have been serving the wider Baltimore area since 1994, so we have 25 years of experience to back up our fantastic service! Call us at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook or Twitter.