A damaged sewer line will always leave behind certain telltale signs that something is wrong beneath the surface. It’s important for homeowners to watch out for signs of sewer line problems and schedule plumbing repair service as quickly as possible. Also, be sure to schedule a professional sewer line inspection on a regular basis.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a locally owned and operated company that specializes in sewer line repair and replacement. For over 50 years, we’ve successfully completed numerous sewer repair and replacement projects in homes and commercial properties. Today, we’ll talk about how to handle warning signs of a damaged sewer line.
The Common Signs of a Damaged Sewer Line
One of the earliest red flags is slow draining in multiple areas of your home. While a single clogged drain might just need a routine cleaning, widespread drainage issues often point to something more serious within the main sewer line. If your kitchen sink, bathtub, and toilet are all draining slowly, don’t ignore it. Call a local plumbing repair service to inspect your plumbing and clear stubborn clogs.
Another warning sign is frequent backups or clogs, especially in the lower levels of your home. If you’re regularly reaching for the plunger, it may be more than just a simple blockage. A damaged pipe or tree root intrusion could be restricting the flow of wastewater. You need to schedule a professional inspection to be sure what’s causing the blockage.
Unpleasant odors coming from your drains or around your property are also a strong indicator of a sewer line problem. Sewer gases should remain sealed in the system, so a strong, persistent smell of sewage often means there’s a break or leak in the line.
Outdoors, be alert to unusual patches of lush grass or soggy areas in the yard, especially if there hasn’t been recent rain. A leaking sewer pipe can saturate the surrounding soil, creating soft or sunken spots and encouraging rapid plant growth due to the excess nutrients.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to act fast, but wisely. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can cause more harm than good by corroding pipes or worsening existing cracks. Instead, stop using plumbing fixtures if possible to prevent backups and contact a licensed plumber in Arthurtown, SC.
A professional can perform a sewer camera inspection to assess the condition of your line without excavation. This non-invasive technique involves feeding a small waterproof camera through your sewer pipes to locate blockages, cracks, or root intrusion.
Depending on the findings, your trusted plumber may recommend solutions such as hydro jetting (high-pressure water cleaning), pipe relining, or, in more severe cases, full sewer line replacement. Trenchless repair methods are often available, which minimize digging and disruption to your yard.
Prevent Future Problems
Once your sewer line is repaired, consider taking steps to prevent future damage. Regular inspections—especially for older homes—can help detect minor issues before they become major problems. Also, avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, and be mindful of planting trees or shrubs near sewer lines. Trees should be planted at least 10 to 20 feet away from sewer lines to reduce the risk of root intrusion, which is one of the most common causes of sewer damage.
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
If your sewer line is damaged, trust the plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for professional sewer line repair. We take great pride in offering trenchless sewer line repair and replacement to prevent destructive digging and expensive repair bills. Our plumbers utilize trenchless methods like pipe bursting and pipe lining to save you money and restore your damaged sewer line in a non-invasive manner.
