As you probably already know, your sewer line is undeniably one of the most important parts of your plumbing system. Yet, it is also the invisible part, which often makes it difficult for people to actually notice that they have a problem with it. This is not because there are no signs, though, but because a lot of people don’t think to connect those signs to sewer line problems, or simply decide to ignore them for one reason or another, which is definitely never a good idea.
Here are some signs of a clog you should be on the lookout for: https://www.angi.com/articles/warning-signs-main-sewer-line-clog.htm
Anyway, as mentioned, just because this part of your plumbing system is invisible, it doesn’t mean that you can’t actually tell when there may be some problems with it, and when it may need to be repaired or replaced. You just need to be attentive enough and ready to connect the dots. And, of course, nobody is saying that you have to become an expert on this, which means that, if you have some doubts, you should always call in the pros for an inspection. But, it is a good idea for you to be familiar with at least some sings that your home’s sewer may need to be repaired or replaced, so that you can act on time.
Well, if you are ready to learn about that, then you have absolutely come to the right place. We understand the importance of noticing these signs on time, which is why we are now going to tell you a bit more about those, and thus help you understand what it is that you should keep in mind and try to notice about these systems. After all, if you don’t notice them on time, the problems could easily get even worse, which is, I suppose, not what you want.
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5 Signs to Be on the Lookout for
Since you don’t want these problems to get worse, let us now cut right to the chase and start talking about those signs that you have a sewer line problem on your hands, and that you need to have it fixed, or have the system replaced. This way, you will know what to be on the lookout for. And, of course, there are certainly more signs that could indicate sewer line problems, but we are now going to list the 5 common ones, and ones that you can easily notice if you pay attention, but that also easily slip by if you’re inattentive. So, without any more ado, let us check them out in more details right away.
Frequent Drain Backups
Okay, an occasional clogged drain happens to everyone, and it can be completely normal. But, if this issue keeps on happening, and if multiple drains back up at the same time, then you should absolutely think about the possibility that you may have a bigger problem on your hands and that you may be in need of sewer repair service to get rid of that problem. This is because those frequent blockages can indicate a problem in the sewer line, and when it is clogged, the wastewater has nowhere to go, so it pushes back through your drains. So, if you notice a sign like this, you should absolutely suspect a sewer line problem.
Slow Drains That Cannot Be Fixed With Cleaning
Moving on, if your drains have been slow for a very long time now, and you have been trying to fix that by cleaning them multiple times already, then there is a chance that you could be dealing with a bigger problem as well. And especially so if the slow drainage affects multiple fixtures, indicating that it is not an isolated issue, and if it persists even after professional cleaning. There can be numerous causes of a failing sewer line that could manifest as slow drains, including tree root intrusion, cracked or collapsed pipes, heavy buildup inside aging pipes, misaligned or sagging sewer lines and similar things. The one thing that’s for sure is that this certainly indicates a sewer line issue and that you have to act on it.
External Signs to Notice
There are also some external signs that you should be on the lookout for as they could indicate sewer line problems. I am mainly talking about soggy spots or sinkholes in your yard. Those can often indicate a collapsed pipe or a broken one. And, if the issue is not resolved over time, it can potentially damage your entire property.
Unpleasant Smells
Unpleasant smells are, without a doubt, a good indication that there is something wrong with the sewer line. When the odors come noticeable, either inside the house or outside, that should be a clear sign that something is wrong with the way this system is functioning, and that it may need to be either repaired or replaced. So, don’t ignore the smells. Here is how a clogged sewer line is handled.
Repeated Repairs or Aging Pipes
Finally, if you have been investing in repairs repeatedly over a period of time, then that should absolutely be a sign that you need to, well, invest in replacements right now. The same goes for if you know that your pipes are quite old, and that it is only a matter of time before you encounter a problem. Professionals will know if repairs are enough, but if you keep on paying for repairs, a replacement is definitely a more cost-effective solution.
What to Do If You Notice Those Signs?
Okay, now that you understand the signs that could indicate some sewer line problems, you are wondering what it is that you should do when you actually notice them. And, well, the truth is that you should always hire professionals to come and inspect the problem, recommend either repairs or replacements, and then do the necessary work for you. Of course, the key is in hiring highly experienced and reliable professionals for the work that has to be done, so make sure to choose wisely.