As far as plumbing problems go, the ones connected to the sewer line are probably the biggest nightmare for a lot of homeowners, as well as commercial property owners. After all, a compromised sewer line can lead to a lot of disruptions, as well as pose health hazards. Not to mention that the repairs can be quite costly, especially when the issue is not handled on time.
Read this if you want to get a better understanding about how the sewer system works: https://www.thespruce.com/know-your-house-drainage-system-1822515
Anyway, the importance of regular sewer line maintenance cannot be stressed enough. And yet, even with all the maintenance, some problems are bound to appear from time to time. It is of crucial significance for you to notice any signs of a faulty system before the problem becomes worse, and costlier to fix. Acting on time is vital, because it will prevent those health hazards, as well as disruptions in your household or your business.
So, in few words, you need to be on the lookout for any signs of problems, and then hire professionals the moment you notice those. And, if you are not sure what kinds of signs could indicate certain sewer line issues, then you should read on, because that is precisely what we are going to be discussing below. In short, I’ll share a list of signs that you should keep in mind, hoping that you will act the moment you notice any of those.
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Unpleasant Odors In or Around Your Property
As you very well know already, sewer lines are designed to keep the foul odors contained, so a presence of any unusual and unpleasant smells could be a clear indicator that there is a problem. If the smells are strong and persistent, either inside your property or around it, you should undeniably contact professionals immediately. This could indicate some cracks and leaks in the system, and the worst part is that those gases that are causing the unpleasant smell can also be quite dangerous for people’s health. So, don’t ignore this sign, and, instead, hire a professional plumber to repair the sewer line as soon as you notice it.
Slow Drains
This is probably one of the first signals you can notice that indicate there is a problem with the system. Slow drains. So, if the water takes more than usual to drain from the sink, the bathtub, or the shower, that could be a clear sign that you need sewer line repair services, as there may be a blockage in the system. Of course, if it is just one of the drains that is slow, that could be a minor problem, but multiple slow drains point to a more serious issue that has to be resolved as soon as possible. Don’t try to fix the problem alone, with some household chemicals, and don’t wait to contact the professionals right away. They have the necessary tools and the knowledge to successfully and safely resolve the issue.
Frequent Clogs
Are your drains or your toilet clogging frequently? Sure, we have all experienced a clogged drain or toilet at one point or another.
But, if this happens rather frequently, and if the plungers or some drain-cleaning methods do nothing but offer temporary relief, then there is most likely a more serious problem to deal with, somewhere deeper in the sewer line. For example, tree roots or other foreign objects could be preventing the wastewater from flowing properly, which leads to backups in your toilet, sink, or some other fixtures. Once again, if multiple fixtures clog simultaneously, that is most surely an issue in the sewer line, and you will have to contact the pros immediately.
Frequent Toilet Issues
Now, there are more issues that you could wind up facing with your toilet, apart from the clogs. And, if you notice those frequently, then you should undeniably think about contacting experts and letting them assess the situation, as there is most likely a problem in the sewer line to be handled. After all, the toilet is directly connected to it. So, if there are frequent clogs, if there is sewage backup in the bowl, if the flushing is weak… Those are all clear indicators that it is time for you to hire professionals.
An Increase in Pest Activity
Now, here is a sign that you may not have associated with your sewer line before, but that you most certainly should. Basically, if you are starting to see more rodents and insects in or around your property, then you should suspect that there is a problem in the sewer line, causing leaks and attracting pests, providing them with easy access.
So, be on the lookout for these pests, and immediately contact the experts if you notice an increased activity, especially around the drains or in the basement. It is important to emphasize here that pest control can also solve the problem, but only temporarily, meaning that the pests will return if you don’t hire a plumber to fix the sewer line. Read more on how to find sewer line repair services.
The Growth of Mold and Mildew
If you have a leaking sewer line, the leaks can seep into your property and increase the level of humidity. When you think about it for a moment, you will realize right away that this can create the ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. So, this should clearly be another sign that you have an issue with the system that has to be resolved by professionals. And, you should certainly not wait to have it resolved, but you should instead act right away.
An Increase in Water Bills
Another more subtle sign here could be an increase in your water bills. After all, unexplained increases can be a sign of a leak in the sewer line, due to which water is not being efficiently and successfully transported out of your property. Once again, it is important for you to act on time and hire professionals as soon as possible, before this problem gets worse and results not only in costly water waste, but also in quite costly repairs.