8 Signs Your Home May Have a Leaking Sewer Pipe
No one likes dealing with leaking pipes, especially a leaking sewer pipe. While these things happen, there are ways to catch it early so that you avoid further damage. And although they are smelly and an inconvenience, with the right plumbing company the process will be easy. Continue reading for eight signs that you may have a leaking sewer pipe in your home.
If you need emergency plumbing services, contact Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC at 940-246-2075 for quick and reliable service.
1. Sewage Backup
You may have encountered a sewage backup in the past. While the occasional backup is not necessarily a sign that you have a leaking sewer pipe, frequent backups should definitely be a concern.
If the backup is only in one toilet or drain, then it may not be a leak in the main sewer line but in a branching sewer pipe. However, if every drain is backed up, then that is a sign that the main sewer line is leaking. Either way, if you start to experience frequent backups in your toilets and drains, you need to call a plumber for leak repair.
2. Foul Odors
Sewer lines are designed to contain the smell of sewage. If you are starting to notice foul odors coming from your drains and pipes, then it’s possible that you have a leaking sewer pipe. You may also notice the smell of mold coming from your floors and walls. If your sewer pipe really is leaking then it could be causing mold growth. No matter where the smell is coming from, you should call a plumber right away so that they can identify the problem and find a solution.
3. Brown Puddles in the Yard
Most sewer lines run through the yard, especially if you are connected to a city sewer line. Because of this, if a sewer line starts to leak in the yard then it may cause puddles to form. This may seem counterintuitive; shouldn’t the sewage go into the ground instead of up? What happens is that the sewage tries to find the path of least resistance, which is usually up.
If you start to notice brown puddles in your yard when it hasn’t rained, then it could be a sewer leak. Those puddles may also smell like sewage. If this is the case then you should definitely call an emergency plumbing service.
4. Mold and Mildew Growth
When a sewer line leaks inside of your home, it may cause mold and mildew growth. This is especially true if the issue is not taken care of right away. The longer a leak is allowed to go without being fixed, the more likely it is that you will end up with mold. To avoid this issue, it’s best that you call a plumber right away as soon as you notice any signs of a sewer leak. This way, the problem can be fixed before you end up with mold or mildew.
5. Slow Drains
You probably don’t suspect a sewage leak right away when you notice slow draining in your toilet, sinks and showers. It’s a good idea to try a plunger before you jump to conclusions and call a plumber. If it does happen to be a minor clog, then you won’t have spent time and money calling a plumber.
However, if a plunger doesn’t seem to be working, then it’s time to call a plumber for drain services. A sewer line leak can block the toilet by causing waste to build up. This may result in a clog which will cause slow drains.
6. Cracks in the Walls and Floors
When a leaking sewer pipe is left for too long, it can cause your home to shift. This shifting may cause your foundation to crack, which in turn can cause cracks in your wall and floor. A shifting foundation is extremely expensive to fix and may cause more dangerous situations.
It is imperative that you call a plumber as soon as you start to notice cracks in your walls and floors. A plumber will be able to identify where the leak is coming from and how to fix it. The sooner it is fixed, the sooner you can avoid further shifting.
7. Lush Spots of Grass in the Yard
If you start to notice patches of bright green grass in your backyard, then you may have a sewer leak. The nutrients that can be found in sewage may be fertilizing your lawn as it rises from the leak, causing it to form lush spots of grass. This may also be accompanied by the smell of sewage, brown puddles or other signs that are listed here.
While the sight of beautifully green patches in your lawn may be great at first, they typically mean bad things are happening underneath. If these patches begin to form and don’t go away, you should probably call a plumber to check it out.
8. Sound of Running Water
Do you hear the sound of running water even when there aren’t any plumbing fixtures being used in your home? This could mean that you have a leak in your sewer line. Water may be continuously flowing through the pipes, trying to take the sewage to your septic system or pump. As this sound can get annoying and the issue can become worse, it’s best that you call a plumber right away.
Plumbing Leak Repair in Highland Village, TX
If you are in need of emergency plumbing service in Highland Village, TX, then you need Strittmatter Heating, Plumbing and AC. Our team is ready to tackle any plumbing issue that you may face, emergency or otherwise. We provide quality repairs, maintenance and installation in addition to our plumbing leak repair services.
At Strittmatter Heating, Plumbing and AC, our top priority is customer satisfaction. This is why we are dedicated to providing reliable workmanship and excellent customer service. Highland Village residents trust Strittmatter to take care of all of their plumbing needs.
To schedule an appointment with our team, give us a call at 940-246-2075 or contact us online.
