It would be lovely if sewer lines never encountered problems or required repair. You’d probably be happiest if you never had to hear the words sewer lines again.
Unfortunately, sometimes things happen to sewer lines that make it so they need attention. The good news is that there are ways to spot the signs of a sewer line problem so you can get prompt repair, and modern technologies that make repairs easier than ever before.
Here are several indicators of problems with your sewer line. If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a professional for assistance.
Drain Odors
If you have a stinky sink in your kitchen, it may just be a problem with buildup of food residue in that sink. You can try pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain, and if that doesn’t work, a plumber can use a hydro jetting machine to clean it out with high-pressure blasts of water. But if there are odors floating up from drains all around your house, it’s almost definitely a sewer line problem. This can mean that sewer gas is venting improperly and bubbling up through your drains, which can be a serious health hazard, so it’s important to address this immediately.
Flush Backwash
If you flush a toilet and water comes up through your tub, shower, or sink drain, something is preventing the toilet from draining properly. This is a thoroughly unpleasant situation, and your sewer line should get prompt attention from a plumber.
Wet Basement Drains
If there’s water around drains in your basement, and there’s no reason for it coming from above, the reason lies below. This can be a symptom of a sewer line being blocked or broken.
Gorgeous Grass in Part of the Lawn
Sewer leaks can act like a sort of fertilizer, so a particularly green patch of lawn might grow above where a leak is occurring. If you’ve got extra-lush grass in a spot you know is above your sewer line, it’s time for a plumber.
Clogged Drains
Like the odors mentioned above, a single clogged drain is likely to be caused by a problem in that spot. This can be addressed with a plunger or a hand-cranked drain snake. But clogged drains throughout the house probably have a single cause, and it’s almost certainly your sewer line.
Modern Plumbing Advances
It used to be that huge trenches would be dug across your lawn to expose the entire sewer line if there was a problem. But now, it’s possible to have trenchless sewer repair in Haverford, PA. Plumbers use seismic detectors and video cameras inserted into your plumbing to determine the extent and exact location of sewer line damage. This way, only a small hole is necessary to access the point that needs repair.
If you’re concerned about your sewer line or are interested in more information about how we might help solve the problem, we’d love to hear from you.
Reach out to Murphy’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. It’s always “Integrity Before Profit.”
