7 Warning Signs You Could Have a Broken Sewer Line

Just like your own digestive system, your home’s plumbing and sewer system is a complex series of tubes, tunnels, and chambers that work together to carry waste out of your home. But, unlike the human body that is designed to expel waste on its own accord, there are times when sewer lines break, clog up, or otherwise malfunction. When this happens, homeowners must identify the warning signs of a broken sewer line before it becomes a full-blown problem.

Broken sewer lines are particularly dangerous because they can cause raw sewage to back up into your home. This means that you’re likely to experience all sorts of unpleasant problems like foul odors, clogged sinks and toilets, and even damp ceilings and floors. In some cases, you could even end up contracting life-threatening diseases.

Because of the serious nature of broken sewer lines, homeowners need to be able to spot the warning signs before things take a turn for the worse. Here are seven common signs indicating you may have a problem with your home’s sewer line:

Weird Gurgling Sounds

One of the telltale signs that you may have a broken sewer line is if your plumbing system starts making weird gurgling or bubbling sounds. These sounds often occur during the early stages of a clog and are caused by water backing up in your home’s pipes. If you ever hear mysterious sounds coming from your sink or toilet, it’s an indication that your pipes may be blocked.

Significant Increase in Your Water Bill

Another common symptom of a broken sewer line is if your water bill suddenly spikes. If you notice a significant increase in your water bill, it may be an indication that there is a major leak in your water line. This is a common problem with broken sewer lines and can result in serious water damage if it’s not taken care of immediately.

Your Sink is Draining Slowly

This is a common issue for many homeowners, but if you notice your sink is draining much slower than usual, it could be a sign that there’s an issue with your sewer line. Slow draining sinks are often caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum, and other organic materials. If this is the case in your home, you should contact a professional plumber to help get rid of these blockages before they harm your plumbing system.

Multiple Clog Warnings

Another common symptom of a broken sewer line is if your home’s plumbing system starts giving you multiple clog warnings. If the water in one or more fixtures like sinks and toilets starts draining slowly, then there could be an issue with the way that wastewater is flowing through your piping. Clogged-up pipes can cause sewage to back up into your home, which is especially dangerous if you don’t take care of it quickly.

Green Patches of Grass in Your Lawn

It is common for homeowners to see green patches of grass in their lawn during the summertime, but if you notice a significant increase or change in greenery on your property, it could be an indication that there is a problem with your sewer line. When wastewater backs up through a broken sewer line and onto your property, it serves as fertilizer for the grass, causing it to grow at an accelerated rate. If you notice this type of change in your lawn’s color or growth pattern, then there may be a problem with your sewer line that needs to be addressed immediately.

Smelly or Unpleasant Odors

Sewer lines are responsible for carrying away wastewater through your drainage system, but sometimes they become broken and can no longer carry these materials to their final destination. When this happens, sewage will start backing up into different areas of your house, including the kitchen and bathroom. When sewage backs up into these areas, you’ll almost always notice a foul odor that may be difficult to get rid of for days or weeks after.

Back-Up Into One or More Fixtures

One of the most serious signs that you may have a broken sewer line is if sewage backs up into one or more fixtures in your home. This type of problem is particularly dangerous because sewage water is filled with bacteria and other hazardous pathogens. If sewage backs up into your bathroom or kitchen, it could lead to serious water damage and the spread of serious infectious diseases.

Contact SLO County Plumbing & Drain Cleaning for Help

If you live in the San Luis Obispo, CA area and notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, contact SLO County Plumbing & Drain Cleaning for help. They are a full-service plumbing company based in San Luis Obispo, CA  that offers a wide range of professional services such as sewer repair, drain cleaning, repiping services, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, water treatment services, and so much more.

Contact SLO County Plumbing & Drain Cleaning today at (805) 543-7586 and discover why they are the number one choice of residential and commercial property owners when it comes to quality and affordable plumbing services in San Luis Obispo, CA, and the surrounding areas.

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